In order to continue working in the EU, the corporation is forced to open its doors to other developers.
Apple is making drastic changes to how web browsers work on iPhones for users in the EU. In iOS 17.4, you will be able to set your preferred default browser when you first launch Safari, and browser manufacturers will be able to use other browser engines.
Default browsers
Third-party browsers have long been present in the App Store, and Apple has enabled default browser selection in iOS 14. Starting with iOS 17.4, the first time you launch Safari, users will be prompted to set their default browser, including Safari. The following browsers will be available for users to install:
Browser engines
Apple also allows third-party browsers that use web engines other than Safari. Third-party browsers have so far been able to control the look and function sets, but the WebKit engine that underpins 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 will allow developers to take advantage of new features, including built-in browsers. Developers can learn more about the requirements on this page. Note that these changes to the web browser policy apply only to iPhone users in the European Union.
The corporation has taken such steps to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which comes into force in March. Apple also recently made changes to the App Store policy to allow users to install third-party apps that bypass the App Store.
Apple is making drastic changes to how web browsers work on iPhones for users in the EU. In iOS 17.4, you will be able to set your preferred default browser when you first launch Safari, and browser manufacturers will be able to use other browser engines.
Default browsers
Third-party browsers have long been present in the App Store, and Apple has enabled default browser selection in iOS 14. Starting with iOS 17.4, the first time you launch Safari, users will be prompted to set their default browser, including Safari. The following browsers will be available for users to install:
- Microsoft Edge;
- Brave;
- Firefox;
- Google Chrome;
- Opera;
- DuckDuckGo.
Browser engines
Apple also allows third-party browsers that use web engines other than Safari. Third-party browsers have so far been able to control the look and function sets, but the WebKit engine that underpins 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 will allow developers to take advantage of new features, including built-in browsers. Developers can learn more about the requirements on this page. Note that these changes to the web browser policy apply only to iPhone users in the European Union.
The corporation has taken such steps to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which comes into force in March. Apple also recently made changes to the App Store policy to allow users to install third-party apps that bypass the App Store.
