The European Commission is mandating that Google and Apple open their smartphone operating systems to competing AI assistants to curb the market dominance of Gemini and Siri. Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Google must provide third-party AI agents broader access to Android by July 2027, while regulators aim to prevent the two tech giants from leveraging their control over roughly 5 billion active devices to stifle competition in the emerging AI sector.
Regulatory Pressure on Smartphone Gatekeepers
Market research firm Omdia reports that Google and Apple maintain control over a combined 5 billion active smartphones globally. The European Commission views this massive install base as a “gatekeeper” advantage that could unfairly favor the companies’ own AI tools. According to the Commission, approximately 427 million of these devices fall under the jurisdiction of the Digital Markets Act, which took effect in 2023.
The EU’s mandate requires that by July 2027, Android users must be able to access third-party AI agents via voice commands and allow those agents to operate apps on their behalf. Additionally, the Commission is requiring Google to share search data with other search engines and AI chatbots starting in January, aiming to create a more level playing field for companies attempting to compete with Google Search.
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Roughly 30% of smartphones in the European Union already have ChatGPT installed, according to data cited by Bjorhovde. Regulators believe that opening up OS-level access could further increase the reach of third-party AI providers.
Security Risks Versus Market Openness
Tech giants are pushing back, citing fundamental security and privacy concerns. Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Google and Alphabet, stated on Thursday that the required changes would grant external apps “sensitive and powerful device permissions.” Walker argued that sharing search data could endanger national security and expose business trade secrets.
Apple has taken a similar stance, noting that the EU’s requirements would force the company to provide virtual assistants with direct access to private user data. This friction has already impacted product availability; in June, Apple announced it would not launch its new Siri AI assistant on iPhones and iPads in the EU, citing the regulatory environment created by the DMA.
The Privacy Trade-off in AI Development
The debate highlights the difficulty of balancing innovation with user protection. Michael Stokes, senior vice president of emerging technologies at Veilant, warns that if an AI assistant malfunctions or is compromised, the consequences could be severe given that these agents often have access to a user’s location, messages, and screen data.
Schroeder notes that without robust, built-in software protections, deeper access could allow malicious apps to siphon personal information. While tech companies argue that they are the best equipped to vet the permissions of third-party agents, regulators maintain that gatekeepers can implement necessary safeguards without closing off the market entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the EU targeting Google and Apple’s AI assistants?
The European Commission argues that Google and Apple use their control over smartphone operating systems to favor their own AI tools, such as Gemini and Siri, which prevents fair competition from other developers.
When will these changes take effect?
Google is required to begin sharing search data with competitors in January. The broader mandate to grant third-party AI agents deep access to Android must be completed by July 2027.
What are the primary risks cited by the tech companies?
Google and Apple argue that granting external AI agents access to core smartphone functions could lead to privacy breaches, the theft of sensitive user data, and potential security vulnerabilities.
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