Google Cast could be coming to the iPhone as Apple's walled garden cracks further

At a glance:

• Apple's iOS 27 update will reportedly support third-party media-casting protocols like Google Cast due to EU's Digital Markets Act
• This change could eliminate Apple AirPlay licensing fees for TV makers and make Google Cast sticks more compatible with iPhones
• The feature may be restricted to the EU, though Apple has sometimes rolled similar changes globally

What's changing

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 update will reportedly enable the iPhone to support AirPlay alternatives by default to meet the EU's requirements under the Digital Markets Act. According to Bloomberg, Apple is building support for third-party media-casting protocols, which would allow outside services like Google Cast to be set by users as the default solution for beaming video, photos, and audio from an Apple device to a Google Cast-supported speaker or TV. This represents a significant shift in Apple's traditionally closed ecosystem approach to media casting.

The development comes as part of a broader trend of Apple being forced to open its walled garden, particularly in European markets. The company has previously allowed alternative app stores on iOS, permitted emulators on the App Store, and diluted its anti-steering rules for developers in response to DMA requirements. The addition of third-party media-casting protocols appears to be the next major step in this ongoing process of ecosystem opening, potentially making iPhones more versatile for users who prefer casting solutions beyond Apple's proprietary AirPlay.

Why it matters

This change could fundamentally reshape the television and streaming stick market by reducing financial barriers for manufacturers. Currently, TV makers must pay Apple licensing fees and meet strict hardware requirements to include AirPlay functionality in their products. With Google Cast support potentially becoming available on iPhones, manufacturers could eliminate these costs while still ensuring compatibility with the massive iPhone user base. This could lead to more affordable televisions and streaming devices as manufacturers pass these savings to consumers.

For users, particularly those who own Google Cast-enabled streaming sticks or Android TV devices, this development would significantly enhance the iPhone's utility. Cheaper streaming sticks that already support Google Cast would become highly compatible with iPhones, allowing seamless content sharing between Apple devices and non-AirPlay displays. This could make the iPhone an even more versatile media center than many Android phones, which typically support Google Cast and/or Miracast but will likely never officially support Apple's proprietary AirPlay standard. The result would be a more competitive and consumer-friendly media casting landscape.

The EU factor

The entire initiative stems from the EU's Digital Markets Act, landmark legislation designed to prevent tech giants from abusing their dominant market positions. Under the DMA, Apple has been required to gradually open its closed ecosystem, even if reluctantly. The company has implemented these changes primarily within EU markets, though some updates have subsequently been rolled out globally—either directly by Apple or to comply with similar regulations in non-EU countries.

It remains uncertain whether the Google Cast support in iOS 27 will be restricted to EU users or expanded worldwide. Historically, Apple has maintained a strict regional approach to DMA compliance, with most changes remaining confined to European markets. However, the company has occasionally implemented certain updates globally, such as allowing emulators on the App Store across all regions. This creates a situation where iPhone users outside the EU may need to wait for similar regulatory pressure in their own markets or hope that Apple decides to extend these benefits voluntarily. The company's history of "malicious compliance" further complicates predictions about the scope of this feature's availability.

What's next

As Apple works to implement these changes, the tech industry will be watching closely for additional details about how third-party casting protocols will be integrated into iOS. While the Bloomberg report confirms the basic direction—support for alternatives like Google Cast—specific implementation details remain unclear. This includes how users will set third-party services as defaults, whether there will be any limitations or performance differences compared to AirPlay, and how Apple might attempt to maintain some level of ecosystem control despite the opening.

For consumers and industry stakeholders, the timeline of iOS 27's release will be crucial. While Apple typically previews major iOS updates at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, the final release usually doesn't occur until September or October. During this period, beta versions will likely reveal more about the implementation of third-party casting protocols. Additionally, TV manufacturers and streaming device companies will need to prepare their products and marketing materials to highlight compatibility with iPhones once this feature becomes available. The broader streaming ecosystem may see significant shifts as companies realign their strategies based on this newfound compatibility between Apple devices and non-AirPlay technologies.