EU grants Google grace period for Android AI access while blocking Apple’s Siri rollout

The European Commission has invoked the Digital Markets Act to order Google to provide rival artificial intelligence assistants with access to Android system features and data comparable to those available to its own Gemini service. The decision, issued by the EU’s executive arm, mandates that the tech giant open its platform to competitors, though it has been granted a compliance grace period until July 2027. This timeline allows Google to continue expanding its Gemini ecosystem while it negotiates the technical details of interoperability with regulators.

In a stark contrast, the Commission rejected Apple’s request for an 18-month rollout period to make its Siri AI assistant compliant with the same regulations. Consequently, Apple’s feature cannot launch in the European Union until it meets the specified interoperability obligations. Apple had argued that granting third-party access would create unacceptable privacy and security risks, but the regulator did not accept the proposed gradual rollout.

The divergence in treatment highlights a strategic advantage for Google, which has integrated Gemini deeply into Android for years, often shipping it as the default assistant. The one-year runway compounds this existing market position, giving the company time to strengthen its footprint before rivals such as OpenAI and Anthropic gain comparable access. Google has not publicly commented on whether it plans to challenge the decision in court, nor did it provide comment to The Verge regarding the ruling.

Apple, conversely, unveiled its new Siri AI recently and chose to withhold it from the EU launch citing DMA compliance risks. The company used its WWDC 2026 keynote and a blog post titled “Due to DMA, Siri AI delayed in EU for iOS 17 and iPadOS 17” to frame the absence as a regulatory failure rather than a product choice. Despite having years to anticipate the DMA’s requirements during the product’s design, Apple has provided no public timeline for when, or if, Siri AI will reach the EU.

Both companies have historically opposed the interoperability demands, citing concerns regarding privacy, security, and product integrity. The two firms have also collaborated on integrating Gemini into Apple’s AI products, including Siri AI, suggesting they remain in contact while exploring different ways to navigate the same regulatory restrictions. For now, however, the outcome leaves Apple without a clear path to market while Google secures a period of continued dominance.