Starting next month, iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max users can access Apple Intelligence features (in beta) with iOS 18.1 update. However, EU and China users won’t receive these features initially due to regulatory restrictions, including the Digital Markets Act. Apple is in talks with EU regulators to implement the features while maintaining user privacy and data security.
Next month, users of compatible iPhones will be able to enjoy the full Apple Intelligence features in beta as part of the expected iOS 18.1 update, although Apple will not release them in the EU or China initially.
Only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max from previous models are supported, and all new models, such as the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro series, are compatible. You’ll need iOS 18.1, at least 4GB of available storage, and to set the device and Siri language to a supported language, specifically US English, although regional English variants will be added in December, with languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish supported next year.
Only users in the US with Apple IDs set to an eligible region will have full access to Apple Intelligence initially, although EU users who switch their Apple ID region to the US can gain access. However, doing so will require them to reset their iTunes store balance and cancel all Apple subscriptions, and they may experience difficulties with purchasing apps and services from Apple. It may also cause them to lose access to all their purchased apps and start again from scratch.
For mainland China, Apple Intelligence is restricted, and users must use a different method.
According to Apple, there is a reason for the hold-up: Regulation. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) requires Apple to meet certain standards regarding user data privacy, and a proposed integration between Apple Intelligence and other Apple services has not yet been implemented to satisfy these requirements. In particular, the Core Technology Fee that Apple charges developers might be an issue under DMA rules.
While talks between Apple and EU regulators continue, Apple Intelligence has already been delayed, affecting iPhone Mirroring and enhancements to SharePlay in EU markets.
