By iOS 26 EU Features Delay: Apple Postpones Key Updates Amid Digital Markets Act Compliance
Apple has officially announced the iOS 26 EU features delay, attributing the decision to the regulatory requirements under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This delay means that several new features expected in the upcoming iOS 26 update will not be available to users in the EU at launch. Among the withheld features is a new “visited places” tool, which tracks and organizes users’ location history.
Apple Confirms iOS 26 Feature Delays in the EU
The news of the iOS 26 EU features delay was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, highlighting the increasing pressure on Apple to comply with the EU’s DMA regulations. The law aims to reduce the market control of dominant tech giants and create fairer opportunities for smaller developers and competing platforms.
Apple’s legal representative, Kyle Andeer, Vice President of Legal, addressed the matter directly during a workshop held in Brussels with EU officials and app developers. He expressed deep concern over the security implications of complying with certain DMA requirements.
“We’ve already had to make the decision to delay the release of products and features we announced this month for our EU customers,” Andeer said.
DMA Impact on Apple’s Ecosystem and iOS 26
The Digital Markets Act is designed to promote competition in the digital market by forcing companies like Apple to open up their systems to third-party services and developers. For Apple, this poses a significant challenge, as its tightly integrated ecosystem has long been a selling point for users who value privacy, security, and seamless experiences across devices.
Andeer emphasized that the changes demanded by the DMA could pose “real privacy, security, and safety risks” to users. The company fears that loosening its ecosystem restrictions might compromise the integrity and safety of user data.
iOS 26 Features Under Evaluation in Europe
While the “visited places” feature has been officially delayed, Apple revealed that it is still reviewing other features that may be affected by the DMA regulations. The company is exploring ways to safely deliver delayed features to EU users without violating the law or risking user security.
Apple stated, “We are actively seeking solutions to bring these features to our EU customers as soon as possible, without compromising on security or user experience.”
The delay has sparked concern among Apple’s European customer base, as many eagerly await the full rollout of iOS 26’s enhancements. However, the company insists that compliance with the DMA must not come at the expense of user safety.
Apple’s History of Opposition to the Digital Markets Act
This isn’t the first time Apple has raised objections regarding the DMA. In the past, the tech giant has argued that the law could undermine the quality and security of its products. Apple maintains that being forced to allow third-party apps or accessories more open access to its systems may lead to increased risks of malware, data breaches, and diminished user control.
Earlier this year, the European Commission issued guidelines urging Apple to comply with several key DMA mandates. These included:
- Allowing easier connections for third-party smartwatches and Bluetooth accessories.
- Enhancing interoperability between Apple devices and non-Apple hardware.
- Providing developers with broader access to iOS and other core Apple services.
Looking Ahead: Apple’s Next Steps
As Apple continues to evaluate its position, the iOS 26 EU features delay serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between innovation and regulation. While the company navigates compliance, it remains committed to its core principles of privacy and security.
EU users will likely have to wait longer for some of the most anticipated features of iOS 26. However, Apple has reassured customers that it is working diligently to resolve the situation in a way that aligns with both the law and its user-focused values.
