During the WWDC 2024 event, Apple announced the launch of its new technology, Apple Intelligence, which will initially be available only in US English. The company has indicated that it plans to introduce support for additional languages over the coming year.
However, users in China and the European Union will not have access to these AI features at launch. Apple is actively working with regulators in these regions to address any issues and hopes to expand availability in the future.
Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed questions from investors about the rollout of Apple Intelligence in China and the EU. While specific details were not disclosed, Cook emphasized that Apple is engaged with regulatory bodies in these regions. The company’s priority is to fully understand the regulatory landscape before committing to a timeline for making Apple Intelligence available outside the US.
For now, Apple users can preview the new features by switching their device settings to US English, but this option does not extend to users in China and the EU, where the features are completely blocked. In the EU, the block is attributed to privacy and security concerns related to local AI regulations, while in China, the restrictions are due to data processing requirements that necessitate handling data within the country’s borders.
Tim Cook also mentioned that more languages and functionalities will be introduced throughout the next year. He did not specify whether these updates would be part of a new iOS 18 release or postponed until the iOS 19 update in the fall of 2025. The timing and specifics of these updates remain uncertain but are expected to roll out gradually.
The Apple Intelligence features will be available for free with the upcoming iOS 18 and macOS 15 updates. However, they will only be compatible with newer Apple devices, including M1 or later iPads and Macs, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro. Users with older devices may not be able to access these advanced features.