iPhone Mirroring Remains Unavailable in EU: Regulatory Pressures Persist for Apple
Apple’s iPhone Mirroring feature, first introduced with macOS Sequoia and iOS 18, continues to be unavailable in the European Union as macOS Tahoe approaches release. This strategic holdout, confirmed at WWDC 2025 and reported by French tech outlet Numerama, underscores Apple’s ongoing efforts to navigate the shifting regulatory landscape in Europe.
Feature Overview: Integration With Limits
iPhone Mirroring has been lauded outside the EU for enabling users to wirelessly project and control their iPhone screen directly from a Mac—extending Apple’s signature continuity between devices. According to comprehensive breakdowns from AppleInsider forums, the workflow allows notifications, apps, and control via mouse or keyboard, all while maintaining iPhone security with device lock. This deep integration is limited only by regional boundaries, as EU-based users currently remain blocked from accessing the feature.
Regulatory Headwinds: The Digital Markets Act’s Shadow
Apple’s explanation, as conveyed to Numerama, centers on the EU’s evolving regulatory climate—particularly the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA imposes new interoperability requirements for so-called "gatekeeper" platforms, aiming to promote fairer digital competition. Apple is reportedly concerned that enabling iPhone Mirroring in the EU could not only trigger stricter oversight for macOS, similar to what iOS and iPadOS already face, but potentially force the company to extend the feature’s compatibility to platforms like Windows, or even to Android devices.
As outlined in 9to5Mac, Apple has so far refrained from providing granular technical or legal justifications. However, the company has publicly framed its approach as balancing compliance obligations against its priorities for user privacy, product security, and ecosystem control. Apple also cites the risk that mandated interoperability could undermine security or core product attributes.
Strategic Calculus and Comparisons
This reticence to launch iPhone Mirroring in the EU continues a broader Apple strategy: withholding or modifying features in response to regional regulatory demands. Notably, while Apple Intelligence and some AI-driven features will debut for EU users with iOS 18.4, both iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing remain restricted in the region. The firm’s stance for iPhone Mirroring mirrors prior moves with App Store changes, alternate browser engines, and NFC access in response to similar European regulatory developments.
Competitive Implications
The sustained limitation means EU users, even with the latest Apple hardware and software, do not experience the same continuity as peers in other regions. This gap could influence Apple’s competitive positioning in Europe at a time when rival platforms tout increasing device interoperability. The situation remains fluid, with no announced path to resolution as Apple monitors regulatory clarity before revisiting the restriction.
Looking Forward: Ecosystem Versus Regulation
As of now, Apple’s official position is unchanged: iPhone Mirroring will launch with macOS Tahoe outside the EU, but the region will remain excluded pending further regulatory guidance. Observers tracking Apple’s regulatory navigation should continue to watch for signals from both Brussels policymakers and Cupertino regarding future regional feature parity.