pple may be preparing one of the most significant changes yet to its wireless media ecosystem, with a new report claiming the company will introduce support for third-party streaming protocols such as Google Cast in iOS 27.
According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is currently developing support for alternatives to its proprietary AirPlay protocol ahead of the official unveiling of iOS 27 on June 8.
If accurate, the update could dramatically expand how iPhone users stream audio and video content to televisions, speakers, and smart home devices.
Apple May Open iOS to Third-Party Streaming Protocols
For years, Apple has tightly controlled wireless media streaming on its devices through AirPlay, which is deeply integrated into the iPhone, iPad, and broader Apple ecosystem.
Currently, AirPlay is the only streaming protocol built directly into iOS at the system level.
The reported changes in iOS 27 could allow users to:
- Stream directly using Google Cast
- Set third-party streaming systems as defaults
- Use broader smart TV compatibility
- Improve interoperability with non-Apple devices
The update would represent a rare expansion of Apple’s ecosystem openness.
Google Cast Could Gain Native iPhone Integration
The report specifically mentions support for Google Cast, the technology behind Chromecast-enabled devices.
Google Cast allows users to wirelessly stream:
- Videos
- Music
- Photos
- Apps
- Browser content
from smartphones and computers to compatible devices such as smart TVs and speakers.
Unlike AirPlay, Google Cast is widely supported across Android ecosystems and many third-party entertainment products.
If integrated directly into iOS, the feature could significantly improve compatibility between iPhones and non-Apple home entertainment devices.
EU Digital Markets Act Driving Apple Changes
According to the report, the primary reason behind the shift is regulatory pressure from the European Union.
Specifically, Apple is reportedly adapting to new obligations under the Digital Markets Act, which seeks to reduce the dominance of major technology gatekeepers and improve competition within digital ecosystems.
The legislation has already pushed Apple to introduce several major changes, including:
- Alternative app marketplaces
- Expanded browser engine options
- Third-party payment flexibility
- Greater interoperability requirements
Adding support for rival streaming standards could become another major compliance step under the EU’s evolving regulatory framework.
It’s Unclear Whether the Feature Will Be Global
One major unanswered question is whether Apple will limit third-party casting support to European markets or launch the functionality worldwide.
Technically, Apple may only be required to comply within the EU.
However, maintaining region-specific software systems can increase:
- Development complexity
- Software maintenance costs
- Compatibility risks
- User confusion
As a result, analysts believe Apple could ultimately decide to roll out the feature globally for simplicity and consistency.
The company has previously taken both approaches depending on the feature and regulatory requirement involved.
AirPlay Has Been Central to Apple’s Ecosystem Strategy
For Apple, AirPlay has long served as a strategic ecosystem advantage.
The technology helps encourage users to remain within Apple’s hardware environment by creating seamless wireless integration between:
- iPhones
- iPads
- Macs
- Apple TVs
- HomePods
Opening iOS to third-party streaming protocols could weaken part of that exclusivity.
However, regulators worldwide are increasingly pressuring large technology firms to improve interoperability and reduce ecosystem lock-in.
The balance between ecosystem control and regulatory compliance is becoming one of the defining challenges for major tech companies.
Why Google Cast Support Matters
Native support for Google Cast on iPhones could benefit users in several ways.
Better Smart TV Compatibility
Many smart TVs already support Chromecast functionality but not AirPlay equally well.
Easier Cross-Platform Streaming
Users with mixed-device households could stream more seamlessly between Apple and non-Apple products.
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Expanded Audio Device Support
Third-party speakers and entertainment systems often prioritize Google Cast compatibility.
Greater User Flexibility
Allowing default streaming protocol selection gives users more control over their ecosystem preferences.
For consumers who already use Google-powered entertainment products, the update could remove several longstanding friction points.
iOS 27 Expected to Be Major Update
iOS 27 is expected to be officially unveiled during Apple’s annual developer conference in June.
The operating system will likely include:
- AI-powered features
- Productivity improvements
- Expanded ecosystem integration
- Regulatory compliance changes
- User interface refinements
Apple has been under growing pressure to modernize several aspects of iOS while simultaneously adapting to increasing global regulatory oversight.
Third-party streaming support could become one of the most consumer-visible examples of those changes.
Apple’s Relationship With the EU Continues Evolving
The potential Google Cast integration highlights the growing influence of European regulation on global technology platforms.
The Digital Markets Act has already forced several large companies to alter longstanding business models and software restrictions.
Apple, in particular, has faced increasing scrutiny over:
- App Store policies
- Default services
- Hardware ecosystem restrictions
- Payment systems
- Interoperability practices
The reported iOS 27 changes suggest the company may continue gradually opening portions of its ecosystem under regulatory pressure.
Streaming Ecosystems Becoming More Competitive
Wireless streaming technologies are becoming increasingly important as smart home ecosystems expand.
Companies including:
- Apple
- Amazon
are all competing to control connected entertainment and smart home experiences.
Interoperability between these ecosystems has historically been limited, frustrating consumers who own products across multiple platforms.
If Apple fully embraces third-party casting support, it could represent a meaningful shift toward broader ecosystem compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google Cast?
Google Cast is Google’s wireless streaming technology used in Chromecast-enabled devices and smart TVs.
What is AirPlay?
AirPlay is Apple’s proprietary wireless streaming protocol for audio and video.
Why is Apple adding third-party casting support?
The changes are reportedly linked to compliance with the Digital Markets Act.
Will Google Cast support be available worldwide?
It remains unclear whether Apple will limit the feature to the EU or launch it globally.
When will iOS 27 be announced?
iOS 27 is expected to be unveiled on June 8 during Apple’s developer event.
Conclusion
Apple’s reported plans to introduce Google Cast support in iOS 27 could mark one of the biggest interoperability shifts in the iPhone ecosystem in years.
Driven largely by European regulatory pressure, the move may give users greater flexibility when streaming content across smart TVs, speakers, and connected devices outside Apple’s ecosystem.
Whether the feature launches globally or remains limited to Europe, the changes signal a broader transformation in how major technology platforms are being forced to rethink ecosystem control in an increasingly regulated digital environment.
