Google’s Regulatory Playbook Outmaneuvers Apple in Europe

The European Commission’s decision, issued under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), marks a significant shift for Android. By requiring Google to open its infrastructure to third-party assistants, Brussels aims to curb the advantage of preinstalled default software. However, the timeline serves Google’s interests far better than it does its rivals. With until July 2027 to finalize technical integrations, Google retains the ability to scale Gemini while shaping the interoperability standards that competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic will eventually utilize.

This outcome highlights a strategic divergence from Apple, which has opted for a confrontational stance toward the EU. When faced with similar DMA requirements for its new Siri AI, Apple publicly withheld the product from the European market, citing privacy and security concerns. While Apple attempted to negotiate an 18-month grace period for compliance, the Commission rejected the request, leaving Siri’s future in the bloc uncertain. Google, by contrast, chose to maintain its market presence while navigating the regulatory landscape, effectively securing the very transition period that Apple was denied. This approach ensures that Google’s AI assistant remains embedded in millions of devices, allowing it to entrench its position as the industry standard long before the DMA’s demands fully take effect.