Google Ordered to Open Android to Competing AI Assistants

A major shift is underway in the world of mobile operating systems. The European Commission has issued two binding decisions under the Digital Markets Act, requiring Google to open up key features on its Android platform to competing artificial intelligence (AI) services. This move marks a significant change for users who will soon be able to choose their preferred AI assistant, whether it’s ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity, and use it seamlessly alongside other apps.

The current situation is restrictive, with only Google’s Gemini having full access to the system so far. However, this is set to change as Google must now grant competing AI services equal access to eleven key features on Android devices. These features include waking an assistant by voice at any time, even when the display is off, and carrying out tasks in other apps.

The changes will be rolled out with Android 18, which is due for release by August 1, 2027, at the latest. However, concurrent hotword detection for multiple assistants can wait until Android 19, scheduled to arrive by August 2028. The Commission’s decisions also extend beyond AI services, requiring Google to hand over anonymized search data to competing search engines, including those with built-in chat features.

The dataset must be ready by November 2026, and the pricing model for accessing this data is expected to be finalized by January 2027. This move has been met with criticism from Google’s chief legal officer Kent Walker, who expressed concerns that it could undermine vital privacy and security measures for millions of Europeans. However, the Commission disputes these claims, stating that direct identifiers such as usernames and IP addresses will be stripped from search data, rare queries suppressed, and users anonymized into groups of at least 1,000 people with similar language, region, and device class.

Independent audits will be conducted annually to ensure compliance. Google is expected to appeal the decisions but must still comply in the meantime. This development marks a significant blow for Google in Europe, following the recent upholding of a €4.1 billion Android fine.