Apple Intelligence Blocked for Nearly Two Billion People – Indefinitely

With iPhone 16 preorders now open, Apple enthusiasts worldwide are flocking to secure the latest models, including iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

This year’s highlight is Apple Intelligence, the advanced suite of AI features set to enhance iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. However, nearly two billion people in combined regions of the EU and mainland China will miss out entirely on these features. Apple Intelligence is confirmed to be absent from the iPhones sold in both regions, which for China includes only mainland, excluding the territories of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

In the EU

The EU’s situation is notably intricate. Apple is not introducing Apple Intelligence in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), aimed at safeguarding competition and reducing monopolistic practices. Although Apple has complied reluctantly, through options like EU-exclusive app sideloading, bringing Apple Intelligence to the EU remains impractical due to "regulatory uncertainties" posed by the DMA, as confirmed in June, "...due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), we do not believe that we will be able to roll out [...] Apple Intelligence to our EU users this year." To block Apple Intelligence physically in the EU, users must have their Apple ID region set to the EU. Hence, visitors can use Apple Intelligence if their Apple ID is registered outside the EU, though this has yet to be verified.

iPhones bought in the EU can utilize Apple Intelligence abroad, given that both device and Siri languages are set to a supported language (US English for now). iPhone users can manage the device language through Settings > General > Language & Region > Add Language and Siri’s language through Settings > Siri & Search > Language.

Temporarily changing your Apple ID region is not an effective solution as it involves halting current subscriptions and losing access to previous app purchases. However, iOS 18.1 beta has reportedly allowed EU users a chance to test the features.

In Mainland China

Mainland China faces tougher restrictions. iPhones purchased in China cannot access Apple Intelligence anywhere worldwide, nor can non-China bought iPhones access the features when in China. Reuters highlights that China’s government requires generative-AI chatbots, which will feature in Siri updates, to be pre-approved. Astonishingly, all 188 certified large language models are China-based with no indication on if, or when, Apple Intelligence may function within the region.

Apple remains optimistic, anticipating the eventual rollout of Apple Intelligence in both the EU and mainland China. Upon availability, compatible iPhones in these regions will activate and use Apple Intelligence.

Stay tuned for Apple Intelligence updates and visit our hubs for all about Apple’s new iPhone 16 models.

Earlier, SSP wrote about Midea's new washbot.