In macOS 16 Sequoia, Apple introduced a new feature called iPhone Mirroring, which allows users to stream their iPhone screen directly to a Mac and interact with it using the Mac’s mouse and keyboard—enabling tasks such as launching apps, browsing notifications, and more.
While this feature is available in most major markets worldwide, Apple has notably withheld it from release within the European Union. At the time, the company offered no explanation, leading to speculation that the restriction might be related to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
However, during the WWDC 2025 developer conference, Apple finally revealed the rationale: the company is concerned that offering iPhone screen mirroring in the EU might prompt regulators to demand support for Android device mirroring on macOS as well.
The 2024 Digital Markets Act (DMA) has already compelled Apple to dismantle parts of its walled garden in the EU—mandating, for instance, the allowance of third-party app stores, sideloading, and the use of non-WebKit browser engines.
Apple contends that EU regulators lack sufficient technical understanding and are primarily focused on enforcing changes to foster competition, regardless of the underlying complexities. Such regulatory tendencies, Apple warns, could lead to unpredictable shifts in policy, thereby introducing significant business risks.
The uncertainty surrounding the Digital Markets Act is the principal reason Apple is reluctant to offer iPhone screen mirroring within the EU. Although macOS is not currently classified as a “gatekeeper platform” subject to stringent oversight, Apple believes this status could eventually change.
Should such a change occur, providing iPhone screen mirroring on Mac might compel Apple to also support Android mirroring—undermining the feature’s exclusivity and significantly increasing development burdens.
For similar reasons, Apple has also announced that the upcoming Live Activities for iPhone feature, scheduled for release with macOS 26 Tahoe this fall, will not be made available in the European market. Accommodating a requirement to support Android integration, the company argues, would represent a monumental technical and strategic undertaking.
