EU Rejects Apple Request For Exemption From Tech Rules Amid Siri AI Rollout Delay

Apple and European Union regulators exchanged criticism after the company delayed the launch of its upgraded Siri AI features in the European Union, citing regulatory requirements under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The European Commission said it had rejected Apple’s request for an 18-month exemption from interoperability obligations under the DMA. According to regulators, Apple had sought additional time to develop a framework that would allow third-party virtual assistants to access Siri AI while maintaining privacy and security standards.

Apple said the decision to postpone Siri AI in the EU followed concerns over user privacy and security. The company stated that virtual assistants could gain access to a broad range of personal data, including user communications, and argued that the proposed approach required further safeguards.

The Commission, however, maintained that the delay was Apple’s decision and said the DMA does not prevent the company from introducing new products in the region. Regulators stated that Apple had not developed interoperability solutions that met EU requirements and that exemptions from the law were not available.