European Union regulators have rejected Apple's request to exempt its Siri AI from the Digital Markets Act. The decision, delivered to the company this week, means Apple must treat Siri AI like other core platform services under the bloc's competition rules.
The regulator's decision
Apple had argued that Siri AI should not be subject to the same interoperability and anti-steering requirements that apply to its App Store and iOS. The company claimed the AI assistant operates differently from other platform services. Regulators disagreed.
The Digital Markets Act designates Apple as a gatekeeper for iOS, the App Store, and Safari. The law requires gatekeepers to allow third-party apps and services to interoperate with their core platforms. Siri AI, regulators determined, falls within that scope.
What the rejection means for Apple
Apple will now have to open up Siri AI to competing services. That could allow users to set third-party voice assistants as default on iPhones and iPads. It may also force Apple to give rival AI tools the same access to system features that Siri enjoys.
The company has previously resisted such changes, arguing they could compromise user privacy and security. Under the DMA, Apple must demonstrate compliance or face fines of up to 10% of global annual revenue.
Next steps for the company
Apple has not yet publicly responded to the rejection. The company has six months to submit a compliance plan for Siri AI to the European Commission. Failure to do so could trigger a formal investigation and potential penalties.
The decision is the latest in a series of DMA enforcement actions against Apple. Earlier this year, regulators opened a probe into the company's fees and rules for app developers. The Siri AI ruling adds a new front to that regulatory pressure.
