Apple rejects new AI pact in EU, despite support from OpenAI, Google, more

EU users hoping for good news on the Apple Intelligence front—look away. Apple’s ongoing dispute with EU governing authorities over a variety of issues, including AI, has found its latest story. Per Politico, a new AI pact put forward by the EU has gained prominent signatories like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. But Apple is a holdout.

Apple finds unlikely partner in opposing AI pact

Apple has said it is “engaged” with regulatory bodies in the EU to bring Apple Intelligence features to EU users. However, this latest move by the company makes clear that things aren’t looking too hopeful.

Notably, the new AI pact put forward was agreed to by 115 different companies. Many of them are among the biggest AI players in the global market.

Here’s a sampling of companies that have agreed to the EU’s AI pact:

• Adobe
• Amazon
• Google
• Microsoft
• OpenAI
• Samsung
• Snap

There are two major holdouts, however. Not only Apple, but also Meta has chosen not to sign.

Pieter Haeck and Mathieu Pollet write for Politico:

A European Union initiative to speed up measures to control artificial intelligence got off to a rocky start on Wednesday as technology giants Meta and Apple passed up on joining the pledge.

[…]

All companies and industries will have to comply with rules listed in the Pact under the EU’s AI Act, which is rolled out in stages in coming years. The goal of the voluntary Pact was to get companies to comply early with the AI Act rules.

Apple and Meta seem like frenemies at best when it comes to a host of other matters. But apparently they hold the same stance regarding this new pact.

Apple Intelligence and its iPhone 16 impact

I hope Apple is able to find a way to bring AI features to its EU users. It will be bad for the company and its customers if a resolution doesn’t arrive at some point. The staggered rollout of Apple Intelligence features means there’s not quite as much pressure on the company to make a deal soon. However, it will be interesting to see if the lack of AI makes an impact on iPhone 16 sales in EU nations.

What are your views on Apple bringing AI to the EU? Let us know in the comments.