Japanese regulators are initiating changes that may lead to the introduction of iPhone browsers utilizing third-party engines.
Historically, Apple’s compliance measures within the EU have effectively barred browsers like Chrome, which operates on its Blink engine, from being available on iOS devices. However, new guidelines recently issued in alignment with Japan’s Smartphone Act could pave the way for alternatives. These regulations indicate that by December, existing restrictions will be eased, and Apple will be barred from imposing policies that hinder the adoption of non-WebKit browsers.
As summarized by the Open Web Advocacy organization, the new guidelines prohibit Apple from engaging in the following practices:
“Imposing unreasonable technical restrictions on individual app providers while allowing them to adopt alternative browser engines, placing excessive financial burdens on individual app providers for adopting alternative browser engines, and steering smartphone users away from using individual software that incorporates alternative browser engines.”
