Apple Intelligence: A Closer Look at Accessibility and Challenges for EU Users
Apple’s latest developer beta of iOS, iOS 18.1 Beta 3, has made it a little easier for users outside of the U.S. to try out Apple Intelligence, a new feature that promises advanced AI capabilities. Previously, users had to set their device region to the U.S., which meant changing various settings like their clock and calendar. However, the new update only requires users to set their device and Siri language to U.S. English, making it more convenient for international users to test the feature without major disruptions to their device settings.
While this update is a step towards accessibility, it’s important to note that Apple Intelligence is still only available in U.S. English. Users in the European Union and China, unfortunately, are still fully excluded from accessing these AI features. This limitation is reflected in Apple’s own release notes for iOS 18.1 Beta 3, which state that “Apple Intelligence is not currently available in the EU or China.”
For European users like myself, this news is disappointing. However, it aligns with the recent introduction of strict AI regulations in the EU, which have prompted Apple to delay the rollout of AI features in the region. These regulations prioritize user privacy and data protection, but they also create challenges for companies like Apple in expanding their AI offerings to a global audience.
Despite the limitations, there is a workaround to test Apple Intelligence features in Europe. Users can override the restrictions by setting their device region to the U.S. and adjusting their device and Siri language settings accordingly. However, this workaround comes with significant drawbacks. To set their Apple ID country to the U.S., users must go through a cumbersome process that involves canceling subscriptions and waiting for them to expire, as well as re-downloading all apps, music, movies, and TV shows. Even after these steps, there is no guarantee of success unless a VPN is used, and even then, the results may be mixed. Ultimately, for most users, the effort required outweighs the benefits of trying out Apple Intelligence.
In conclusion, Apple’s recent update to the iOS developer beta makes Apple Intelligence more accessible to international users, but only to those who can navigate the complex process of setting their device region and Apple ID country to the U.S. While this is a positive step towards inclusivity, it also highlights the challenges Apple faces in expanding AI features globally due to regulatory constraints. For now, users in the EU and China will have to wait for further developments in AI regulations before they can experience Apple Intelligence firsthand.
