When Apple released the new iPhone 16 series some weeks ago, the company announced its new AI tools called Apple Intelligence. These tools are already available in other regions, but European users have had to wait due to strict privacy rules and new regulations. Apple will now launch its AI-powered tools for iPhone and iPad users in the European Union (EU) starting in April 2025. The delayed rollout reflects Apple’s cautious approach in dealing with legal frameworks like the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to protect users and limit the power of large tech companies.
Key Features Coming with Apple Intelligence
The new tools include writing aids, Genmoji (AI-generated custom emojis), and a revamped Siri. Siri will gain better natural speech understanding, enhanced by integration with ChatGPT, enabling it to handle more advanced tasks across multiple apps. Users will have access to these tools through iOS 18.4 on iPhone and iPad devices. The AI tools will allow Siri to offer smarter answers and help users manage apps and personal data more efficiently.
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Apple says the tools will also include new writing functions, which could help users with emails, messages, and more. Genmoji will provide personalized emoji options, allowing for a more customized communication experience. Siri’s improvements will make it a more capable assistant, giving responses based on deeper access to personal data while staying within privacy limits.
For now, only Mac users in Europe can access Apple Intelligence, but the features are restricted. To use them, the macOS Sequoia 15.1 system must be installed, with the language and region set to US English. iPhone and iPad users cannot access the tools yet, except those with a U.S. Apple ID. Even with the latest iOS versions on iPhone 16, users in Europe still face restrictions until the official launch next year.
One of the major reasons for the delay in the rollout of these tools is the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law sets strict limits on how companies can manage user data and aims to curb the influence of large tech firms. Apple has taken a careful approach to ensure compliance, even restricting SharePlay screen sharing and iPhone Mirroring in Germany.
Conclusion
Apple will lift the restrictions in April 2025 with the release of iOS 18.4. This update will allow iPhone and iPad users across Europe to fully access Apple Intelligence features. Siri’s upgrade will also make it smarter, and able to interact with apps and tasks more seamlessly by pulling data from the user’s environment. Though EU users have had to wait, the arrival of Apple Intelligence will bring exciting new tools.
