EU users hoping for good news in the field of Apple Intelligence, look away. The latest news has emerged in the ongoing battle between Apple and EU governing authorities over a range of issues, including AI. According to Politico, the new AI agreement proposed by the EU has been signed by prominent companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. However, Apple is holding back.
Apple finds unexpected partner in opposition to AI pact
Apple says it’s “in negotiations” with EU regulators to bring Apple Intelligence features to EU users, but the company’s latest move makes it clear that things aren’t looking too promising.
Notably, 115 companies have agreed to the proposed new AI agreement, many of which are the largest AI companies in the global market.
Here are some of the companies that have agreed to the EU AI deal:
Adobe Amazon Google Microsoft OpenAI Samsung Snap
But there are two big opponents: Apple, as well as Meta, which chose not to sign.
Peter Heck and Matthew Pollett wrote in Politico:
A European Union effort to speed up regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) got off to a rocky start on Wednesday after tech giants Meta and Apple withdrew from the effort.
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Under the EU’s AI law, which will be phased in over the next few years, all companies and industries will have to comply with the rules outlined in the agreement. The purpose of this voluntary agreement was to bring companies into early compliance with the rules of the AI law.
Apple and Meta are at best enemies on many other issues, but they appear to be on the same page when it comes to this new agreement.
Apple Intelligence and the impact of the iPhone 16
Hopefully, Apple can find a way to bring AI features to EU users. If they don’t find a solution one day, it will be bad for the company and its customers. The gradual rollout of Apple Intelligence features means that the company isn’t under as much pressure to close the deal right away. But it will be interesting to see if the lack of AI impacts iPhone 16 sales in EU countries.
What do you think about Apple bringing AI to the EU? Let me know in the comments.
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