Apple is continuing discussions with European Union officials in an effort to resolve a dispute over its new AI-powered Siri.
Recently, Apple announced that it would roll out its upgraded digital assistant alongside a range of new artificial intelligence features. However, the new Siri will not be launched simultaneously across all markets. According to the company, the AI-enhanced Siri will not be available in EU countries, at least until both sides reach an agreement.
Outgoing Apple chief executive Tim Cook recently held talks with Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's executive vice-president responsible for technology policy.
An EU spokesperson said the online meeting involved a "constructive exchange of views on issues of common interest" and that both sides would continue working on them.
Apple wants AI Siri in Europe
According to a report by the Financial Times, the main focus of the discussions was how Apple could launch the new Siri in Europe without exposing itself to potentially costly penalties for breaching EU competition rules.
The upgraded Siri is strategically important for the Cupertino-based company as it seeks to compete more directly with AI chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude.
However, the launch has once again highlighted the divide between Apple and the European Union over the Digital Markets Act, legislation designed to curb the dominance of major technology companies.
Apple has complained about what it sees as a lack of clarity from EU regulators, which it says is preventing it from moving forward with the launch of its upgraded assistant.
EU officials, meanwhile, argue that Apple is seeking an "unacceptable 18-month exemption" from its obligations under European law.
Apple's proposal and the EU response
Last November, Apple proposed a technical solution to EU regulators known as the "Trusted System Agent."
The concept involves an intermediary software layer between a user's personal data and third-party AI systems.
Under the proposal, competing AI assistants would be able to access the information they need from a device without gaining unrestricted access to all user data.
However, Apple has not yet built the software and has made clear that it wants regulatory approval before beginning development.
A European Commission official said discussions on the proposal have been limited and that Apple has not presented a detailed plan explaining how the system would operate beyond the basic concept.
The official added that Apple appeared to be focused on obtaining permission to delay compliance with EU requirements.
The dispute is also being closely watched by the US government, which has repeatedly criticised the European Union's digital regulations.
Asked about the disagreement over Siri, a White House official referred to a memorandum issued by Donald Trump in February 2025 directing US officials to examine possible tariff retaliation against bodies imposing what it described as "extortionate and unfair fines."
Source: Financial Times
