Apple delays iOS 26 features in EU: What it means for users
Apple is delaying several new iOS 26 features for users in the European Union, citing challenges caused by the region’s evolving tech regulations. The company announced that certain updates, including tools like the “visited places” feature in Apple Maps, will not be available to EU users when iOS 26 rolls out later this year. This delay is directly tied to Apple’s compliance efforts with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA)—a sweeping law aimed at regulating large tech platforms. For EU iPhone owners wondering why they might be missing out on new features, this blog breaks down Apple’s decision, what the DMA is, and how it could impact software updates moving forward.
Why Apple is holding back iOS 26 features in Europe
Apple’s decision to delay rolling out iOS 26 features in the EU is rooted in its legal and security concerns about the DMA. The law, designed to limit the dominance of so-called “gatekeeper” companies like Apple, requires major changes to how Apple operates its ecosystem. According to Apple’s VP of legal, Kyle Andeer, complying with the DMA may open up security risks by forcing Apple to loosen its tight control over iOS. He stated that Apple has “had to make the decision to delay the release of products and features we announced this month for our EU customers.” One of the first casualties is the “visited places” feature in the Maps app, but more feature delays could follow. Apple argues that rushing these changes without a secure workaround could degrade product quality and endanger user data.
Understanding the EU’s Digital Markets Act and Apple’s stance
The DMA is a regulatory framework introduced by the European Union to curb monopolistic practices among large tech platforms. Under the law, companies like Apple must allow more interoperability between platforms and open up their app ecosystems to third-party developers. While the EU frames the DMA as pro-consumer, Apple sees it differently. The company has been vocal in its criticism, arguing that the regulations force it to compromise on user privacy, product integrity, and security. In meetings with EU officials and developers in Brussels, Apple reiterated that the DMA’s requirements create “real privacy, security, [and] safety risks.” The disagreement between Apple and EU regulators centers on how far-reaching the DMA should be—and what level of security sacrifice is acceptable in the name of openness.
What this delay means for EU iPhone users and the future of iOS
For iPhone users in Europe, this delay means they may not receive all the advertised iOS 26 features at launch, or possibly at all. Apple has yet to confirm which other tools might be held back, but the company insists it’s working to bring features to EU customers “as swiftly as possible.” The long-term implications go beyond a single software update. If the regulatory standoff continues, European users might routinely face delays or differences in Apple product experiences compared to the rest of the world. Additionally, app developers targeting the EU market may need to adapt to two sets of technical and privacy standards—one for the EU and one for everywhere else. This fragmented approach could reshape how Apple prioritizes feature rollouts, support, and even innovation in Europe moving forward.
Final thoughts on Apple’s EU feature delay and regulatory challenges
Apple’s move to delay iOS 26 features in the EU is a significant sign of the growing friction between Big Tech and global regulators. While the EU seeks to create a fairer digital marketplace, Apple’s concern centers on user trust and platform integrity. It’s a complex balancing act: enforcing competition without compromising consumer security. For now, EU users will likely experience a staggered rollout of Apple updates, as the company navigates the DMA’s demands. As this regulatory tug-of-war evolves, it will be crucial to watch how Apple, the EU, and other tech giants respond—and what that means for consumers in Europe and beyond.
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