In order for a browser to be approved for Apple’s AppStore, it must use the company’s own WebKit engine, which is used for the Safari browser, for example. This also applies to Google Chrome. So far, while the desktop version of the most popular browser uses Chromium with the Blink engine, the iOS version has to use WebKit, which makes the browser behave like Safari.
The Register According to Google, however, it is now working on a browser for iOS that uses the company’s own Blink engine – although Apple would not allow such a browser.
Apple could soon be forced to refrain from »gatekeeping«
The fact that browser developers are forced to use WebKit just to be able to bring their own browser to Apple’s platform has long been a thorn in the side of many. The main criticism is that all internet browsers on iOS are more or less Safari clones and that this limitation makes for less competition.
This goes so far that even the American government wants to force Apple to lift this restriction with a draft law. The responsible authorities in Great Britain, Japan and Australia are also planning to take similar steps. In addition, the European law for digital markets will come into force in mid-2023, which will require Apple to allow alternative app stores.
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From the development of the new Chromium browser for iOS, one could conclude that Google is already expecting the WebKit obligation to be lifted soon and that they are preparing for it. The new browser is currently in a very early and immature state. According to Google, this is an experimental prototype not intended for release. You will continue to comply with Apple’s Terms.
With the eventual lifting of the browser restriction on iOS, other developers could also bring their browsers to the platform. Have you ever heard of Vivaldi? Here he tells you why this is the favorite of our dear colleague Jan Stahnke:
Forget Chrome & Co. – Vivaldi is the best browser in the world!
Nonetheless, the internet giant clearly wants to be at the forefront when Apple is forced to allow non-WebKit browsers for iOS.
As an iPhone user, would you have any need or desire to use a different browser or are you happy with Safari? Or do you think it’s generally good that Apple is allowed to do less “gatekeeping”? Tell us in the comments!
