Siri AI Delayed in Europe? Here’s Why EU Regulators Said No to Apple

If you own an iPhone in Europe and were expecting a smarter, more conversational Siri any time soon, you might have to wait a bit longer. On June 9, 2026, European regulators officially rejected Apple’s request to be exempt from certain rules under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). That decision puts the rollout of Apple’s rebuilt Siri AI on hold in the EU—at least for now.

Here’s a straightforward look at what happened, why it matters for everyday users, and what you can do while the situation unfolds.

What Happened

Apple had asked the European Commission for an exemption from DMA obligations that apply to its voice assistant and AI services. The company argued that Siri doesn’t meet the legal thresholds that would require it to comply with the same interoperability and openness rules that apply to other “gatekeeper” platforms. The EU disagreed. By denying the exemption, regulators effectively blocked Apple from launching the advanced Siri AI features in Europe until it meets the DMA’s requirements.

Multiple news outlets—including Reuters, TradingView, and MSN—confirmed the decision on June 9, 2026. The full reasoning from the EU is expected in the coming weeks, but the immediate consequence is clear: the smarter Siri announced by Apple earlier this year won’t be available in EU markets, at least not in its current form.

Why This Matters for European iPhone Users

The delay affects the “rebuilt Siri AI” that Apple debuted using technology from Google and Nvidia. That update was supposed to bring better natural language understanding, more context-aware responses, and improved integration with third-party apps. For users in the US and some other regions, those features are already rolling out or are scheduled to arrive soon. In Europe, they’re paused until Apple either changes how Siri works to align with the DMA or negotiates a compromise with regulators.

For the average person, this means:

  • No access to the upgraded Siri on iPhones, iPads, or Macs sold in the EU.
  • Continued reliance on the current version of Siri, which many consider less capable than competitors like Google Assistant or ChatGPT.
  • A longer wait before you can use Siri to do things like handle complex multi-step requests or control smart home devices with more nuance.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t a permanent ban. Apple could revise its approach—for example, by offering more interoperability with third-party services—and then roll out the AI later. But right now, there’s no confirmed timeline.

What You Can Do

While the situation is largely out of your hands as a consumer, there are a few practical steps to stay informed and adapt:

  • Follow official Apple updates. Apple typically posts software release notes and regional availability on its support pages and through the iOS Settings app. Don’t rely on rumors; check directly.
  • Consider alternative AI assistants. If you need advanced voice AI today, third-party apps like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Assistant (via the Google app) work on iPhones in Europe and are not affected by this ruling. You won’t get the same level of system integration, but they can handle many similar tasks.
  • Keep your phone updated. Even without the new Siri features, iOS updates often include security patches and other improvements. Stay current.
  • Watch for DMA-related changes in other apps. The same regulatory pressure that caused this delay may lead to more openness in other Apple services—like default browser choices or third-party payment options. Those changes could indirectly improve your experience even if Siri lags behind.

Broader Context

This ruling isn’t just about Siri. It signals that EU regulators are serious about enforcing the Digital Markets Act against major tech companies—even when it means delaying high-profile features. Other companies, like Google and Meta, are also navigating similar fights over interoperability and data sharing. The outcome could reshape how AI assistants work across the continent, potentially making them more open but also slower to arrive.

For now, European iPhone users are caught in the middle. Patience may be the main tool available.

Sources

  • Reuters: “No tech rule exemption for Apple, EU regulators say amid spat over Siri AI delay” (June 9, 2026)
  • TradingView: Same report (June 9, 2026)
  • MSN: “Apple debuts rebuilt Siri AI with Google and Nvidia tech” (June 9, 2026)
  • The Economic Times: Coverage of the EU decision (June 9, 2026)

Note: Details about the exact DMA articles involved and Apple’s planned compliance steps remain unclear. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.