Apple’s iOS 26 replace will arrive later this 12 months together with new options, however not the entire new capabilities will likely be out there to all customers, in accordance with a report. The Cupertino know-how agency’s upcoming software program replace will introduce a revamped Liquid Glass person interface, and enhancements to numerous apps like Phone, Messages, Photos, Maps, Wallet, and Apple Music. However, customers within the European Union (EU) will reportedly have to attend just a little longer for these options. Apple Intelligence options have been equally delayed for customers within the EU, attributable to regulatory hurdles.
Apple Maps’ Visited Places Section on iOS 26 to Be Delayed within the EU
A report in The Wall Street Journal states that the “Visited Places” function coming to Apple Maps with the iOS 26 replace won’t be out there to customers within the EU when the software program rolls out later this 12 months. The function shops an encrypted listing of locations visited by a person on their iPhone, together with eating places and shops. Apple’s attorneys reportedly said that the delay was as a result of Digital Markets Act (DMA) which is designed to assist smaller companies compete with Big Tech corporations.
Apple Legal VP Kyle Andeer confirmed that the corporate has already determined that some options unveiled at WWDC will likely be delayed within the EU, at a workshop with builders and officers from the bloc. According to the report, Andeer cited person safety as one of many causes for the absence of some iOS 26 options at launch within the EU.
While Visited Places on Apple Maps is about to be delayed within the EU, the corporate remains to be within the course of of choosing new options that won’t be a part of the preliminary iOS 26 replace within the area. Apple beforehand cited the EU’s DMA regulation as the explanation for the delayed rollout of its AI options, which ultimately arrived in February.
The iPhone maker made sweeping adjustments to its working system over the previous couple of years, with the intention to adjust to the DMA, which prescribes strict penalties for firms that flout the laws. These embody permitting EU clients to “sideload” apps on iPhone, supporting third occasion browser engines along with WebKit, and enabling entry to the NFC chip on the handset for third occasion fee apps.
However, the corporate has additionally criticised these laws and claims that they introduce customers to safety and privateness dangers past the corporate’s management. Last month, Apple submitted a authorized problem to an EU order that directs the corporate to open up its ecosystem to different corporations. These directives have been issued in March, informing Apple how one can open up its programs to rivals underneath the Digital Markets Act. Apple should adjust to the EU order till the matter is determined by an EU court docket.
