European users are set to miss out on several key iOS 26 features, including iPhone Mirroring on Macs and the highly anticipated Live Activities feature, due to regulatory challenges under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Apple has confirmed that these features may be delayed or completely withheld from iOS users in the EU, citing the region’s stringent legal requirements.
Apple’s President of Legal, Kyle Andeer, recently stated that the DMA’s obligations are forcing the company to delay certain innovations.
He warned that upcoming features in iOS 26 could either arrive late or not be launched at all for European users. Among the features at risk is AirDrop, which could be disabled or modified to comply with regulatory expectations.
According to Apple, the DMA compels the company to share proprietary technology with third-party developers, which it argues compromises user privacy and data protection.
The tech giant claims that the law creates an uneven playing field, favoring select companies—particularly Meta Platforms, which Apple accuses of exploiting the DMA to demand access to technology and user data irrelevant to Facebook or Instagram services.
Apple has expressed frustration over what it sees as inconsistent enforcement of the DMA, noting that it is being held to higher compliance standards than some competitors. The company contends that the legislation does more to support corporate interests than to protect consumer rights.
Meanwhile, critics have pointed out Apple’s apparent double standard, as the company fully complies with strict regulations in China while resisting EU demands. European users, they argue, are paying premium prices for Apple devices but are receiving fewer features compared to their counterparts in the United States and other markets.
With tensions escalating between Apple and EU regulators, millions of European consumers remain uncertain about the future of iOS updates and services. As both sides navigate this legal standoff, the delay of essential iOS 26 features highlights the growing conflict between innovation and regulation in the tech world.