A representative from the EU’s executive branch on Tuesday challenged Apple’s reasoning for why European users are excluded from the app’s launch later this year.
“We need to clarify the facts,” said European Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier. “The choice not to launch Siri AI in the EU rests solely with Apple, as there is absolutely nothing in the DMA that prevents the introduction of new products in the EU.” Regnier referenced the Digital Markets Act, a stringent EU regulation designed to prevent major tech “gatekeepers” from excluding competitors.
Following the announcement of its enhanced AI assistant at the annual developers conference a day prior, Apple attributed the delay to the DMA. In a statement released on Monday, the company noted that the app would not be accessible for iPhone and iPad users in the EU, without providing a specific launch timeline.
The DMA mandates that leading tech platforms allow competitors equal access. However, Apple raised concerns that Brussels’ “extreme interpretation” of the regulation would require it to provide any virtual assistant with “direct access” to user data without “necessary protections.” Apple claimed it had devised a solution and a plan to implement it gradually over 18 months, but the commission dismissed its proposals.
Regnier presented a different perspective.
“Rather than seeking to develop a compliant solution,” he said, Apple simply requested an 18-month exemption from the commission, during a routine briefing in Brussels.
“But that’s not viable, as it would imply that no AI agent other than Siri AI, which is powered by Google, would have an equal chance to be selected by iPhone users.” He emphasized that EU law is “non-negotiable.” Regnier stated, “The commission will not grant any exemptions, just as a police officer would not allow a driver to disregard the speed limit.”
