Apple be preparing to make one of the most significant changes ever to the iOS ecosystem, allowing for the replacement of AirPlay by competing third-party streaming protocols (in iOS 27). The move is directly related to the Digital European Union's Markets Act (DMA), which is pressuring major tech companies to offer greater interoperability and more choice to consumers.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman , Apple is working on new features in iOS 27 that will allow services like Google Cast to work at the system level as an alternative to AirPlay. If confirmed, users will be able to set other streaming protocols as the default option for transmitting audio, video, and photos from their iPhone or iPad to TVs, speakers, and other smart devices.
See also: Apple Intelligence 2.0: iOS 27 brings the new era of AI to Apple
The end of AirPlay exclusivity?
Until now, AirPlay has been a key part of Apple's closed ecosystem, offering seamless connectivity between iPhone, Apple TV, HomePod, and compatible third-party devices. However, its operation was based solely on Apple's protocols and specifications, forcing many companies to adopt AirPlay to ensure compatibility with iOS devices.
With iOS 27, that situation could change dramatically. Apple seems willing to allow competing streaming technologies to be natively integrated into the operating system, opening the door to more manufacturers and services.
The change is considered historic, as it touches on one of the most protected pillars of the company's ecosystem: complete control over the user experience.
Google Cast gains a significant advantage
The biggest beneficiary of this development will likely be Google Cast, formerly known as Chromecast. It is one of the most widely used streaming protocols worldwide, used on smart TVs, Android devices, media players, and hotel entertainment systems.
See also: iOS 27: Which iPhones are at risk of being left out of the upgrade
If Google Cast gets native support within iOS, iPhone users will be able to connect much more easily to compatible devices without the need for AirPlay or Bluetooth. This means faster pairing, better streaming quality, and fewer compatibility limitations.
This development could also significantly change the user experience in hotels, professional spaces and public entertainment networks, where Google Cast has dominated in recent years. Many iPhone users often encounter problems when trying to cast content to TVs that do not support AirPlay, which is likely to be solved with Apple's new approach.
The European Union is changing the future of iOS
The potential support for third-party streaming protocols is yet another indication of the pressure the DMA is putting on major tech platforms. Over the past two years, Apple has already been forced to make significant changes within the European Union, such as supporting alternative app stores, allowing sideloading apps , and giving third-party developers access to NFC features.
Now, Europe also seems to be influencing the way the iPhone's multimedia features work.
Market analysts believe that Apple is trying to requirements regulatory with maintaining the cohesion of its ecosystem. For this reason, it is considered quite likely that the new feature will be available exclusively in European Union countries and not globally.
More choices but also new challenges
While the change is expected to be welcomed by consumers, it also raises new questions about user experience and security. Apple has always had full control over AirPlay, ensuring specific standards of quality, privacy, and stability.
See also: iOS 27: Automatic Subtitles for Personal Videos on iPhone
Supporting third-party protocols may lead to greater fragmentation, varying performance per device, and potential compatibility issues. On the other hand, users will gain much greater freedom of choice and better integration with smart devices outside the Apple ecosystem.
iOS 27 is already showing how it will be one of the most defining upgrades in iPhone history, not only because of the AI features that Apple is preparing, but also because it marks a gradual transition from a completely closed ecosystem to a more open and flexible digital environment.
