Android smartphone users are entering a new age of choice. Until recently, Google’s Gemini had a strong advantage because it could use important Android features that other AI assistants could not fully access. Although users could set apps such as ChatGPT or Perplexity as their default assistant, these apps could not always work as smoothly as Gemini.
In July 2026, the European Commission announced new rules for Google under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. The goal is to give competing AI services fair access to Android features. In the future, European users should be able to activate their preferred assistant with a voice command, just as they can say “Hey Google” to start Gemini. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu)
Third-party assistants will also be able to carry out more actions inside other apps. For example, a user may ask an assistant to book a taxi, suggest a reply to a message, or provide information about a place that the user recently visited. Perplexity already lets Android users choose it as their default assistant and start it by pressing a button or using a screen gesture. However, wider access to Android could make such services more powerful and convenient. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu)
Greater choice may encourage AI companies to create better services. One assistant might be good at searching for information, while another may be better at conversation, writing, or managing daily tasks. Users could choose the service that best meets their needs.
However, there are also concerns about privacy and security. AI assistants may need access to personal information, apps, or recent activity to help users. The European Commission says its measures include safety protections, but Google has warned that opening Android to unfamiliar services could create new risks. (digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu)
For now, these changes mainly concern the European Union. Still, they may influence Android services in other regions. In the future, choosing an AI assistant could become as normal as choosing a browser or messaging app.










