iOS 17 to Embrace Google Cast?

Apple may soon introduce native Google Cast support on iPhones, potentially with the release of iOS 17. This development, reported by Bloomberg, suggests a departure from Apple's long-standing reliance on its proprietary AirPlay protocol for screen casting. The impetus for this change appears to stem from the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation compelling tech giants to open their platforms to third-party technologies. The DMA has already influenced Apple to permit alternative app stores within the EU bloc.

Should Apple implement system-level Google Cast support, iPhone users would gain the ability to stream content directly to televisions and speakers that are compatible with Google's technology. Furthermore, users might have the option to set Google Cast as their default casting framework, overriding AirPlay. This enhanced flexibility is anticipated to be a direct consequence of regulatory pressure from the EU. An official announcement or confirmation regarding this feature is expected during Apple's WWDC keynote, scheduled for June 8th. It is important to note that this new functionality may be geographically restricted, possibly limited to iPhones operating within EU member countries.