Jan 26, 2024 11:00:00

Apple finally allows full versions of Chrome and Firefox to run on iPhone

Apple has announced that it will allow browser engines other than WebKit in iOS 17.4, allowing browsers other than Safari, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, to function fully. This change is in response to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and applies only to users in the EU.

Apple announces changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union - Apple

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/01/apple-announces-changes-to-ios-safari-and-the-app-store-in-the-european-union/

Update on apps distributed in the European Union - Support - Apple Developer

https://developer.apple.com/support/dma-and-apps-in-the-eu/#browser-alt-eu

Using alternative browser engines in the European Union - Support - Apple Developer
https://developer.apple.com/support/alternative-browser-engines/

Apple is allowing alternative browser engines in iOS 17.4 — but only in the EU - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/25/24050478/apple-ios-17-4-browser-engines-eu

While Apple has allowed various browsers to run on iOS, it has only allowed the Webkit browser engine, which meant that browsers like Chrome and Edge, which run on the Chromium engine, and Firefox, which runs on the Gecko engine, were forced to run on Webkit on iOS, meaning many features and extensions didn't work.

However, in the beta version of iOS 17.4 released on January 26, 2024, Apple has for the first time allowed the use of engines other than WebKit. According to Apple, anyone developing a browser app or an in-app browser can use an engine other than WebKit if they wish.

Each developer is approved by Apple only if they meet certain criteria and commit to ongoing compliance with privacy and security requirements.

Apple also revealed that the first time users open Safari, they will be prompted to select a default browser. The DMA stipulates that users must be able to uninstall pre-installed apps, such as web browsers that direct users to products or services from companies designated as 'gatekeepers.' In Apple's case, this includes Safari, which is pre-installed on iOS. However, it is unclear at the time of writing whether Apple will allow users to uninstall Safari.

Apple was clearly angry in a release announcing the new feature, explaining that the default browser selection screen 'interrupts the experience when you first open Safari.'

The report also pointed out that browser engines 'are constantly exposed to potentially malicious content and can make sensitive user data visible, making them one of the most common attack vectors for malicious actors.' It also stated that it would only allow developers to implement alternative browser engines if they meet a number of requirements , including blocking cookies by default and prioritizing vulnerability fixes over new feature development.