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There's no denying the fact that Apple makes a lot of great software. Sadly, the lack of choice and the fact that you're forced to use whatever Apple provides are points of contention for some. This includes the European Union (EU), which has been working tirelessly to stop big tech companies from denying users the option to pick their own third-party programs.
Now it sounds like AirPlay could be getting some much-needed competition in iOS 27. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is set to start offering video-casting alternatives to satisfy the latest requirements in the EU's Digital Markets Act. This means other services, like Google Cast, could be made available on iPhones.
The only question is, will this be another case of Apple only making the changes within the EU, or will we see this same change enacted more widely?
Apple has already made a bunch of changes to iOS because of the Digital Markets Act. This includes opening up iOS to sideloading and third-party app stores — but only for residents of the EU. Every other part of the world has been left with the status quo, with no access to the alternative app stores or the ability to load whatever software they feel like.
I would be quite shocked if Apple didn't keep the same arrangement in place with casting and AirPlay. Apple has always resisted any attempts to open up the walled garden that is iOS, loudly complaining whenever it's faced with the prospect, and only complying when it's forced to do so by law.
If experience tells us anything, it's that Apple will likely do the same again, and without making a big deal about it.
iOS is becoming a two-tier system
Obviously, that situation is going to be quite disappointing for those of us who don't live in the EU. It's not that AirPlay is a bad system, or that there's a shortage of compatible TVs and streaming devices; it's that choice can only be a good thing.
It's not that AirPlay is a bad system, or that there's a shortage of compatible TVs and streaming devices; it's that choice can only be a good thing.
I also wonder whether Apple can really fall back on the tried-and-tested "security" excuse for not allowing third-party casting software. If it were to treat casting with the same scrutiny it treats App Store apps, and controls distribution outside the EU, then surely the risks would be minimized. Casting to your own devices is not like installing random software from sketchy sites across the internet.
Of course, giving developers access to add their own casting software to iOS is only one part of the equation. Developers are going to need the time and resources to develop their casting protocols for iOS. So it's not like iOS 27 will be released, and you'll suddenly be able to beam movies, photos, music and whatever other media you have, via something like Google Cast.
It's going to take time to roll out, and there's no telling how long that might take. Plus, with the potential audience in the EU being quite small compared to other parts of the world, there will likely be developers who don't bother at all.
We likely won't find out for sure until either WWDC 2026, which kicks off on June 8, or the release of the iOS 27 beta in the aftermath.
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