In a significant regulatory move, Japan will require Apple to permit third-party browsers on iOS to operate independently from its WebKit engine. This new legislation, which takes effect in December, is aimed at addressing concerns over the company’s alleged anti-competitive behavior. Similar to measures implemented by the European Union, this law will enable browsers such as Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera to utilize alternative engines like Blink and Gecko.
Apple Already Allows Multiple Non-WebKit Browsers on iOS in the EU
The stipulations outlined in Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines (MSCA), prepared by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), criticize Apple’s limitation of browser functionality to WebKit. According to the commission, such restrictions hinder the ability of major browsers like Google Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox to deploy their own engines.
Currently, browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera must utilize the WebKit engine on iOS devices. Conversely, on Android, browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Opera operate on the Blink engine, while Firefox uses the Gecko engine.
This regulatory requirement is not the first time Apple has been urged to expand its browser options. Following the implementation of the Digital Markets Act in 2024, Apple updated iOS to version 17.4, allowing third-party browser engines in the EU. Nevertheless, the company imposed strict regional limitations that restricted the development of Gecko and other engines on iOS.
The same iOS 17.4 update also introduced the capability for users to download third-party app stores and install applications from outside the App Store in Europe, a feature that has been available on Android devices for several years.
Additionally, Apple users in the EU gained new controls for setting default apps as a result of the 17.4 update. The company has faced numerous anti-competitive lawsuits in the United States, the latest being initiated by Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. The lawsuit challenged Apple’s in-app payment policies, which mandated a hefty commission on transactions. A U.S. District Court ruled this practice as unfair, instructing Apple to allow app developers more freedom in payment processing options.
