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iOS 18.4: iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing Still Missing in EU

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Apple is on the cusp of releasing iOS 18.4, which brings Apple Intelligence to the European Union for the first time. However, iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing is still missing from Apple's RC build of the operating system in the EU because of regulatory concerns.

iPhone-Mirroring-Thumb-2.jpg

Apple this week seeded to developers and beta testers its RC (Release Candidate) build of iOS 18.4, which is meant to be a near-final version that, unless major issues are found, will be the same as the public release expected in April.

With the upcoming software update, iPhone and iPad users in the EU will have access to Apple Intelligence features, with the AI suite of features also available in more languages. However, the RC build indicates that Apple is still leaving out iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing features in the EU due to the regulatory uncertainties brought about by the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

iPhone Mirroring lets users mirror their iPhone to their Mac, while SharePlay Screen Sharing lets users share their iPhone or iPad screen during a FaceTime call, enabling them to watch videos, listen to music, or browse apps together with others. It is not clear how long it will take Apple to expand these features to the EU, nor what changes Apple might have to make to introduce them under the DMA. We've reached out to Apple for comment and will update readers if we hear back.

Article Link: iOS 18.4: iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing Still Missing in EU
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/25/ios-iphone-mirroring-shareplay-missing-eu/
MacRumors said:
iPhone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing is still missing from Apple's RC build of the operating system in the EU because of regulatory concerns.
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It’s unfortunate, but that’s what happens when governments have strict regulations to “protect” consumers. I’m sure Apple has to meet with regulators and discuss if it is allowed in its current form or needs to be modified.
 
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Reactions: user1234, fzJNotIBOxgnbqejSeVCvJScL, danskin and 17 others
El oh el. The EU deserves every bit of this. You wanted Nanny Vestager to go after Apple for bogus violations & cries of "monopoly!!!" , now reap the consequences. People in the EU are going to be dead last when it comes to getting new iOS-iPadOS-MacOS features (if they get them at all) and it's going to be amusing to see.

But alt App Stores hooray right?
 
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Naraxus said:
El oh el. The EU deserves every bit of this. You wanted Nanny Vestager to go after Apple for bogus violations & cries of "monopoly!!!" , now reap the consequences. People in the EU are going to be dead last when it comes to getting new iOS-iPadOS-MacOS features (if they get them at all) and it's going to be amusing to see.

But alt App Stores hooray right?
Click to expand...
nah alt stores are useless... I have everything I want on the App Store.
 
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Reactions: Macomatic, user1234, danskin and 6 others
The regulatory reasons that Apple refers to are totally bogus. Starting in April, they will begin offering their useless AI tools in the EU but withhold really useful tools. Apple, being the vindictive child it has turned into under Tim's leadership. 🙄
 
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WarmWinterHat said:
Why does the mirroring bit matter with the EU?

I tried it for about 2 mins then haven't touched it since. I can't think of any situation where I would use such a feature.
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Same. Everything my phone can do my Mac can also do. I guess there are niche situations with apps.

Also, Apple is probably worried they would be forced to open up the implementation to everyone else, which is exactly what is happening with other features.
 
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WarmWinterHat said:
Why does the mirroring bit matter with the EU?

I tried it for about 2 mins then haven't touched it since. I can't think of any situation where I would use such a feature.
Click to expand...

personally, it's the one feature I want the most, because it will allow me to use apps that exist on the phone only (such as my bank codes app or my shopping list app) without needing to switch away from the Mac I am working on
 
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Naraxus said:
El oh el. The EU deserves every bit of this. You wanted Nanny Vestager to go after Apple for bogus violations & cries of "monopoly!!!" , now reap the consequences. People in the EU are going to be dead last when it comes to getting new iOS-iPadOS-MacOS features (if they get them at all) and it's going to be amusing to see.

But alt App Stores hooray right?
Click to expand...
Really don't care if honest.
iPhone mirroring, yep would be nice but not a game changer.
Apple Intelligence, meh.
SharePlay screen sharing, not a big deal at all.
 
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Reactions: Tanax, MasterControlProgram, AND411 and 2 others
I am a member of the EU and unfortunately I have to say that this EU is shooting itself in the foot with its bureaucracy! Even if the intentions are honorable, the result will be that Europeans will feel more and more disgusted and vote for parties that will destroy the EU as it exists today... and unfortunately I have to say (from day to day) rightly so!
 
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Reactions: Macomatic, user1234, fzJNotIBOxgnbqejSeVCvJScL and 19 others
The DMA chills innovation and here is a prime example. For those saying Apple is withholding the feature out of "spite" - no, it's not.

The feature is unavailable to the EU because releasing it there would mean that Apple is required by law to give third-party apps the ability to completely control a person's iPhone remotely - with all the safety, privacy, and security issues that brings. No way Apple ever releases it in the EU under those circumstances.
 
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Apple taking their time to hash things out. These features are not that big of a deal, but I do wonder if they would ever hold back an entire software version or a hardware release. Would probably cost them too much money. Not sure if it would impress the regulators much if Apple is the one losing out most.
 
AppleTO said:
Same. Everything my phone can do my Mac can also do. I guess there are niche situations with apps.

Also, Apple is probably worried they would be forced to open up the implementation to everyone else, which is exactly what is happening with other features.
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I used it regularly before getting my iPad. A lot of health and fitness related apps, financial apps, the Journal app, my car app were all used on my Macbook through iPhone Mirroring. Most of this works natively on the iPad.

I agree with your last statement there. The EU will likely force Apple to open up the mirroring tech.
 
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not a huge loss. iphone mirroring sucks. the whole point is to use it when your phone is not near you or you are too lazy to pick it up....

and they make you PICK IT UP and unlock it before you can use it most of the time. Stupid.
 
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