Apple and Google Halt the Opening of Android to External AIs in the EU

Published on May 17, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

The European Commission proposed that Google allow third-party artificial intelligence services to perform actions on Android, such as sending emails or ordering food. Apple and Google have joined forces to oppose this. Apple argues that the measure exposes the privacy, security, and integrity of devices, presenting its formal response to Brussels.

Smartphone interior view showing Android system architecture with third-party AI plugin attempting to access core messaging and food delivery modules, Apple and Google security shields blocking the connection path, glowing red warning indicators on compromised data flow, circuit board traces leading to locked API gates, cinematic engineering visualization, cold blue and orange contrast lighting, metallic casing edges, photorealistic technical illustration, microscopic detail on chip components, dramatic tension between open and locked pathways

The technical risks of opening the Android system to external AIs 🛡️

Apple maintains that allowing an external AI to control key system functions, without the same sandboxing and permission restrictions, creates attack vectors. Direct integration into Android could bypass native security protocols. Google, for its part, fears losing control over the user experience and data management, as external AIs would access contacts, calendars, and payment services without the usual protection layers.

Unity makes strength, but only against competition 🤝

Seeing Apple and Google hand in hand is as rare as seeing a cat and a dog sharing the same food bowl. But when the EU touches the wallet or ecosystem control, enemies become allies. It is curious how much they defend security precisely when it comes to not opening the door to rivals. Surely if the proposal were for Siri to be able to shop on Amazon, the discourse would be different.