Apple has confirmed that its highly anticipated iPhone Mirroring feature will not be available to users in the European Union with the upcoming iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe updates, due to ongoing regulatory concerns related to the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
iPhone Mirroring, initially unveiled by Apple at WWDC24 alongside iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia in 2024, allows users to seamlessly mirror their iPhone’s screen onto their Mac and operate all installed iPhone applications directly from their Mac. Despite its technological prowess and convenience, the feature was never launched in the EU due to “regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act.”
At the time of its initial announcement, Apple also withheld SharePlay Screen Sharing and its groundbreaking Apple Intelligence suite from the EU market for similar regulatory reasons. While Apple eventually managed to roll out Apple Intelligence to European users, iPhone Mirroring has remained conspicuously absent. The latest confirmation from Apple executives during WWDC25 reiterates that this situation will not change with the release of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, slated for 2025.
Numerama’s report indicates that Apple’s stance on the feature’s rollout in the EU remains unchanged, with the company “working to make all these new features compatible” but harboring “too many doubts about how the European Union might judge its capabilities.” This cautious approach suggests a deep concern within Apple regarding potential legal and regulatory ramifications. The report further notes that “For now, iPhone Mirroring remains blocked, with the hope of making it work everywhere once the brand and its lawyers find a solution.”
The EU’s Digital Markets Act continues to be the primary obstacle, aiming to ensure fair and open digital markets by imposing strict rules on large online platforms designated as “gatekeepers.” For Apple, complying with the DMA’s provisions for iPhone Mirroring could necessitate significant changes to its ecosystem. One potential requirement highlighted by industry analysts is that bringing iPhone Mirroring to the EU might compel Apple to also enable Android phone mirroring, in order to comply with the EU’s broader regulations on interoperability and non-discrimination.
This potential mandate to support rival platforms like Android for a feature primarily designed for deep integration within the Apple ecosystem is likely a significant factor in Apple’s hesitation. Such a requirement would fundamentally alter the nature of iPhone Mirroring, extending its functionality beyond Apple’s proprietary hardware and software. Furthermore, the Digital Markets Act could also impact other forthcoming integrations, potentially preventing Apple from bringing the iPhone’s Phone app directly to Mac users with the release of macOS Tahoe.
Apple’s consistent decision to withhold iPhone Mirroring from the EU highlights the complex interplay between technological innovation and regulatory frameworks. As global tech companies navigate diverse legal landscapes, features like iPhone Mirroring become test cases for how deeply integrated ecosystems can coexist with regulations designed to foster competition and user choice. For European Apple users, the wait for iPhone Mirroring continues, contingent on Apple and its legal teams finding a viable pathway through the intricate web of DMA compliance.
