The EU has ordered Google to open more parts of Android to rival AI apps, citing concerns that its dominant mobile OS could box out competitors. The regulator says rival AI assistants have only limited access to "key functionalities" within Android compared to Gemini, limiting how "third-party AI assistants ... can offer their innovative services."

Once changes are made, Android users will get a choice similar to browser selection in the bloc, allowing them to wake their preferred assistant with voice commands for agentic actions. The EU also insisted Google share search data with third-party engines, including making AI chatbots "eligible to receive shared data" under anonymized conditions evaluated by an independent third party.

These decisions are legally binding. Google must begin data sharing by January 2027 and open Android features to rival AI apps by July 2027. Kent Walker, Google's President of Global Affairs, warned the decisions "risk undermining vital privacy and security guardrails for millions of Europeans" and claimed the EU ignored evidence of user harm.

Apple unusually backed Google, saying such moves would cause a "privacy nightmare" and "endanger national security." It remains unclear if Google will challenge the rulings, though its stern response suggests it likely will.