Apple Delays Key iOS 26 Features in EU, Citing “Privacy and Security Risks” Under DMA

Apple has confirmed that some of its headline iOS 26 features will be delayed for users in the European Union, blaming regulatory challenges posed by the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The decision, reported by The Wall Street Journal, adds fuel to the growing tension between Apple and the European Commission over platform openness, user data, and market control.

What Features Are Affected?

One of the delayed features is Apple’s new “Visited Places” tool, a privacy-focused location history feature that allows users to track and encrypt their past movements on-device. Apple says it won't launch this in the EU this year due to regulatory complications.

The company hasn't yet shared a full list of impacted features but said more delays are likely as it continues reviewing which iOS 26 components may conflict with EU rules.

Apple’s Legal Position

At a developer workshop in Brussels, Kyle Andeer, Apple’s VP of Legal, told officials and developers:

“We’ve already had to make the decision to delay the release of products and features we announced this month for our EU customers.”

He went on to argue that DMA compliance introduces “real privacy, security, and safety risks,” particularly when it comes to Apple’s tightly controlled iOS environment. Apple is concerned that loosening restrictions on app distribution and system integration could weaken its user protections.

The Regulatory Backdrop

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. The European Commission in March ordered Apple to open up nine key iOS APIs and connectivity features—including access to NFC, camera, and in-app payments—to enable greater third-party interoperability.

Apple is appealing that order, warning it undermines the secure design of its platform and puts user data at risk.

Additionally, the company is still reeling from a €500 million fine issued in April for anti-steering violations, in which the EU ruled that Apple prevented developers from informing users about better offers outside the App Store.

Pushback from Advocacy Groups and Regulators

Not everyone in Brussels is buying Apple’s argument. At the same workshop:

• A representative from Open Web Advocacy questioned Apple’s security claims, pointing out the ongoing issue of scam and fraudulent apps on the App Store

• An EU official noted that the regulator and Apple remain divided on whether DMA rules genuinely compromise user safety—or just Apple’s control

What This Means for EU Users

For iPhone users in Europe, this could mean:

• Slower rollout of privacy-focused iOS 26 features

• Possible regional limitations on new Apple Intelligence features or on-device AI tools

• Continued friction between Apple and EU developers over app store policies and fees

Apple says it’s working to find compliant paths to bring these features to the region, but no timeline has been offered.

Bottom Line

Apple’s delay of iOS 26 features in the EU highlights the growing tension between user privacy and platform regulation. While Apple frames it as a security-first decision, critics argue it’s more about maintaining ecosystem control. Either way, European iPhone users may not get the full iOS 26 experience on day one—and the regulatory battle is far from over.