Commission pushes Google to open Android to rival AI assistants

The European Commission has sent Google its preliminary findings under the Digital Markets Act, setting out draft measures aimed at ensuring effective access and interoperability for third parties with key Android functionalities. These measures are part of specification proceedings opened on 27 January 2026 and focus on how alternative AI assistants can interact with core Android capabilities.

According to the Commission, Google would be required to allow competing AI assistants to perform user-facing actions on Android devices, such as sending emails, ordering food, or sharing photos, through users’ chosen apps rather than Google’s own services. The objective is to prevent default advantages for Gemini and to ensure that rival AI providers can offer comparable user experiences.

The draft measures would also enable deeper technical integration of third-party AI assistants on Android smartphones and tablets. Notably, users could activate alternative assistants via custom voice wake words, placing them on a more equal footing with Google’s own assistant. Brussels considers this broader access essential to promoting competition and innovation in AI-enabled consumer services.

The Commission has opened a public consultation on the proposed measures, with feedback due by 13 May 2026. After reviewing submissions from stakeholders and Google, the Commission must adopt a final, legally binding decision within six months from the launch of the proceedings.