Google Wins Grace Period in EU AI Interoperability Mandate While Apple Remains on Hold

Today, the European Union ordered Google to grant rival AI assistants the same level of system features and data access that its Gemini service enjoys on Android, the open‑source operating system powering billions of devices worldwide. The directive comes under Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires gatekeepers to provide competitors with comparable access to key systems and data.

Google has been given until July 2027—roughly a year—to implement the changes, giving it ample time to continue expanding Gemini, negotiate technical details with EU authorities, and shape how third‑party AI services will integrate into Android. The company has not commented on whether it will pursue a legal challenge, citing concerns over user safety, security, and privacy if its systems are opened more broadly.

Apple’s approach has been markedly different. When Apple unveiled its new Siri AI last month, it announced the feature would not launch in the EU due to DMA requirements, requesting an 18‑month extension to build a compliant version. The Commission rejected that proposal, leaving Apple without a clear timeline for EU availability. Google’s extra runway lets it maintain market presence while working toward compliance, whereas Apple’s product rollout to the region remains stalled, potentially due to both technical and political considerations.

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