Apple's iPhone Mirroring Feature Remains Unavailable in the EU

Apple's recent updates have confirmed that the iPhone mirroring feature, introduced in last year's macOS update Sequoia, will not be accessible to users in the European Union. This limitation persists despite the anticipated release of iOS 26 in September.

The decision to withhold this functionality is attributed to Apple's concerns regarding compliance with stringent EU regulations. According to the company, the implementation of iPhone mirroring could conflict with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which imposes specific requirements on tech giants operating within the EU. While the iPhone is affected by these regulations, the Mac, with its comparatively lower market penetration, remains exempt for now.

Apple has indicated that it is not planning to adjust its policy on this feature, which allows users to control their iPhones directly from their Macs, displaying the entire iPhone screen and enabling interaction with notifications. The company believes that expanding its platform to meet these EU standards could incur significant costs and potentially compromise user security.

As part of the DMA, the EU has mandated that devices, beyond just the Apple Watch, must be able to access complete iOS notifications. This requirement has led Apple to reevaluate its approach to integrating new features in the EU market.

The mirroring feature, first included in iOS 18 and macOS 15, enhances user experience by allowing seamless interaction between Apple devices. With the upcoming iOS 26, the functionality is set to include live activities, enabling users to respond to notifications directly from their mirrored iPhone interface on a Mac. However, Apple has confirmed that this capability will remain inactive for EU users.

In light of these developments, it is likely that other integrated features may also be restricted for EU customers as Apple navigates the complexities of regulatory compliance. The company's reluctance to fully embrace these changes raises questions about the availability of future functionalities for users in the region.