Apple CEO Tim Cook Confirms Ongoing Discussions with EU and China Regulators on AI
Apple Intelligence Not Yet Available in the EU or China
Apple’s new artificial intelligence features, branded as Apple Intelligence, have begun rolling out in preview with the iOS 18.1 developer beta update. Initially, these features are being introduced in the United States and are available in English. Apple plans to expand this rollout to other regions over time. However, the European Union (EU) and China are not expected to see the debut of Apple Intelligence anytime soon. This delay is largely due to ongoing discussions with regulatory bodies in these regions.
During Apple’s quarterly earnings call on Thursday, CEO Tim Cook addressed questions about the availability of Apple Intelligence in the EU and China. Cook’s response was notably vague regarding a specific release timeline. He emphasized that Apple is actively engaging with regulatory authorities in both regions to better understand their requirements before making any formal commitments about the rollout.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, Cook’s comments indicated that while Apple is keen to launch its new AI features globally, the company must first navigate and comply with local regulatory standards. “We’re engaged, as you would guess, with both regulatory bodies that you mentioned. And our objective is to move as fast as we can, obviously, because our objective is always to get features out there for everyone,” Cook stated. He stressed that a clear schedule for the expansion of Apple Intelligence to these regions could not be confirmed until Apple fully grasps the regulatory demands.
The introduction of Apple Intelligence marks a significant step for Apple, as it aims to enhance its ecosystem with advanced AI capabilities. The company’s cautious approach to rolling out these features in different regions reflects its commitment to regulatory compliance and its strategy of ensuring that new technologies meet local legal and ethical standards.
In the meantime, users in regions where Apple Intelligence is available are beginning to explore the new features, which include advanced AI-driven functionalities designed to improve user experience and integration across Apple’s devices. The expansion to other markets, particularly those with stringent regulatory frameworks, will require careful planning and adaptation.
As Apple continues its discussions with EU and Chinese regulators, the tech community will be watching closely for updates on when Apple Intelligence might become available in these key markets. The outcome of these regulatory engagements will likely influence not only the timeline for the rollout but also the nature of the features and their compliance with regional standards.
