Could CE Rules Impact Future Vision Pro Models in Europe?

Vision Pro made its debut in the United States on 2 February last year, but European consumers had to wait much longer to experience the device. It finally reached the UK and other European markets on 12 July of the same year, with the CE mark that signals compliance with EU legislation. The five-month delay between the US and European launches was not accidental. Apple postponed the international release to address several challenges, such as the need to adapt to the regulatory requirements of those countries. They had to modify the algorithms to meet the strict European Union regulations that govern technology products.

Europe has earned a reputation for its rigorous standards when it comes to tech products and digital services. This raises an important question of whether these strict requirements make Europe a difficult area for future innovations in this space.

Privacy Concerns Beyond Traditional Boundaries

The Apple Vision Pro goes beyond simply displaying mixed reality content; it’s designed to collect and interpret a new range of spatial and behavioral data, setting it apart from accessories like the Apple Watch. The device continuously scans the eyes, tracks hand movements, and maps the surrounding environment to enable seamless interactions and immersive digital mobile experiences. This advanced sensing capability represents a significant evolution in how we engage with technology in our personal spaces.

Apple promotes strong privacy protections for the Vision Pro, but the headset gathers unprecedented amounts of information that has little legal oversight. These capabilities exist somewhere between current privacy laws and the new world of spatial computation. The privacy regulations available today were not built with spatial computing technology in mind. This creates serious gaps in protection for Vision Pro users, which leaves important questions about data use and storage largely unanswered.

European Regulations Delay Major Tech Features

The EU authorities have consistently made it difficult for giant tech companies to launch products on the continent. Apple Intelligence was released in June 2024 as a suite of AI-powered features for iPhone and Mac devices, but it wasn’t available in Europe till 21 February this year. Initially, Apple decided not to launch the product at all in the European Markets due to regulatory requirements.

Meta also delayed the launch of its Twitter competitor, Threads, to the EU over similar concerns. The social media giant has also refused to release its advanced Llama AI models in Europe, with regulatory uncertainty cited as the main reason.

Will There be Future Delays?

Apple has huge plans for new Vision Pro products. The company will release a lighter and more affordable version sometime in 2027. The model is also expected to connect directly to Mac computers. Apple will continue to improve the VisionOS software with new features, like updated gestures for the Home View and the ability to convert regular 2D photos into spatial photos. Looking further ahead, Apple may develop a more mainstream device that looks like regular glasses but includes augmented reality features.

European Union regulations could cause some delays for these future products, but they should not affect the overall release schedule. Apple has already faced challenges in Europe due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has created complications for product launches in the region.

This regulatory pressure also has had real financial consequences, as the European Commission imposed its first fines under the Digital Markets Act on Apple in April. The company received a €500 million penalty for allegedly preventing app developers from telling users about alternative payment options outside the App Store. Meta faced a €200 million fine for not giving users a genuine choice about data collection under its “consent-and-pay” system.

These companies responded with strong criticism. Meta accused the EU of trying to handicap successful American businesses, while Apple claimed it was being unfairly targeted and forced to give away technology for free. European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen defended the actions, stating the EU has a duty to protect citizens and innovative businesses in Europe.

Despite these ongoing tensions, the delays caused by DMA compliance may benefit consumers in the long run. The regulations aim to give users more choices for app stores and payment methods. Apple has committed to working constructively with the European Commission to meet DMA requirements across all its services, suggesting future Vision Pro releases will eventually reach European markets, even if they arrive a bit later than in other regions.