I know I have a tendency to think too simply every now and again. But hear me out.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) entered into force on November 1, 2022. (Source) ChatGPT launched on November 30, 2022 (source)

Now, according to this post on Daring Fireball, Apple is “concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security.” So features like iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements and Apple Intelligence will not be available in the EU on the time of launch.

It wasn’t until after the launch of ChatGPT, work on Apple Intelligence must have gone in a lightning speed. So in 20 months, Apple is not able to see how their new products might be better compatible and interoperable all over the world? I refuse to believe this. It’s a big PR ploy that is deliberately designed within their roadmap of these new technologies.

Now, John Gruber can say “The EU’s self-induced slide into a technological backwater continues.” but I respectfully disagree. Apple, amongst others, deliberately frame it this way to weaken the support for the DMA. This law is designed to regulate the power of large digital platforms, so we can have a more level playing field. Of course Apple will do everything within its PR power and lobby-budget to make sure they don’t have to comply. If they can’t do it the legal way, let’s do it via tech pundits and their community.

Will it hurt to see features like Apple Intelligence not immediately available in the EU? Sure, I am very interested in the way Apple marries AI-technology with their design and UX philosophy. But it’s not like we go back to the Stone Ages because we can’t share our iPhone on screen or send AI -generated emoji.