Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz informed The Verge today that Apple will release the second developer betas of iOS 18, iPad 18, and macOS Sequoia on Monday. Sainz mentioned that tidbit of information while providing a statement about how some features of the three new operating systems will not be rolled out this year in the European Union.
Two weeks ago, Apple unveiled hundreds of new features that we are excited to bring to our users around the world. We are highly motivated to make these technologies accessible to all users. However, due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), we do not believe that we will be able to roll out three of these features — iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence — to our EU users this year.
Specifically, we are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security. We are committed to collaborating with the European Commission in an attempt to find a solution that would enable us to deliver these features to our EU customers without compromising their safety.
Two of the features that the European Union won’t be able to enjoy this fall will be included in next week’s iOS 18 beta. Apple will unlock the iPhone mirroring feature in macOS Sequoia while enabling expanded SharePlay screen sharing in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
iPhone Mirroring allows users to fully control their iPhone via their Mac, providing access to apps, interacting with notifications, and more. A user’s custom wallpaper and icons appear just like on their iPhone, and they can swipe between pages on their Home Screen, or launch and browse any of their favorite apps. The keyboard, trackpad, and mouse on Mac also let a user interact with their iPhone, and audio even comes through. Users can seamlessly drag and drop between iPhone and Mac, and a user’s iPhone remains locked, so nobody else can access or see what the user is doing. It also works great with StandBy, which stays visible, so users can get information at a glance. Additionally, users can review and respond to iPhone notifications directly from their Mac.
SharePlay screen sharing allows Apple users to remotely control the screen of another Apple user, making it easier to provide technical support and offer other assistance.
The third feature that won’t be available this year in the European Union – Apple Intelligence – will be released in beta form later this summer, perhaps timed to the release of the public beta, which is scheduled for a July release.