Not All iOS 26 Features Are Coming to the EU—Here’s Why

As Apple prepares to launch iOS 26 globally this fall, EU users are in for a different experience—again. Apple has confirmed that not all iOS 26 features will roll out in the European Union at launch, due to ongoing legal challenges related to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Why Is Apple Holding Back iOS 26 Features in the EU?

The DMA is the European Union’s regulation aimed at curbing the dominance of big tech companies by enforcing openness and fair competition. Apple, long known for its tightly integrated ecosystem, has clashed with these mandates, citing privacy and security concerns.

This clash is now causing Apple to withhold some iOS 26 features in the EU.

Feature Pulled: “Visited Places” in Apple Maps

One of the first confirmed casualties is the new “Visited Places” feature in Apple Maps, which automatically logs the locations users have visited. This function is deeply tied to Apple Intelligence and on-device personalization tools—something Apple says it can’t release in the EU yet, due to unresolved compliance issues.

If you’re curious about more upcoming features, check out our post on hidden iOS 26 features Apple didn’t announce.

Apple Speaks Out on DMA Restrictions

At a recent Brussels workshop with EU developers and regulators, Apple’s Vice President of Legal, Kyle Andeer, confirmed the company’s cautious approach. He stated that Apple is delaying certain product and feature launches in the EU over serious concerns related to user safety and security.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple claims that some DMA requirements—like enhanced third-party interoperability and developer access—could weaken iOS privacy protections, degrade software performance, and increase the risk of security breaches.

Despite mounting pressure from regulators, lawsuits, and hefty fines, Apple continues to resist opening its ecosystem too widely.

A Recurring Trend in the EU

This isn’t a one-time setback. In 2024, Apple delayed the rollout of Apple Intelligence and the iPhone Mirroring feature on Mac specifically in the EU. The latest announcement regarding iOS 26 adds to this growing pattern of regional feature delays.

The underlying conflict remains: Apple prioritizes ecosystem control and user privacy, while the DMA demands transparency, interoperability, and openness.

When Will These Features Arrive in the EU?

Apple has yet to provide a timeline for when the withheld features, including “Visited Places,” might become available to EU users. As iOS 26 is set for global release around September this year, EU users may once again receive a more limited version of iOS compared to the rest of the world.

Do you support Apple’s decision to delay features for legal compliance, or should the company prioritize feature parity for all users? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.