The European Commission today officially ordered Google to grant third-party AI services the same access to Android device features as Gemini. The EU’s Digital Markets Act requires software companies like Apple and Google to grant equal interoperability to third-party apps and services, and the EC enforces it.
DMA interoperability rules explain why Siri AI will not be available in the European Union when iOS 27 launches. While Apple tried to reach a deal with regulators before launching Siri AI in Europe, Google did the opposite. Instead of asking for it, Google just launched the integration of Gemini on Android and chose to deal with the consequences afterwards. Google’s strategy gives Android users in Europe full access to Gemini while working on compliance with the DMA.
The European Commission is giving Google a full year to implement changes that will meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act, before any legal action Google may take.
The European Commission imposes the same requirements on Google as on Apple. Google must allow AI applications to access 11 features, such as:
- AI services should be accessible through voice commands like “Hey Google” or through access points like the home button or another activation button.
- AI services must be able to perform actions within and across applications, including running long-running tasks in the background.
- Google must enable AI services to access the context of applications and device sensors so that AI can offer proactive services and anticipate user needs.
- Google must give AI applications enough hardware and software resources, including access to its on-device AI models to perform tasks.
Google is required to implement the majority of changes proposed by the European Commission by August 1, 2027.
Shortly after announcing Siri AI, Apple said EU regulators would not accept any proposed solutions to introduce the feature and refused to commit to options that “preserve privacy and security.” Apple wanted to use a trusted system agent that would allow third-party virtual assistants to securely access the same device capabilities as the AI Siri.
Apple said the Digital Markets Act would require it to give any AI system “nearly unrestricted access to a user’s device,” as well as the ability to act autonomously on that information.
The European Commission says Apple was “unable to develop interoperability solutions that meet essential EU privacy and security standards” and instead requested a blanket exemption from interoperability requirements, which the EC did not grant.
In response to the EC mandate, Google said the requirements “risk undermining vital privacy and security safeguards for millions of Europeans.” Google hasn’t given any information on next steps, but it says it plans to “continue to advocate for a balanced approach that protects privacy and security while supporting market goals.”
