In an unexpected move, Apple announced last week that “alternative” browser engines will be permitted on iPhones in Europe, in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Chief Designer of Google Chrome shared his thoughts on the change in iPhone browser engines.
With the upcoming stable release of iOS 17.4, currently in beta, iOS apps, especially “dedicated browsers and in-app browsing apps,” will be able to use browser engines other than WebKit.
On iPhones, Chrome and Microsoft Edge have long used the same browser engine as Safari, rather than WebKit. Meanwhile, Firefox has been unable to implement Gecko, limiting the competitiveness and diversity of web browsers. This phenomenon can also be observed on computer platforms and Android.
Apple has outlined a detailed procedure, including specific criteria such as “timely security updates to combat new threats and vulnerabilities” and “privacy and security laws,” that must be met to obtain a license for a web browser engine.
Parisa Tabriz, Vice President and General Manager of Chrome, stated today, “Apple does not have a genuine interest in browser and engine selection on iOS. Their strategy is too restrictive and does not provide browser developers with real choices.”
This aligns with Mozilla’s previous statement, with Firefox stating that it must “create and maintain separate browser implementations.” Alternative browser engines are only available in Europe.
However, Google is one of the few companies that can contribute technological resources to this endeavor, and Microsoft is a major contributor and co-developer of Chromium and Blink. Last year, Google initiated a project to bring Blink to iOS, which was then in an “experimental” stage and considered to be of limited product maturity. However, this was prior to the recent change in iOS. We have contacted Google to inquire about their plans to bring Blink to iOS and whether they believe the European restrictions impose too many limitations on implementation.
In addition to Chromium browsers like Chrome and Edge, third-party websites can also adopt Blink (the bundled browser engine’s license).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is Apple only allowing the use of browser engines in Europe?
A1: Apple aims to promote competition and diversity in Europe in response to the Digital Markets Act.
Q2: Will other companies be participating in the browser engine change?
A2: Google is progressing with the Blink integration project and plans to dedicate technical resources. Microsoft is also working as a co-developer of Chromium and Blink.
Q3: Are there any concerns regarding security and privacy due to the browser engine change?
A3: Apple explicitly states that obtaining a license for a browser engine requires meeting the necessary security updates and compliance with privacy and security laws.
Q4: What impact does the browser engine change have on iPhone performance and user experience?
A4: The change in browser engines has the potential to offer users better performance and experiences through increased competition and diversity.
Sources:
– Apple News
– Google News
– Mozilla Official Blog
The source of the article is from the blog portaldoriograndense.com