Apple recently announced that iOS 17.4, which is currently in beta and is slated to become stable next month, will enable iPhone and iPad apps – both dedicated browser apps and apps that provide in-app browsing experiences – use non-WebKit browser engines in the European Union.
This change represents a significant step away from the long-standing monopoly of Apple's WebKit browser engine on its platform, providing new opportunities for competition and innovation. Until now, on the iPhone, the Chrome browser and Microsoft Edge were forced to use the same browser engine as Safari, i.e. WebKit, instead of their own engine, Blink, while Firefox was prevented from implementing its engine, Gecko.
This restriction has significantly limited competition and the ability to differentiate between web browsers, unlike what is seen on the desktop and Android platforms, where the diversity of browser engines drives innovation and improves the user experience.
Apple has defined meticulously detailed steps, including specific requirements related to "timely security updates to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities," as well as other "ongoing privacy and security requirements," to ensure proper implementation of of this right for alternative web browser engines.
Google CRITICIZES Apple due to iOS 17.4 and a Historic Decision for iPhone and iPad
Despite these changes, Parisa Tabriz, Vice President and General Manager of Chrome, criticized Apple's approach, stating that “Apple is not serious about supporting the web browser or engine choice on iOS. Their strategy is overly restrictive and will not meaningfully lead to real choices for browser developers.”
This opinion resonates with Mozilla's previous statement, which highlighted the difficulty of "building and maintaining two separate browser implementations" given that alternative browser engines are only allowed in the EU.
Strongly agree with @mozilla. @Apple isn't serious about supporting web browser or engine choice on iOS. Their strategy is overly restrictive, and won't meaningfully lead to real choice for browser developers. https://t.co/GBA8ucR7NU
— Parisa Tabriz (@laparisa) February 2, 2024
However, companies like Google and Microsoft, which have significant engineering resources and are already big contributors or contributors to Chromium and Blink, may find this change a unique opportunity. Last year, Google started an experimental project to bring Blink to iOS, which, in light of this new development, could become a working reality.
This development marks a potential inflection point in the mobile browser market, inviting speculation as to how it will influence the European and possibly global digital landscape. While implementing this change will undoubtedly present challenges, it opens the door to a new era of competition and innovation in mobile web browsing that could ultimately benefit users by offering a wider range of choices and a better experience. improved navigation.
