The European Union has issued a ruling that compels Google to grant greater access to artificial intelligence companies within the Android operating system. This action aims to intensify competition among digital assistants available on mobile devices, putting pressure on the large technology corporation.
European regulators required Google to ensure 'level playing field' conditions for competing AI services. In practice, this means the company must allow other platforms to compete with Gemini, its native assistant. The central concern of the European Union is that Android's dominance, which covers approximately 60% of smartphones in the bloc, gives Google a very difficult position of advantage to overcome.
In addition to granting access to system functionalities, the decision implies sharing anonymized search data with competitors, including those companies that develop chatbots. The main changes imposed include: greater availability of rival AI assistants on Android; the ability to use voice commands and execute actions in applications; the sharing of anonymized search data; and the reduction of barriers for external developers.
This requirement is part of the Digital Markets Act, which mandates greater interoperability among the largest technology platforms.
In response, Google warned that such a determination could create new security risks by allowing third parties to access sensitive user information. Kent Walker, Google's general counsel, informed The New York Times that such decisions endanger crucial privacy and security protections for millions of European citizens. The company also argued that both data stored on phones and browsing history require safeguards against unauthorized access.
However, the European Union maintains that consumers deserve more choices. According to the rule, external developers will have the prerogative to offer alternatives to Gemini and Apple's Siri.
The advancement of artificial intelligence in smartphones has elevated operating systems to a strategic element. Assistants embedded in devices are capable of helping users with various activities, such as replying to messages, interacting with applications, and quickly locating information.
Both Google and Apple hold a significant advantage by controlling the most popular mobile systems globally. For this reason, European regulators have been closely monitoring how these companies manage new artificial intelligence features. Apple, meanwhile, had already encountered obstacles with European regulation, postponing the introduction of new Siri AI features in the region in June due to lack of agreement with regulators.
Google has until July of next year to implement all changes requested by the European Union, although it has not yet announced whether it will challenge the decision.
Google will implement a significant change in Android app distribution, allowing third-party stores access to the Play Store catalog in the United States starting July 22. This decision introduces a new dynamic in how applications can be distributed on the operating system.
The company launched the Play Catalog Access Program, which enables external stores to offer applications and games already present in the Play Store. The goal of this initiative is to foster new distribution models without implying the withdrawal of Google's participation in the process. It is important to note that even with this novelty, download processes will be finalized through Google Play, and the company's service fees will remain valid for applications installed by these platforms.
This change is directly related to the legal dispute between Google and Epic Games. In November 2025, the two companies reached an agreement following a ruling by Judge James Donato, which established modifications to the functioning of app distribution on Android. Previously, there was a proposal for the 'Registered App Stores' program, which would facilitate installation but would still depend on the sideloading method, where users install apps outside the official store.
Platforms wishing to participate in this new program can be listed within the Google Play itself. To join the system, they must meet certain rigorous conditions. Among them is the need for an initial payment of US$ 5,000 (equivalent to approximately R$ 27,000) for security review, plus an annual fee of US$ 5,000 (about R$ 27,000) to maintain catalog access. Other requirements include providing customer service in the United States and adhering to the security and operational standards stipulated by Google.
Dan Jackson, a Google spokesperson, told The Verge that this global evolution of the business model aims to provide greater variety of app stores, more accessible prices, and more opportunities for both developers and users.
The opening to external stores is part of a larger set of adjustments negotiated between Google and Epic Games. As a result, the commission charged by the company on app purchases has been reduced from 30% to 10%. Additionally, developers have gained the ability to implement their own payment systems or redirect users to their websites during transactions made within games and applications. For now, this novelty is geographically limited to the United States, and partner platforms cannot use the Play Store catalog to distribute apps in other countries, although the measure expands distribution choices on Android under specific Google ecosystem rules.
