EU Says Apple Alone Chose Not to Launch Siri AI in Europe

The European Commission has pushed back against Apple’s claim that regulatory uncertainty forced it to hold back its Siri AI upgrade in the European Union, asserting that the decision was a deliberate choice by the tech giant. In a statement released Tuesday, EU officials made clear that there is no legal barrier preventing Apple from launching the advanced AI-powered Siri features across the bloc.

Apple had previously cited concerns over the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and other EU tech regulations as reasons for delaying the rollout. The company argued that compliance requirements could undermine user privacy and security. However, the Commission countered that the rules are designed to foster competition without stifling innovation. “Apple alone decided not to make its Siri AI available in the EU,” a spokesperson said. “There is no regulatory obstacle here.”

The dispute centers on Apple Intelligence, the company’s broader AI initiative, which includes a more conversational and context-aware Siri. Apple has said it needs more time to ensure the technology meets EU standards, particularly around data handling and interoperability. Yet regulators insist that the DMA does not ban such features, but rather demands that they are offered on fair terms to third-party developers.

This is not the first time Apple has clashed with Brussels over AI. The company previously delayed the launch of its AI-powered image generation tools in Europe, citing similar concerns. Critics argue that Apple is using regulatory hurdles as a pretext to limit competition, while the company maintains it is prioritizing user safety.

For now, European users will have to wait longer for the next-generation Siri, while the Commission continues to push for a more open digital market. The ball, as officials see it, remains firmly in Apple’s court.