The EU Opens Android to Third-Party AI Assistants in July 2027

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Key Takeaways

1Google will have to open Android to competing AI assistants from Gemini

2Users will be able to activate a third-party assistant via voice command and access equivalent functions

3Google will have to share anonymized search data with its rivals

💡Why it matters — These measures aim to enhance competition and choice for users, while raising concerns for Google regarding privacy and security.

The European Commission has adopted binding measures under the DMA that will require, starting in July 2027, the opening of Android to competing AI assistants like Gemini. These measures also include access for rivals to anonymized search data. Brussels cites the need to rebalance competition and user choice, while Google warns of risks to privacy and security.

The Commission sets July 2027 and mandates data sharing

The specification decision adopted by the Commission is legally binding and comes with a deadline for Google. Users should see new features arriving on Android smartphones starting in July 2027. Meanwhile, Google will have to provide its competitors with anonymized search data. According to the Commission, this access aims to rebalance competition by giving third-party engines data that only Google Search can collect on a large scale.

Android must offer the same features to third-party AIs

Google is required to open Android to third-party AI assistants and grant them the same capabilities as its own technology. Users must be able to choose and activate their preferred assistant via voice command, similar to a keyword like "Hey Google." These third-party assistants will also need to perform actions within applications: delegating tasks such as booking a taxi, suggesting responses in messaging apps, or providing information about recently visited places. This is presented as a significant change for those who will not use Google's AI.

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Goal: prevent an advantage for Gemini and expand choice

These measures are part of the Digital Markets Act, which regulates tech giants. Brussels aims to prevent Google from leveraging Android to favor Gemini over other services like ChatGPT or Claude. Recently, the Commission also compelled WhatsApp to open access to Meta AI competitors on its platform. Teresa Ribera believes these decisions will help smaller players—search engines or AI assistants—compete and offer more choices while protecting user privacy.

Google contests on privacy and security

Google criticizes these decisions, claiming they risk compromising essential privacy and security safeguards for millions of Europeans. The company states that it has repeatedly proposed solutions that balance user protection with the objectives of the DMA. It further argues that these decisions ignore numerous pieces of evidence regarding the harms already suffered by users.