Global Apple Intelligence Crisis Hits 2 Billion Users with Uncertain Timeline
iPhone 16 Preorders Open: Apple Fans Flock to Secure Latest Models, But Apple Intelligence Remains a No-Go in EU and Mainland China
The wait is finally over, and iPhone 16 preorders have opened, with Apple fans worldwide rushing to secure their latest devices. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max are all available for purchase, but there’s a catch for those in the European Union (EU) and mainland China.
Apple Intelligence: The Missing Piece
This year’s biggest upgrade is Apple Intelligence, a suite of advanced AI features coming to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. However, two regions with a combined population of nearly two billion people will miss out on Apple Intelligence entirely. Apple won’t be bringing Apple Intelligence to the EU, and we can now confirm that Apple Intelligence won’t be available on iPhones sold in mainland China either.
The EU: A Complex Situation
The situation for Apple Intelligence in the EU is complex. Apple won’t bring Apple Intelligence to the EU due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a piece of EU legislation designed to protect competition and prevent monopolies. Apple has begrudgingly adhered to the DMA through EU-exclusive features like app sideloading, without offering the same to the rest of the world.
Mainland China: A Strict Situation
The situation in mainland China is stricter. Currently, iPhones purchased in mainland China are unable to use Apple Intelligence in any part of the world, and iPhones purchased elsewhere are unable to access Apple Intelligence while in mainland China. The Chinese government mandates that generative-AI chatbots – which will soon describe Siri – need to be vetted before release.
Workarounds and Updates
Apple clearly anticipates that Apple Intelligence will come to both the EU and mainland China eventually. The company has confirmed that, once available, supported iPhone models in the EU and mainland China will be able to activate and use Apple Intelligence. For the latest updates on Apple’s upcoming AI feature set, check out our Apple Intelligence coverage.
iPhone 16 Hubs
For all you need to know about Apple’s new iPhone lineup, check out our iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max hubs.
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