Apple, Google oppose EU interoperability plan

Apple and Google are pushing back against a European Union plan that would require Android to open more of its operating-system and AI capabilities to rival services under the Digital Markets Act. The European Commission published draft measures on April 27 and closed its public consultation on May 13, after inviting comments from companies, developers and other interested parties. The proposal targets features Google uses for Gemini on Android, including wake-word activation, app interaction and access to hardware and software resources. Apple, though not the target of this case, has aligned itself with Google’s argument that deeper third-party access can weaken privacy and security protections. ### Which EU case triggered the latest fight? The European Commission opened specification proceedings against Google on January 27, 2026, to define how Alphabet must comply with Article 6(7) of the DMA for Android interoperability. The case focuses on whether third-party AI providers should get access to the same Android features that support Google’s own AI services, including Gemini. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu) The April 27 preliminary findings set out draft measures the Commission said would give third-party AI services “effective access and interoperability” with key Android capabilities. Brussels said the aim is to let competing services interact with apps on users’ devices and execute tasks such as sending an email, ordering food or sharing a photo. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu) ### What exactly would Google have to open? The Commission’s consultation document names four areas of access. The draft measures would let rival AI services be activated through their own custom wake words, interact with users’ applications to understand context and carry out tasks, and use the hardware and software resources needed to work reliably on Android devices. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu) Alphabet’s Android system is already a designated gatekeeper service under the DMA, and the Commission said Google “largely reserves” some of these capabilities for its own AI offerings. Teresa Ribera, the Commission’s executive vice-president for clean, just and competitive transition, said the measures are meant to give Android users more choice in the AI services they use on their phones. Henna Virkkunen, the executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said interoperability is needed so users can choose alternative AI services “without sacrificing functionality.” (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu) ### Why is Apple weighing in on a Google Android case? Apple has not been named in the Android specification case, but it has made similar arguments in its own DMA disputes. Apple said in a September 24, 2025 statement that the DMA is forcing changes that affect how Apple products work together and that some required interoperability work has delayed features in the EU. Apple cited Live Translation with AirPods, iPhone Mirroring and Maps features as examples of products it said were delayed or limited in Europe because of interoperability demands. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu) Apple said it designed Live Translation so conversations stay on-device and “are never accessible to Apple,” and said it had not found a secure way to bring iPhone Mirroring to non-Apple devices “without putting all the data on a user’s iPhone at risk.” Those arguments mirror the company’s broader position that mandated access can expose users to new privacy and security risks. (apple.com) ### What is Brussels’ legal basis for the proposal? Article 6(7) of the DMA requires gatekeepers to provide free and effective interoperability with hardware and software features of designated operating systems. The Commission said the Google proceedings are part of a specification process, not yet a formal non-compliance finding, and are intended to define the concrete measures Google must take. (apple.com) The Commission also said the proceedings are without prejudice to its power to later find non-compliance and impose fines or periodic penalty payments. That means the current dispute is about the scope of access first, with enforcement tools still available if Brussels concludes Google has not met the law’s requirements. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu) ### What happens after the consultation closed? The public consultation on the Android draft measures closed at 23:59 CEST on May 13, 2026, according to the Commission’s case page. The case reference is DMA.100220, and the Commission has published a non-confidential summary and annex describing the proposed measures. The Commission said on January 27 that it would conclude the specification proceedings within six months of opening them. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu) That timetable points to a final specification decision by late July 2026, unless Brussels changes the schedule, with Alphabet, rival AI providers and device makers the named participants in the next step. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu)