Apple Faces Pressure to Allow Competing Browsers on iOS in Europe, Google and Mozilla Express Disappointment
In a significant development for the tech industry, Apple is being compelled to make substantial changes to its iOS operating system in Europe. This move comes as a result of the European Union’s “Digital Markets Act,” which aims to regulate the practices of major tech companies known as “gatekeepers.” The act imposes various requirements related to interoperability, fairness, and privacy. As part of these demands, Apple will now be required to permit competing browser engines on iOS devices. This means that popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox will finally have the opportunity to bring their own web rendering code to iPhones and iPads. While this change appears to be a positive step towards enhancing the browser experience on iOS, both Google and Mozilla have expressed their disappointment with Apple’s proposed alterations.
One of the main concerns raised by Mozilla spokesperson Damiano DeMonte is the decision to limit the browser changes exclusively to the European Union. DeMonte argues that this restriction would force independent browsers like Firefox to develop and maintain separate browser implementations, creating an unnecessary burden. He further contends that Apple’s proposals fail to provide consumers with viable choices, as they make it extremely difficult for other browsers to compete with Safari. DeMonte asserts that this is yet another example of Apple erecting barriers to prevent true browser competition on iOS.
Apple’s framework for alternative browser engines, known as “BrowserEngineKit,” already has public documentation available as part of the iOS 17.4 beta. However, browser vendors will need to obtain Apple’s approval before utilizing the framework in a production app. Like all iOS apps, these browser apps will be subject to several requirements set by Apple. While none of these requirements appear unreasonable, they include having a certain level of web standards support, promptly addressing security vulnerabilities, and safeguarding user privacy by displaying standard consent prompts for accessing features such as location. Notably, the BrowserEngineKit app will be limited to the EU, as the EU rules exclusively apply within its jurisdiction.
Google’s VP of engineering for Chrome, Parisa Tabriz, echoed Mozilla’s sentiments, stating that Apple’s strategy is overly restrictive and fails to genuinely support web browser or engine choice on iOS. Tabriz believes that these limitations will not lead to meaningful options for browser developers.
Currently, users can download browsers like Chrome and Firefox on iOS, but these browsers are primarily superficial overlays on top of Apple’s Safari engine. iOS app developers are not permitted to include their own browser engines, resulting in all browsers relying on Safari’s WebKit engine with customized user interfaces and settings. Consequently, any bugs or feature support decisions made by WebKit affect all browsers.
The dominance of Safari as the default browser on iOS has drawn criticism from web developers who claim that it lags behind competitors in terms of supporting advanced web features. However, Safari has made notable improvements in recent years. For instance, in 2023, it finally introduced support for push notifications, enabling web apps to better compete with native apps from Apple’s App Store. Notably, this feature was already available on Google and Mozilla browsers seven years prior to Safari’s implementation.
While increased competition in the iOS browser space would be beneficial, it is likely that the primary contender will be Google. With its vast resources and reach, Chrome is better positioned to challenge Safari. However, integrating Chrome into iOS could potentially lead to a Chrome-dominated web experience. While Chrome may offer superior support for certain web features, it also comes with an inherent tracking system that compromises user privacy. In contrast, Safari boasts a stronger privacy story.
Although only EU users will have the option to choose from genuinely distinct browsers, competition within the EU market will ultimately benefit all iOS users worldwide. The compliance deadline for the EU rules is set for March 2024, necessitating the release of iOS 17.4 by then. Both Google and Mozilla have been diligently working on full versions of their browsers for iOS for over a year, raising hopes that they will be ready for launch in time.
