Apple Enables Full Chrome & Firefox On Browsers On iPhone In EU Via DMA

The Chrome Browser on the iPhone could get the Chromium engine as soon as March in the EU.

Apple has enabled the full use of the Chrome and Firefox web browsers on the iPhone within the EU. Previously, Apple did not allow browser developers such as Google and Mozilla to deploy their own browser engine, and the iOS versions of these browsers were running the Safari engine in the background, with the user interface being their only distinct feature. On Android, of course, this is not the case. However, following changes to the iOS App Store mandated by the EU Digital Markets Act, entities like Google, Mozilla, and other browser makers, including Brave, can now update their apps to incorporate their own browser engines. This development could enhance the performance of these web browsers. These changes, like most recent App Store updates, are exclusive to the EU.

The Safari browser utilises the WebKit engine, which Apple developed and subsequently open-sourced. Google’s Chrome browser, along with others such as Microsoft Edge, Brave, ARC, and Opera, is based on the Chromium engine. Mozilla Firefox operates on its distinct Gecko engine. Prior to iOS 17.4, iOS supported only the WebKit engine. This limitation has been revised in iOS 17.4, extending also to in-app browsers. However, each developer must obtain Apple's authorisation to switch their engines.

Apple has outlined that app developers must meet specific criteria and commit to ongoing privacy and security mitigations. Apple will also facilitate access to features such as PassKey and multiprocessing. Another notable alteration in iOS 17.4 is the introduction of a choice screen when opening a browser for the first time, allowing users to select a different default browser.

Additionally, iOS 17.4 permits the uninstallation of preinstalled apps, including web browsers. Apple has expressed discontent with these changes, attributing them to the DMA’s requirements.

“This change is a result of the DMA’s requirements, and means that EU users will be confronted with a list of default browsers before they have the opportunity to understand the options available to them. The screen also interrupts EU users’ experience the first time they open Safari intending to navigate to a webpage," Apple said announcing the changes.

These changes are not expected to significantly impact users outside the EU. Nevertheless, companies like Google have been preparing for these changes, developing a new version of Chrome based on Chromium for iOS 17.4. This updated browser is anticipated to be released on the App Store in March.