Apple just released iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 with its new features about Apple Intelligence. Many regions have already made them available for users. However, consumers in the European Union will have to wait a little longer.
Currently, Apple states that the new features are available in “most regions around the world.” However, users must set their devices to US English to enable the enhancements. iPhone and iPad users in the EU cannot access Apple Intelligence yet.
The silver lining is that EU-based Mac users can still enjoy these new features with macOS Sequoia 15.1—but again, only if their settings are set to US English as well. The partial availability is providing, at least, a whiff of what’s to come to some European users.
Apple plans to provide EU-based iPhone and iPad users with access to Apple Intelligence, starting by April 2024. Among many cool features, the rollout will include innovative writing tools, Genmoji, and a completely redesigned Siri with improved language comprehension, among integrations with ChatGPT.
While the company still keeps some details behind closed doors, the launch is an important move for the company in the European market. Apple is treading with full caution in this rollout, given the strict regulatory oversight that meets the company through regulations like the Digital Markets Act. The DMA was targeted towards fair competition and the protection of consumer rights within the EU.
That comes amidst complex times for Apple, as EU officials attack the business practices of the company. In fact, Apple hopes the rules would ease the way into the EU market and avoid legal problems.
In other words, while Apple Intelligence features are already live in most parts of the world. Users in the EU will have to wait until April 2024 to experience them on iOS and iPadOS. In the meantime, some of the new capabilities are available for Mac users in the EU. As the much-anticipated rollout approaches, Apple demonstrates its commitment to compliance and innovation even under intense regulatory scrutiny. Keep watching this space for more as the launch date nears!
ANI
