Have you ever thought that you could simply “dock” your iPhone to your Mac and operate both devices as a kind of cyber twin? It sounds like the sci-fi promise that Apple introduced with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia (or Tahoe, as it’s now called in 2025). However, if you live in the European Union, you’re in for a bitter truth: “iPhone Mirroring "Not available in your country or region." That yellow triangle on your screen isn't just a warning—it symbolizes a years-long showdown between Apple and Brussels regulators. As you know, when Apple and the EU face off, nobody wins. In this article, we reveal why this feature remains unavailable, what users are saying on the forums, and whether there's hope on the horizon. Note: probably not without some complications.

Why is iPhone Mirroring in the European “no-go zone”?

Let's refresh the basics: iPhone Mirroring, introduced with iOS 18 in September 2024, lets you mirror your iPhone to your Mac and control it with a mouse and keyboard—ideal for those who don't like their iPhone hanging in the air during meetings. It works like a charm in the US and other regions. But in the EU? No way.

The main culprit is the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a European law designed to prevent big tech companies from monopolizing their apps. Apple claims the feature relies on its own closed ecosystem — the Continuity protocols, which are like a family recipe that they don’t share with their neighbors. Under the DMA, regulators could require Apple to open up these protocols to third parties, such as Android devices. Imagine: your Samsung Galaxy mirrored on a Mac. It sounds like a nightmare for Apple, which prefers to keep its bubble intact. “Due to regulatory uncertainty, we didn’t implement this feature,” an Apple spokesperson said in June 2025 when the iOS 18.4 and macOS Tahoe updates were released. And it’s no better: Even AirPods Live Translation is blocked for similar reasons, with a hint that the DMA could also affect upcoming hardware.

Irony? The EU wants more openness, but leaves users with less innovation. It's as if they're saying, "We want freedom, but not at the expense of your money for a new iPhone."

What users say: Frustration on Reddit and X, where sarcasm and chaos reign

We’re not alone in this pain. We’ve scoured forums and social media sites where European Apple fans are expressing their frustration. On Reddit’s r/MacOS and r/apple subreddits, the “iPhone Mirroring in the EU” thread is filled with tears and sarcasm. One user wrote: “I’ve been waiting for this feature like a messiah, but the EU buried it before it even got off the ground. Thanks, Margrethe Vestager!” Others point out that Universal Clipboard (sharing across devices) works without a hitch, which begs the question: So why not mirroring? The answer: because it would require opening the door to more competition.

On X (formerly Twitter), the debate is even more lively. Users like @levelsio quip, “Thanks EU, very cool!” at the news of the blockade. Others, like @BitsagaRob, ask, “Why the hell isn’t iPhone Mirroring available in the EU?” In September 2025, speculation arose that the DMA could even affect future iPhones if Apple doesn’t back down.

Users share “solutions,” but warn of risks: Changing your Apple ID region to the US works, but requires a device reset and can block access to the European App Store. One Reddit hacker described a workaround by disabling SIP (System Integrity Protection) on a Mac — sounds like a recipe for disaster, not smooth mirroring. Advice? Better to wait than risk your Mac becoming a tech experiment.

What's next: Will Apple give in or will the EU win this tech partisanship?

As we saw with Apple Intelligence arriving in the EU in April 2025, all is not lost – but iPhone Mirroring is a different story. Apple is hinting that it will remain blocked until the DMA clarifies the rules on “opening up” ecosystems. Perhaps change will come with iOS 19, but given the statements from Cupertino in June, where they said they “expect more delays”, it seems that the fight will be long.

For European users, this means: Enjoy AirDrop and Handoff, but dream of better times. Maybe it's time to hop on the "train" to the US — metaphorically, of course. Or, in the height of irony: try Android, where mirroring works without the Brussels drama.

In a world where technology promises freedom, DMA reminds us that freedom comes with a price – in this case, delays in features that should be taken for granted. If you’re in the EU and struggling with this, you’re not alone. Share your stories in the comments – maybe together we can convince Apple to give us back our cyber twins.

(FAQ) about iPhone Mirroring in the EU

1. Why is iPhone Mirroring not available in the European Union?

iPhone Mirroring is not available in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a European law that requires more openness from big tech companies like Apple. The feature relies on the closed Continuity protocols, which Apple refuses to open up to third parties like Android devices, which is why it has been blocked until the regulations are clarified.

2. Will iPhone Mirroring ever work in the EU?

It may be available with iOS 19, but Apple is hinting that it will remain blocked until the DMA clarifies the rules for opening up the ecosystem. Given the current statements of June 2025, where they expect more delays, the fight is likely to continue.

3. Is there any way I can use iPhone Mirroring in the EU?

Some users mention hacks such as changing the Apple ID region to the US, which requires resetting the devices and may block access to the European App Store. Others suggest disabling SIP on the Mac, which is risky and may cause technical issues. It is recommended to wait for an official solution.

4. How does DMA affect other Apple features in the EU?

The DMA also affects other features, such as AirPods Live Translation, which is also blocked. There is even speculation that it could restrict future iPhones in the EU if Apple doesn't comply with regulatory demands.

5. What can I do if I am disappointed by the absence of iPhone Mirroring?

If you're frustrated, you're not alone - share your stories in the comments or on forums like Reddit and X, where users come together. Alternatively, you can try Android devices where mirroring works, or enjoy existing features like AirDrop and Handoff until Apple finds a solution.