iPhones May Soon Stream to Google Cast Devices Without AirPlay
Apple is reportedly preparing to allow iPhones running iOS 27 to use third-party streaming protocols like Google Cast as the default method for wireless media sharing, a move driven by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. This change would mark a significant shift from Apple’s long-standing reliance on AirPlay and could expand compatibility with non-Apple devices globally or regionally by 2026.
Apple may introduce a major update to iOS 27 that enables iPhones to stream photos, videos, and audio to Google Cast devices without relying on AirPlay, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The change would allow users to select Google Cast as the default streaming protocol system-wide, simplifying media sharing with smart TVs, streaming sticks, and other Google Cast-compatible devices currently accessible only through individual app implementations. This development is likely a response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which has already compelled Apple to introduce alternative app marketplaces and greater interoperability in Europe. While previous DMA-related changes have been limited to the EU, Apple has not confirmed whether this streaming feature will expand globally or remain restricted to European users. Beyond Google Cast, the update could benefit manufacturers of smart TVs, speakers, and other entertainment devices by reducing their dependence on Apple’s AirPlay certification. Users may gain more flexibility in streaming content, while hardware producers could achieve broader compatibility with iOS devices. Apple is expected to announce iOS 27 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 8, 2026, where details on the streaming feature’s availability—including its geographic scope—will likely be revealed. If implemented, this would represent one of the most significant adjustments to Apple’s wireless ecosystem since AirPlay’s introduction over a decade ago.
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