While traveling to Cupertino for the launch of the iPhone 16, Numerama had the opportunity to discuss the unavailability of Apple Intelligence in the European Union, which will not be accessible on the iPhone 16 sold in France. It will be possible to bypass the blockage, but with several constraints.
Available from September 20, the iPhone 16’s main new feature is its compatibility with Apple Intelligence, a suite of software functions based on generative artificial intelligence, which requires more power than before. Apple highlighted Apple Intelligence’s new features at length during its keynote, such as the new Siri compatible with ChatGPT, image recognition, notification summary, the magic eraser in Photos or the text, image and emoji generator.
None of these features will be available in France, including on the iPhone 16. Apple has temporarily abandoned the launch of Apple Intelligence in the European Union “due to regulatory uncertainties caused by the Digital Markets Act (DMA)”the major text of the European Commission to regulate the tech giants. Is this blockage definitive? Could it end soon? Here is the latest information, from Cupertino in California.
Apple hasn’t changed its mind on blocking in Europe, but opens the door to change
Why is Apple Intelligence blocked in Europe? The reasons remain unclear, while the European Commission continues to suggest that it has not opposed Apple’s technology in any way, even if it is pleased not to see an American giant competing with smaller European companies. For its part, Apple points out that Apple Intelligence is not completely blocked in the EU, since Mac owners will be able to benefit from it from October, with macOS Sequoia. Only iPhones and iPads will be deprived of it, and this for an indefinite period.
Why iPhones and iPads? Because the European Union has listed them as “gatekeepers,” given their popularity. This forces Apple to open iOS and iPadOS to third-party apps, let users delete their apps, or be able to replace Apple Pay.
The list of 22 gatekeeper services of the European Union. // Source: European Commission
Today, the DMA does not regulate artificial intelligence services. Tomorrow, Apple certainly fears that this will change, hence its caution. The brand says it is waiting for clarity on the future intentions of the European Union to unblock the situation. Currently, it is completely closing the door to a relaxation of its decision. Let’s not overlook the political standoff between Apple and Europe either, as Apple’s European sites have all removed images of the iPhone 16 with Apple Intelligence enabled. Apple could technically have launched certain functions separately, but it is its decision to bring everything together in a separately downloadable package.
Is there a chance of never having Apple Intelligence on an iPhone 16 in Europe? On this aspect, Apple is rather reassuring. The brand suggests that the French who choose its new smartphone can do so without worry, since they will have the AI functions when they are ready, including those that have not yet been announced. The question remains when, while no clearing appears on the horizon.
The Visual Intelligence feature identifies what is on the screen using generative AI. It will not be available in France. // Source: Apple
What about French support, which is announced for 2025? It could only concern countries outside the European Union, such as Canada or Switzerland. The good news is that Apple is nevertheless optimizing its models for France, assuming the situation is resolved by the beginning of 2025. But the brand is not committing to a simultaneous launch of French and Apple Intelligence in France.
It will be possible to use Apple Intelligence in France, but you will have to tinker
Are iPhone 16 owners doomed to not being able to try Apple Intelligence, even after the launch of iOS 18.1 in October? There is a way around the block, but it is quite restrictive.
To verify that a device is eligible for Apple Intelligence, Apple first relies on its location. A French person traveling to the United States or Switzerland will automatically have access to the service if their phone is in English. Upon returning to France, they will lose access to Apple Intelligence.
Conversely, an American traveling in France will retain access to Apple Intelligence through their App Store account, which is identified as belonging to a country where Apple Intelligence is not blocked. When the location is not correct, Apple relies on the nationality of the App Store account to verify eligibility.
All Apple Intelligence features use models that use Apple’s Semantic Index. The A17 Pro chip is the only one capable of this. // Source: Apple
This is how a French person can get around the block. By logging out of their French App Store account and logging into a US App Store account, they will be able to access Apple’s AI from the European Union. However, they will lose access to the French Apple Music catalog or their Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+ subscriptions, unless they resubscribe in the United States. Some French apps are also not on the US App Store.
In short, the launch of Apple Intelligence in the European Union, even in 2025, is far from assured today. iPhone 16s purchased in France will one day have access to Apple’s functions, but there is no guarantee that the unlocking will take place soon. Apple is probably hoping that consumer pressure will have an impact on its discussions with Europe.
