Apple has limited the development and support of third-party browser engines in the European Union following the implementation of the new DMA Law, allowing for the use of alternative browsers on iOS.
According to sources, Apple has restricted the development and testing of third-party browser engines to devices located outside the EU, creating an additional challenge for developers wishing to create and support browsers with alternative engines in Europe.
Developers are now required to be based within the EU, with those in the United States only able to utilize simulators for testing, as full testing is only possible on real devices.
Prior to the release of iOS 17.4, Apple mandated that all browsers on iOS and iPadOS must use the Apple Webkit engine. Essentially, this means that regardless of the browser used on an iPhone, it is essentially Safari. Browser developers have long opposed this restriction as it diminishes competition and discourages iOS users from using other browsers.
The situation changed with the implementation of the Law on Digital Markets (DMA) in the EU, prompting Apple to allow the use of alternative browser engines for EU applications in iOS 17.4. However, competitors argue that these changes are aimed at complicating the development of competitive Safari alternatives.
A veteran of the browser industry expressed dissatisfaction with The Register, stating, “The terms of the contract are just outrageous, and very few suppliers I know would agree to them. Even those who could agree to create prototypes are unable to release products under the conditions Apple is trying to impose.”
Open Web Advocacy Open Web Standards noted that Apple’s restriction on specialists worldwide working on their browsers if they are not physically located in the EU hinders competition and product releases on iOS.
Apple typically refrains from commenting on such matters. Mozilla and Google have explored versions of Firefox and Chrome for iOS based on engines other than Webkit, but these have not yet been released. Users have been requesting a version of Firefox based on the Gekko engine for iOS, but there have been no commitments to release it.
According to the European Digital Markets Act, Apple now allows for the use of third-party applications or installations to bypass the App Store. The law stipulates that Apple must allow developers to use third-party payments, enable users to install applications without using the App