Brussels, May 13, 2026, 22:01 CEST
On Wednesday, Apple threw its support behind Alphabet’s Google as the company battles EU regulators pushing for rules that would require Android to open up Google-linked features to competing AI services. Apple cautioned that these proposals might put device security and privacy at risk.
Timing is a key factor here. The move landed on the final day of a European Commission consultation on draft rules tied to the Digital Markets Act—a law targeting greater openness for big online platforms. The Commission has said a decision on whether to impose these measures on Alphabet will come by July 27.
This isn’t just paperwork in Brussels for Alphabet. Android serves as Google’s foundation for Gemini, Search, and more, right as AI assistants are beginning to reshape the way people look up information, shop online, draft emails, and use their phones.
Apple warned the draft rules presented “urgent and serious concerns,” arguing they pose “profound risks for user privacy, security, and safety.” The company flagged its own stake in the outcome, saying the regulatory logic at play might impact its operating systems as well. Reuters
Google had slammed the plan earlier. Clare Kelly, the company’s senior competition counsel, labeled it an “unwarranted intervention” and argued it would force Google to share access to sensitive hardware and permissions, chipping away at privacy and security safeguards for users in Europe. Reuters
The Commission is taking another tack. Last month, EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera argued the planned changes would hand Android users “more choice” regarding which AI services they access on their devices. According to regulators, Google currently reserves certain core Android functions for its own AI products—Gemini, for instance. Reuters
The proposed rules target wake words—those trigger phrases that start up an AI service—along with contextual data, app functions, and permissions to tap into software or hardware. The Commission says the changes would open the door for third-party AI tools to do things like interact with apps, send emails, order food, share photos, or even adjust phone settings for users who ask.
Alphabet’s Class A shares climbed roughly 4% to $402.98 in U.S. trading, close to the session’s high.
This market shift follows a robust first quarter. Alphabet posted a 22% jump in revenue, reaching $109.9 billion. Google Cloud’s revenue surged 63% to $20.0 billion. “Our AI investments are delivering value throughout the company,” chief executive Sundar Pichai said. Q4 Capital
The AI race isn’t coming cheap. This week, Alphabet rolled out plans for its inaugural yen bond, and Amazon lined up its first Swiss franc deal, with both tech giants seeking fresh capital abroad to bankroll data centers and chips. “If you’re a high-quality credit, the world’s open — not just the U.S.,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth. Reuters
Google has its eyes on space as well. The company said Tuesday it’s been discussing future launches for Project Suncatcher with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and other partners. The initiative aims to link solar-powered satellites—each loaded with Google’s Tensor Processing Units—into an AI cloud network in orbit.
The EU case remains a double-edged sword. Regulators might ease off following feedback—or take a tougher stance, driving up compliance costs or demanding Google unlock Android features the company deems security-critical. Last week, the Commission called Google’s proposed fix in a related DMA dispute “not strong enough,” leaving open the possibility of a fine in the final ruling. Reuters
