Apple makes fundamental changes in the work of web browsers on the iPhone for users in the EU. In iOS 17.4 it will be possible to install the preferred default browser at the first launch of Safari, and browser manufacturers will be able to use other browser engines.
Default Browsers
Friendly browsers have long been present in the App Store, and Apple included the choice of default browser in iOS 14. Starting with iOS 17.4, at the first launch of Safari, users will be invited to install the default browser, including Safari. The following browsers will be available to users:
- Microsoft Edge
- brave
- firefox
- Google Chrome
- Opera
- duckduckgo
Browser Engines
Apple also allows third-party browsers to use web darts different from Safari. Third-party browsers could still control the appearance and sets of functions, but the Webkit engine, which underlies Safari, was the only web engine approved by Apple. Chrome, for example, uses Webkit only on iOS. On all other platforms, Chrome uses the Blink engine.
In iOS 17.4, Apple introduces new APIs that allow developers to utilize new functions, including browsers built into applications. Developers can learn more about the requirements on this page. It is important to note that these changes in web browser policy are only applicable to iPhone users in the European Union.
The corporation has taken these steps to comply with the Law on Digital Markets (Digital Markets Act, DMA), which will come into force in March. Apple has also recently made changes to the App Store policy to allow users to install third-party applications bypassing the App Store.