Apple Aligns with Google Against EU AI Access Rules for Android

Apple submitted a response to the European Commission supporting Google’s claim that the EU’s draft measures would force Android to give third-party AI assistants the same system-level access reserved for Google’s own AI services, raising privacy, security, safety and device-performance concerns.

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The Digital Markets Act (DMA) seeks to curb the power of dominant platforms. Under the Act, the Commission wants Android functions—wake-word activation, contextual data and app-control APIs—to be open to rival AI tools and requires Google to share anonymized ranking, query, click and view data. The Commission told Google in January 2026 to grant equal AI access, released draft rules in April 2026, received Apple and Google feedback by 13 May 2026, and must decide by 27 July 2026.

EngadgetApple Joins Google In The Battle Against EU For Open AI SystemsApple Gives Alphabet a Rare Ally in Europe’s AI-Android FightApple Backs Google in EU AI Fight as iPhone Rules LoomApple Backs Google Against EU Push to Open Android to Rival AI ServicesAppleInsiderReuters

Apple says the draft measures “raise urgent and serious concerns” and would create “profound risks for user privacy, security and safety as well as device integrity and performance.” Google calls the proposal an “unwarranted intervention” that would weaken privacy safeguards and raise costs. The Commission argues the rules give AI rivals “an equal opportunity to innovate and compete” and provide “more choice” for Android users. Apple also opposes the DMA, accusing the Commission of “political delay tactics” and questioning its technical expertise, noting regulators are “redesigning an OS” after less than three months of work.

Engadget

The draft would let third-party AI services send emails, order food, share photos and adjust settings via Android apps. Google would have to provide anonymized ranking, query, click and view data to rival search engines. The DMA allows fines up to 10 % of global turnover for non-compliance. If adopted, the rules could expose users to privacy and security risks, affect device performance, and set a precedent that may extend to Apple’s iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Sources agree on Apple’s alignment with Google; the exact filing date and the Commission’s final adjustments are not disclosed.

Engadget

• “The DMs (draft measures) raise urgent and serious concerns.” — Apple, submission to the European Commission

Engadget

• “The DMs (draft measures) raise urgent and serious concerns. ?If confirmed, they would create profound risks for user privacy, security, and safety as well as device integrity and performance.” — Apple, submission

Apple Joins Google In The Battle Against EU For Open AI Systems

• “The EC is redesigning an OS... it is substituting judgments made by Google's engineers for its own judgment based on less than three months of work,” — Apple, submission

AppleInsider

• “It is all the more dangerous given the only value that can be discerned from the DMs guiding this work appears to be open and unfettered access.” — Apple, submission

Apple Joins Google In The Battle Against EU For Open AI Systems

The Commission will review the feedback, may adjust the draft, and is expected to issue a final ruling by 27 July 2026. Apple and Google face the prospect of binding obligations, while Apple anticipates similar DMA scrutiny of its own operating systems.

Apple Backs Google Against EU Push to Open Android to Rival AI Services