Apple announced on June 9, 2026 that its AI-powered Siri unveiled at WWDC 2026 will not launch on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 in European Union countries due to a compliance dispute with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The tech giant sought an 18-month exemption from DMA interoperability obligations to develop a compliant solution, but EU regulators denied the request.
EU Rejects Apple's Blanket Exemption Request
According to an EU spokesperson, Apple "simply requested a blanket exemption from its interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act," which regulators stated is not available under the law. The European Commission stated that "Apple was simply unable to develop interoperability solutions that meet essential EU privacy and security standards."
The DMA requires gatekeeper platforms like Apple to provide interoperability for third-party services. Apple argues that opening Siri AI's integration points creates unacceptable privacy and security risks, while EU regulators maintain that Apple has neither proven these risks nor offered adequate technical solutions.
Apple Calls Decision 'Deeply Disappointing'
Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, expressed that the company was "deeply disappointed" with the outcome. Apple claims it proposed technical solutions, including a system called "Trusted System Agent," but regulators refused to accept any of the proposals.
When iOS 27 and other major software updates release later in 2026, EU users will not have access to Siri AI or the new AI-powered features demonstrated at WWDC.
Broader Regulatory Tensions
This decision follows earlier reporting by Reuters that the EU denied Apple's exemption request. The dispute represents the latest escalation in Apple's ongoing regulatory challenges with the European Union over DMA compliance. The Hacker News discussion on this topic generated significant engagement with 348 points and 583 comments, reflecting widespread interest in the regulatory standoff.
The case highlights the fundamental tension between Big Tech's platform control and EU regulatory requirements for openness and interoperability in digital markets.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's AI-powered Siri will not launch in the EU on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 due to Digital Markets Act compliance issues
- The EU denied Apple's request for an 18-month exemption from DMA interoperability obligations
- Apple proposed technical solutions including a "Trusted System Agent" system, but regulators rejected all proposals
- The dispute centers on balancing third-party interoperability requirements with privacy and security concerns
- EU users will miss out on all new AI features when iOS 27 launches later in 2026