# Thierry Breton’s Departure: Implications for the iPhone
Thierry Breton, a key player in the European Commission (EC), has recently declared his resignation, igniting conversations about the direction of tech regulations in Europe, specifically those targeting major tech firms like Apple. Together with Margrethe Vestager, Breton led several pivotal legislative initiatives designed to regulate Big Tech, including the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). These regulations have significantly influenced the operations of companies such as Apple, Google, and Meta, shaping the technological framework in Europe.
Breton’s resignation, along with Vestager’s prior exit from her position as the European Commissioner for Competition, prompts inquiries regarding the future of these regulations and how they might affect products like the iPhone. While the likelihood of repealing these laws is low, the exit of their primary advocates could indicate a change in enforcement dynamics, potentially alleviating some regulatory burdens on tech firms.
## Effect of EU Regulations on the iPhone
European regulations have greatly impacted Apple’s iPhone in recent years. A major shift has been the EU’s initiative for a universal charging standard, culminating in the adoption of USB-C ports on the iPhone. This alteration, aimed at minimizing electronic waste, has received mixed feedback from users and tech fans alike.
Moreover, the DMA and DSA have introduced new stipulations designed to enhance competition and safeguard consumers’ digital rights. These regulations have compelled Apple to adjust its App Store policies, permitting third-party app stores and sideloading within the EU. While these modifications aim to promote competition, they also raise concerns regarding security and user experience.
Although Breton’s resignation may not trigger an instant reversal of these policies, it could enable a more adaptable approach to their application. The retreat of two leading proponents of stringent tech regulations may facilitate more lenient enforcement, granting companies like Apple greater freedom to innovate while remaining within the established legal boundaries.
## Apple’s Intelligence and AI Rollout Delays in Europe
One of the most awaited functionalities of the iPhone 16 is Apple Intelligence, the firm’s newly developed AI-powered assistant. However, due to Apple’s cautious stance in response to European regulations, this feature will not be accessible in the EU at launch. The DMA and DSA, along with various local laws, have complicated Apple’s ability to introduce AI capabilities in Europe, necessitating compliance with rigorous data privacy and competition standards.
This slowdown is not exclusive to Apple. Other tech titans, such as OpenAI, Google, and Meta, have encountered difficulties launching their AI offerings in Europe. For example, the introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard was delayed in the region due to regulatory challenges. Breton’s resignation could potentially lead to a more efficient process for launching AI offerings in Europe, although this remains uncertain.
## Wider Implications for Big Tech
Breton’s resignation is indicative of a broader transformation within the European Commission, as several prominent figures exit ahead of the 2024 EU parliamentary elections. While Breton and Vestager played crucial roles in defining the EU’s tech regulatory environment, their departures do not inherently suggest a rollback of the laws they advocated. The European Parliament supported the DMA, DSA, and other tech-focused regulations by significant majorities, ranging from 86.5% to 96%.
However, the new Commissioners replacing Breton and Vestager might adopt a different approach to enforcing these regulations. Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has exhibited a less confrontational stance toward Big Tech compared to her counterparts. This shift could result in a more equitable regulatory framework, maintaining accountability for tech firms while encouraging innovation and adaptability.
## Future Prospects for the iPhone
For iPhone users in Europe, the regulatory landscape has undoubtedly influenced their experience with Apple’s flagship device. From the enforced shift to USB-C to the postponed launch of AI features, the EU’s tech policies have had a concrete impact on the iPhone. Nonetheless, Breton’s departure provides a sense of optimism that forthcoming regulations could be enacted in a manner that promotes further innovation without sacrificing consumer protection.
While the DMA and DSA will remain in effect, the absence of their primary architects might foster a more practical enforcement approach. This could be advantageous for both consumers and tech firms, allowing for a smoother integration of advancements like Apple Intelligence into the iPhone.
In the interim, iPhone users in Europe will need to continue adapting to the regulatory environment, but there is reason for cautious optimism about what lies ahead. Whether through the introduction of innovative features or a more flexible compliance approach, the post-Breton era may usher in beneficial changes for both Apple and its European clientele.
## Conclusion
The resignation of Thierry Breton
