Technology

Where Are the Alternative Browsers for iPhone?

2025-07-14

Author: Amelia

A 16-Month Wait for Competition

It's been a staggering 16 months since a European Union ruling opened the doors for developers like Google and Mozilla to use their own browser engines on iOS. So, where are they? The Open Web Advocacy (OWA), a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting an open web, claims that Apple is still imposing hefty technical and financial hurdles that stifle any real competition.

Apple's Restrictions: A Barrier to Entry

According to the OWA, Apple has created a hostile environment for developers outside of the EU with inadequate testing tools, restrictive legal terms, and a requirement for browsers to develop entirely new apps for the EU market. This means that developers can't simply update existing apps like Chrome; they have to start from scratch, obliterating their existing user bases in the process. Imagine having to manage two separate versions of your favorite browser—one for the EU and one for the rest of the world!

Mozilla's Frustration

Mozilla voiced its disappointment to The Verge last year, labeling Apple's restrictions as a significant burden for independent browser developers. "Apple's proposals fail to offer consumers real choices, complicating the creation of competitive alternatives to Safari," stated Mozilla spokesperson Damiano DeMonte.

Is Apple Really Complying?

In an attempt to adhere to the DMA rules with the introduction of iOS 17.4, Apple reluctantly added support for non-WebKit browsers. However, the OWA argues that these restrictive measures mean Apple is still not in effective compliance with the regulations.

The Financial Stakes

The stakes are high for Apple. The OWA points out that Safari is a significant revenue generator, raking in about $20 billion annually from search engine partnerships, mainly with Google. This revenue stream accounts for a whopping 14-16% of Apple's annual profit. Each percentage point of market share lost by Safari could cost Apple a staggering $200 million a year.

Regulatory Pressures Beyond the EU

Apple isn't just under fire in Europe. UK regulators are also pressuring Apple to allow developers greater freedom in utilizing alternative browser engines, following investigations that accused both Apple and Google of stifling mobile browser innovation. The impending changes could reshape the landscape of mobile browsing, making it a critical issue for consumers and developers alike.