Apple Delays iOS 26 Features in EU Due to DMA Regulations — iPhone Mirroring, AirDrop, and Live Activities at Risk

Apple users in the European Union may have to wait longer—or indefinitely—for some of the most anticipated iOS 26 features, including iPhone mirroring on Macs and Live Activities, due to compliance challenges with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

In a recent statement, Apple’s head of legal, Kyle Andeer, revealed that several upcoming features may be delayed or even withheld entirely from EU users. One of the more surprising possibilities is the removal of AirDrop functionality in future updates for European customers.

Apple argues that the DMA’s requirements, which force companies like Apple to share key technologies with third parties, are unrealistic and compromise user privacy. The company has accused the European Commission of unfairly targeting Apple while turning a blind eye to how Meta—the parent company of Facebook and Instagram—is allegedly exploiting the law to request access to sensitive tech and user data that aren’t related to its core services.

While Apple complies with strict Chinese government rules, it is publicly pushing back against EU regulations, claiming the DMA favors companies—often European ones—over consumers. This has led to frustration among European users, who continue to pay premium prices but don’t receive the full Apple experience that users in the US and other regions enjoy.

It remains to be seen whether Apple and the EU will reach a compromise that puts users first.