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Apple Withholds Key iOS 26 Maps Feature in EU Over Digital Markets Act

Apple says forced compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act compromises device security

Overview

  • Apple confirmed that the iOS 26 “visited places” feature in the Maps app will not launch for EU users this fall due to Digital Markets Act requirements.
  • Vice President Kyle Andeer told EU officials that forced ecosystem openness degrades product quality and exposes users to security and privacy risks.
  • The company is still reviewing which other iOS 26 features may be delayed in the EU and says it is seeking solutions to deliver them quickly.
  • EU regulators and Apple remain divided over the scope of DMA interoperability rules and the associated safety concerns.
  • This move follows earlier EU delays of Apple Intelligence tools and macOS iPhone Mirroring under the same regulatory pressures.