​The Gates, the Keepers, and the Android AI Walls

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is forcing a massive shift in mobile AI, and Google is right in the crosshairs. The core issue? Interoperability.

Under Article 6(7) of the DMA, Google must give third-party developers the same access to hardware and software features that it reserves for Gemini: 

"The gatekeeper shall allow providers of services and providers of hardware, free of charge, effective interoperability with, and access for the purposes of interoperability to, the same hardware and software features accessed or controlled via the operating system or virtual assistant listed in the designation decision pursuant to Article 3(9) as are available to services or hardware provided by the gatekeeper." 

While users can easily download competitors like Perplexity—and manufacturers like Motorola are actively partnering with them—these apps still face a "Gatekeeper Wall." They lack the deep, system-level integration that allows Gemini to read on-screen context, utilize hardware shortcuts, or access local processing chips with maximum priority.

The regulatory risk here is so severe that it explains why Apple completely withheld its own Siri AI rollouts in the EU. Apple chose to deny its users major features rather than open up iOS core architecture to rivals.

But Google has a better path forward. Instead of pulling back, Google should proactively design standardized, third-party API architectures within Android. By creating secure, sandboxed environments, Google can allow third-party AIs to access advanced system-level tools safely. This approach satisfies the EU's interoperability demands on Google's own terms, protects user privacy, and avoids court-mandated penalties ahead of the July 27, 2026 ruling.

As Henna Virkkunen, the EU Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, noted regarding the Android proceedings:

​"As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, it is clear that interoperability is key to unlocking the full potential of these technologies. These measures will open up Android devices to a wider range of AI services, so that users will have the freedom to choose the AI services that best meet their needs and values, without sacrificing functionality."

What I think will come of this is Google will eventually create a third-party API that will allow third-party AI's to be able to have the same access, but will be strict in the Play Store at how that can be implemented through the Play Store. Hopefully, we don't have a Epic Games situation all over again.