European iPhone users are eagerly awaiting the release of the iOS 18.4 update, which promises the long-anticipated Apple Intelligence features. However, a significant downside remains: iPhone Mirroring is still unavailable in the European Union.
This means that while users will benefit from new AI capabilities, the functionality to view and control their iPhones directly from a Mac will continue to be absent. This situation isn’t a first for Apple regarding EU regulations.
Initially, when iOS 18 was announced, the company informed users that Apple Intelligence would not be offered in the EU due to regulatory issues. As iOS 18.4 nears its public launch, offering Apple Intelligence to EU users, iPhone Mirroring is still sidelined.
For those unfamiliar, this feature allows iPhone users to conveniently manage notifications, respond to messages, and run apps directly from their Macs without needing to pick up their phones. Apple cites “regulatory uncertainties” stemming from the Digital Markets Act (DMA) as the reason for iPhone Mirroring’s unavailability.
The DMA aims to promote competition in the digital market, but Apple argues that its interoperability requirements could compromise the security and integrity of its products. Notably, there’s no clear explanation for why Apple Intelligence can launch in the EU while iPhone Mirroring is impeded by these regulatory concerns.
Additionally, features like SharePlay Screen Sharing, enabling users to share screens during FaceTime calls, will also not be available in this update. For EU iPhone users, this situation creates mixed feelings.
While they will gain access to new AI features, the absence of the iPhone Mirroring functionality is disappointing. This highlights the complexities tech companies face when navigating various regional regulations.
Whether future updates will address the iPhone Mirroring situation in the EU is yet to be determined, but for now, users must continue without this popular feature as other enhancements come online.