iPhone Mirroring to remain elusive in Europe even after iOS 18.4 update

If you’re in the EU and have been patiently waiting for Apple’s AI features to hit your device, you’re in for a treat, but there’s one major feature that will remain out of reach — iPhone Mirroring. The upcoming iOS 18.4 update will finally let users in the European Union check out Apple’s much-hyped AI features, but iPhone Mirroring won’t be part of the package.

For anyone unfamiliar, iPhone Mirroring is a game-changer for multitasking. Imagine responding to texts, managing apps, or dragging files between your iPhone and Mac without touching your phone. It’s been available in other regions since iOS 18 launched last year. Yet, European users are still left out, even with this latest update.

I’d go as far as to say that iPhone Mirroring is the only new iOS 18 feature that is actually useful and comes in handy frequently — at least in my workflow. It is a game-changer for multitasking. Imagine responding to texts, managing apps, or dragging files between your iPhone and Mac without touching your phone. It’s been available in other regions since iOS 18 launched last year.

Apple points to “regulatory uncertainties” tied to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU. The DMA is a law pushing for fairer digital markets. It often requires big tech companies like Apple to open up their platforms to competitors. Apple says these interoperability demands could force changes that weaken their products’ security and privacy. That’s a big deal for a company known for its tight ecosystem.

So why the green light for Apple Intelligence but not iPhone Mirroring? Apple hasn’t explained the difference. SharePlay Screen Sharing, a FaceTime feature, is also staying off-limits in the EU, likely for the same reasons.

This isn’t the first time Apple has clashed with EU rules. The company has also recently spoken out against interoperability mandates, warning they could stifle innovation and expose users to risks. These tensions have slowed down the rollout of new features, as seen with Apple Intelligence’s gradual adoption.

For now, European users will get some iOS 18.4 perks in April. But iPhone Mirroring? That remains a distant hope, caught up in the ongoing tug-of-war between Apple and EU regulators.