Google, Apple Challenge EU Push to Open Smartphone AI Assistants

Google and Apple are pushing back against new European Union rules that would require them to give rival artificial intelligence assistants greater access to their smartphone platforms, setting the stage for a major battle over the future of mobile AI.

The dispute centres on the European Commission’s latest enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which seeks to reduce the dominance of large technology companies by giving competing AI services greater visibility and functionality on Android devices.

The Commission argues that Google and Apple currently enjoy a significant advantage in the AI race because they control the operating systems powering billions of smartphones worldwide. According to market research firm Omdia, Android and iPhone devices account for roughly five billion active smartphones globally, with about 427 million of them falling under EU regulations.

As AI assistants evolve beyond answering questions to performing tasks on behalf of users, regulators want alternatives to Google’s Gemini and Apple’s Siri to enjoy similar levels of access.

Under the Commission’s proposal, Google would be required to provide broader access to Android for third-party AI assistants by July 2027. The EU also wants Google to begin sharing search data with rival search engines and AI chatbot developers from January, allowing competitors to offer experiences comparable to Google Search.

Google has strongly opposed the measures, arguing they would compromise user security and privacy.

Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google and Alphabet, said granting external applications deeper access to Android would expose sensitive device permissions, while sharing search data could weaken privacy, expose business secrets and create national security risks.

Android President Sameer Samat also criticised the proposals, saying the Commission was “on the wrong track” because Android users already have the option to choose a different default AI assistant through their device settings.

Apple has raised similar objections. The company announced in June that it would delay the launch of its upgraded Siri AI features on iPhones and iPads within the European Union, citing concerns over compliance with the Digital Markets Act.

Apple said the new requirements would force it to give third-party virtual assistants direct access to users’ private information, adding that alternative proposals it submitted to regulators had been rejected. However, the company said it would continue engaging with the European Commission.

A Commission spokesperson said regulators have maintained regular discussions with Apple and insisted that companies designated as “gatekeepers” under the Digital Markets Act can still implement appropriate privacy and security protections while complying with the rules.

Industry analysts say the new regulations could reshape competition in the AI market by reducing the control Apple and Google exercise over their mobile ecosystems.

Runar Bjorhovde, an analyst at Omdia, noted that ChatGPT is already installed on about 30% of smartphones within the EU and suggested the new rules could strengthen OpenAI’s position.

He said the changes could eventually allow users to perform tasks such as booking rides through ChatGPT without relying on Android’s native services.

Privacy experts acknowledge that opening smartphone operating systems to third-party AI assistants raises legitimate security concerns but caution against accepting the technology companies’ arguments without scrutiny.

Calli Schroeder, Senior Counsel and Director of the AI & Human Rights Program at the Electronic Privacy and Information Center, said technology firms have not always prioritised user privacy until regulations threatened their business interests.

Experts also warn that granting AI assistants access to messages, microphones, location data and other sensitive device features could create significant risks if those systems malfunction or are misused.

Michael Stokes, Senior Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Veilant, said AI agents with extensive permissions could perform actions users never intended, highlighting the need for strong safeguards.

The debate reflects broader questions about balancing competition, innovation and user privacy as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into smartphones and everyday digital life.