Why are browser developers unhappy with the new iOS rules in Europe?
Apple is forced to make major changes to its iOS operating system in Europe in response to the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA)Directive Of the European Union. This act aims to regulate large technology companies by establishing rules on compatibility, fairness, and confidentiality. One of the key changes for Apple will be allowing the use of alternative browser engines on iOS, which will allow competitors such as Chrome and Firefox to implement their own web page rendering code on iOS, starting with version 17.4.
However, despite the apparent improvement in the conditions for iOS browsers, representatives of Google and Mozilla expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's proposed changes. In particular, the representative of Mozilla, Damiano DeMonte, previously criticized the decision to limit the use of the new BrowserEngineKit browser engine only to applications in the EU, pointing out additional difficulties for developers maintaining two different browser implementations and creating barriers to competition with Safari.
Apple introduced the BrowserEngineKit framework as part of the iOS 17.4 beta, requiring browser developers to get approval to use the framework in apps. The company imposes a number of requirements on developers, including support for web standards, rapid removal of vulnerabilities, and protection of user privacy. However, the main drawback is that the use of BrowserEngineKit is limited to EU countries.
Google's Vice president of Chrome development, Parisa Tabriz, echoed Mozilla's criticism, saying that Apple's strategy is too restrictive and does not provide a real choice for browser developers. Currently, alternative browsers on iOS, such as Chrome and Firefox, are essentially just shells for the Safari engine, which does not allow users to see all the advantages of different engines and limits competition.
The unsatisfactory situation with Safari as the only engine for all browsers on iOS causes dissatisfaction among web developers and users, since Safari often lags behind competitors in supporting modern web technologies. At the same time, the upcoming changes, although limited to the EU, can help improve the situation with iOS browsers in general, increasing competition and the quality of web browsing for users.
In addition to complying with the DMA and continuing to operate in the EU, Apple has also made changes to the App Store policy to allow users to install third-party apps to bypass the App Store.
Apple is not the only company that has been criticized by Mozilla. Recall that Mozilla recently accused Microsoft of imposing its Edge browser on Windows users using so — called "dark patterns" - elements of the operating system's design that encourage users to take certain actions. Mozilla believes that users should be able to download, install, and use any alternative browser on an ongoing basis. Without coercion, manipulation, or deception.
Apple is forced to make major changes to its iOS operating system in Europe in response to the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA)Directive Of the European Union. This act aims to regulate large technology companies by establishing rules on compatibility, fairness, and confidentiality. One of the key changes for Apple will be allowing the use of alternative browser engines on iOS, which will allow competitors such as Chrome and Firefox to implement their own web page rendering code on iOS, starting with version 17.4.
However, despite the apparent improvement in the conditions for iOS browsers, representatives of Google and Mozilla expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's proposed changes. In particular, the representative of Mozilla, Damiano DeMonte, previously criticized the decision to limit the use of the new BrowserEngineKit browser engine only to applications in the EU, pointing out additional difficulties for developers maintaining two different browser implementations and creating barriers to competition with Safari.
Apple introduced the BrowserEngineKit framework as part of the iOS 17.4 beta, requiring browser developers to get approval to use the framework in apps. The company imposes a number of requirements on developers, including support for web standards, rapid removal of vulnerabilities, and protection of user privacy. However, the main drawback is that the use of BrowserEngineKit is limited to EU countries.
Google's Vice president of Chrome development, Parisa Tabriz, echoed Mozilla's criticism, saying that Apple's strategy is too restrictive and does not provide a real choice for browser developers. Currently, alternative browsers on iOS, such as Chrome and Firefox, are essentially just shells for the Safari engine, which does not allow users to see all the advantages of different engines and limits competition.
The unsatisfactory situation with Safari as the only engine for all browsers on iOS causes dissatisfaction among web developers and users, since Safari often lags behind competitors in supporting modern web technologies. At the same time, the upcoming changes, although limited to the EU, can help improve the situation with iOS browsers in general, increasing competition and the quality of web browsing for users.
In addition to complying with the DMA and continuing to operate in the EU, Apple has also made changes to the App Store policy to allow users to install third-party apps to bypass the App Store.
Apple is not the only company that has been criticized by Mozilla. Recall that Mozilla recently accused Microsoft of imposing its Edge browser on Windows users using so — called "dark patterns" - elements of the operating system's design that encourage users to take certain actions. Mozilla believes that users should be able to download, install, and use any alternative browser on an ongoing basis. Without coercion, manipulation, or deception.
