EU Regulations Force Apple (AAPL) to Postpone Some New Features from iOS 26 Update

Tech giant Apple (AAPL) is planning to postpone the launch of certain new features from its upcoming iOS 26 update in the European Union, as it works to comply with the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to The Wall Street Journal. One of the delayed features is the “Visited Places” tool in Apple Maps, which allows iPhones to detect when users visit specific locations like restaurants or shops. These visits are recorded in Maps and protected using end-to-end encryption, meaning that Apple itself cannot access them.

Apple’s Vice President of Legal, Kyle Andeer, confirmed the delay by noting that some features announced earlier this month will not be available to EU customers at launch. The company is still reviewing which parts of iOS 26 will require adjustments or be held back entirely. The delays show that Apple is making an effort to ensure that its products follow the new EU rules, which are meant to curb the power of large digital platforms and encourage fair competition.

However, Apple also warned that some of the changes needed to meet the DMA’s requirements could weaken the company’s privacy and security protections. As a result, Andeer emphasized that these regulations may force Apple to compromise on the strong safeguards it has built into its software. As Apple continues to evaluate the necessary updates, it remains unclear how many features will ultimately be delayed or altered for users in the EU.

Is Apple a Buy or Sell Right Now?

Overall, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on AAPL stock based on 16 Buys, nine Holds, and four Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average AAPL price target of $226.54 per share implies 13.2% upside potential.

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