Apple's EU launch excludes key iPhone 18 Pro, Duo, and Watch 12 features

Apple's Tuesday announcement revealed that several key iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Duo, and Apple Watch Series 12 features will be unavailable in Europe at launch, including Siri AI, Apple Reference Image, and Audio Intelligence. Siri AI, which powers the new chatbot experience, visual intelligence, and writing tools, is blocked in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS, though it works on Mac and Vision Pro. Apple Reference Image, which certifies photo authenticity, cannot capture images in the EU, and Audio Intelligence on the new watches is also excluded. The exclusions stem from Apple's dispute with the European Commission over Digital Markets Act interoperability requirements. French prices remain high despite missing features, with the iPhone Duo costing 17% more than its US equivalent while lacking its core demonstrated functions.