It was previously confirmed by Apple that Apple Intelligence is not coming to the European Union (EU) and China earlier this June, but a new development in the latest beta release notes brings the generative AI system for the EU. However, there is a catch, as it would only be available for Mac computers, and it would be part of the upcoming macOS 15 Sequoia release.
For now, the Apple Developer Beta's program already confirmed Apple Intelligence's availability in the EU with its specific wording. It is not yet quite available like other regions in the world.
The macOS 15.1 Sequoia Beta Confirms EU Availability
Apple's latest update to the macOS 15.1 Sequoia's beta release notes make it clear that Apple Intelligence is coming to the EU in the future.
Despite this confirmation from Apple, it is known that Cupertino giant is currently working with EU regulators to bring Apple Intelligence to iPhones and iPads. However, it is not risking any DMA violations, which is why it is blocked for now.
Apple Intelligence is Coming to the EU, But Only via Macs
The latest episode this week of the Upgrade podcast had a listener revealing the latest changes on macOS Sequoia 15.1 beta release notes from Apple, revealing that China is the only region that would not get Apple Intelligence. Before this 15.1 beta version's release date, Apple claimed that Sequoia's Apple intelligence access would not be available for even for the EU.
It is also known that Apple's capabilities to deliver its generative AI tech to these regions is not in question. Rather, its adherence to laws and regulations is one of the main reasons behind it.
That being said, the tech giant is still blocking Apple Intelligence's availability in the EU and China for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, as per the latest beta release notes, until further notice.
Apple Intelligence and its Current Accessibility
To date, Apple Intelligence is known for being the latest limited technology from the company, which was reportedly not going to be immediately available on its operating system releases, on any device, across its global regions. This is because Apple is planning to release its take on generative AI later. Specifically, eligible iPhones would only get this come iOS 18.4.
Apple revealed that only selected devices would receive the Apple Intelligence experience, and it would only be available for iPhone 15 Pro devices and later. For iPads equipped with the M1 chips and later, it would also be made accessible. The same goes for Mac computers that already have the Apple Silicon SoC, as M-series can accommodate the new AI tech.
Being a limited release from tech giant, the current beta program still does not have a preview for Apple Intelligence, but it already offers the revamped Siri for users to familiarize themselves.
After claiming that AI would not be available from Apple in the EU, that changed now in its beta release notes, and while it will still not be available to iPhones and iPads, Mac owners in the region could soon access Apple Intelligence.
