Apple CEO Tim Cook discusses Siri AI delay with EU tech chief, navigates AI rollout hurdles

Apple and the European Commission said they had discussed the issue after a public spat over the delayed rollout of the company’s AI-powered Siri features in the European Union, in a possible sign of efforts to ease tensions over the bloc’s digital regulations.The European Commission said Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen spoke to Apple CEO Tim Cook this week. A spokesperson called it a “constructive exchange” on issues of mutual interest. The two sides are still in discussions, the spokesperson said.The discussions follow weeks of public dispute between Apple and EU regulators over why the company has yet to roll out numerous artificial intelligence features for iPhone and iPad users in the region.Apple said it has not received sufficient engagement from regulators over user privacy and security issues, delaying the rollout of upgraded Siri capabilities under regulatory mandates of the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA).The European Commission has denied this, saying that Apple has not implemented the interoperability measures required by the DMA. The legislation will require big tech platforms to open up their services to competitors and give consumers more choice, in order to increase competition in digital markets.Also read: Apple Creator Studio gets biggest AI upgrade yet: Top features you should knowThe dispute has meant that some of Apple’s newest AI-powered features are not available to users in the European Union, even as they have been rolled out in other regions.Apple has stated that the DMA has led to delays in the rollout of other features to Europe, such as iPhone Mirroring for Mac, live translation capabilities for AirPods, certain location-based enhancements in Apple Maps, and the upgraded Siri experience.The row highlights wider tensions between European regulators and big US tech firms over the bloc’s toughening digital rules. The issue has also caused friction between Brussels and Washington, with US President Donald Trump lashing out against the European Union’s regulatory approach and financial penalties imposed on big American technology companies.Apple still sees the European market as strategically important, with sales in the region accounting for nearly 27% of the company’s overall revenue in its last fiscal year. (The company doesn't break out sales generated within the EU.)Regulators can fine companies up to 10% of their global annual revenue for non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act, making compliance a major focus for large tech platforms operating in the region.Neither Apple nor the European Commission elaborated on the latest talks, but the meeting indicates both sides are still working on outstanding regulatory issues that have held up the rollout of Apple’s AI features in Europe. Neither Apple nor the European Commission elaborated on the latest talks, but the meeting indicates both sides are still working on outstanding regulatory issues that have held up the rollout of Apple’s AI features in Europe.