Apple Unusually Defends Google Against EU's Demand to Open Android to Third-Party AI

Apple has publicly warned the European Union against a proposal that would require Google’s Android system to open its core permissions to competing AI services. The company argues the move would significantly threaten user privacy, security, and device integrity.
The European Commission earlier found that Google gives its Gemini system system-level priority on Android, restricting third-party AI from accessing screen context and local data.
The EU's "Breaking Down Walls" Requirements
The EU seeks to end Gemini's monopoly through several proposed adjustments:
System-Wide Activation: Allow third-party AI tools to be triggered system-wide using wake words or physical buttons.
Reading Screen Context: With user consent, third-party AI could read the current screen content to deliver recommendations.
Inter-App Control: Exploring mechanisms for other AI services to control installed apps and system functions on behalf of users, similar to what Gemini can do.
Apple's Defense Argument
Though Apple and Google are fierce smartphone rivals, they have aligned against regulatory pressure. In its EU submission, Apple argued that the Commission's assessment was insufficient, having reached a preliminary conclusion in under three months — essentially replacing engineering judgment with administrative decisions.
Apple stressed that AI system capabilities and threat vectors are still unpredictable, and forcing open access to core permissions could degrade device performance and create backdoors for hackers or privacy leaks.
Big Tech Unites Against Regulation
This defense reflects the shared anxiety among Silicon Valley giants in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). Google has previously said the proposed measures would undermine key protections for European users.
As AI becomes the new foundation of mobile operating systems, regulators are attempting to intervene before the technology fully matures. The Apple-Google "alliance" aims to maintain the closed nature of their ecosystems and control, preventing forced openness from eroding their core competitiveness.
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Apple has publicly warned the European Union against a proposal that would require Google’s Android system to open its core permissions to competing AI services. The company argues the move would significantly threaten user privacy, security, and device integrity.
The European Commission earlier found that Google gives its Gemini system system-level priority on Android, restricting third-party AI from accessing screen context and local data.
The EU's "Breaking Down Walls" Requirements
The EU seeks to end Gemini's monopoly through several proposed adjustments:
System-Wide Activation: Allow third-party AI tools to be triggered system-wide using wake words or physical buttons.
Reading Screen Context: With user consent, third-party AI could read the current screen content to deliver recommendations.
Inter-App Control: Exploring mechanisms for other AI services to control installed apps and system functions on behalf of users, similar to what Gemini can do.
Apple's Defense Argument
Though Apple and Google are fierce smartphone rivals, they have aligned against regulatory pressure. In its EU submission, Apple argued that the Commission's assessment was insufficient, having reached a preliminary conclusion in under three months — essentially replacing engineering judgment with administrative decisions.
Apple stressed that AI system capabilities and threat vectors are still unpredictable, and forcing open access to core permissions could degrade device performance and create backdoors for hackers or privacy leaks.
Big Tech Unites Against Regulation
This defense reflects the shared anxiety among Silicon Valley giants in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). Google has previously said the proposed measures would undermine key protections for European users.
As AI becomes the new foundation of mobile operating systems, regulators are attempting to intervene before the technology fully matures. The Apple-Google "alliance" aims to maintain the closed nature of their ecosystems and control, preventing forced openness from eroding their core competitiveness.
DeepMind CEO Hassabis: I sleep six hours a day, usually feel energetic around 1 a.m.
Fortune recently featured an interview with Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, revealing his unconventional approach to rest and productivity. Hassabis disclosed that he sleeps very little, structuring his waking hours into two distinct work blo
OpenAI, Anthropic Vie for Market Share Despite Revenue Shortfalls
Despite recent reports suggesting OpenAI missed revenue targets, creating pressure on tech stocks this Tuesday, private AI lab investors remain resilient. Seasoned backers have confirmed they will not reduce investment despite negative media coverage





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