Under a new regulation issued by Japan, Apple is required to permit third-party browsers on iOS to function independently of its WebKit engine. This law, set to take effect in December, aims to counter what is perceived as anti-competitive behavior by the tech corporation. Similar to measures established by the European Union, this legislation will enable browsers such as Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera to utilize alternative engines, including Blink and Gecko.
Apple Already Allows Multiple Non-WebKit Browsers on iOS in the EU
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) stated in its Mobile Software Competition Act Guidelines (MSCA) that Apple’s limitations—restricting browsers to the WebKit engine—constitute anti-competitive practices. The Commission noted that these constraints hinder other browsers such as Google Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox from implementing their own engines.
Currently, web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera on iOS are required to use the WebKit engine. In contrast, on platforms like Android, browsers such as Chrome and Edge utilize the Blink engine, while Firefox operates on Gecko.
This isn’t the first time Apple has had to adapt its browser policies. In 2024, the company released the iOS 17.4 update, allowing third-party browser engines in the EU, prompted by the Digital Markets Act. However, restrictive region-specific conditions imposed by Apple posed significant challenges for the development of Gecko and other browser engines on its platform.
The iOS 17.4 update also included features for downloading alternative app stores and installing applications from outside the App Store in Europe, a capability that Android devices have supported for several years through the APK installation process.
Additionally, Apple users in the EU were granted new default app controls as part of the iOS 17.4 update. The tech giant has faced numerous anti-competitive lawsuits in the United States. Notably, Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, recently filed a lawsuit alleging unfair practices regarding in-app payments, which Apple heavily monetized. A US District Court ruled in favor of Epic, instructing Apple to permit app developers to accept alternative payment methods.
