Apple is shaking things up for iPhone users in the European Union with the upcoming iOS 17.4 update. Brace yourselves, folks, because the tech giant is finally loosening its grip on the browser game. Say goodbye to the Safari monopoly, as Apple is letting users run native third-party browsers on their iPhones.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Don’t we already have third-party browsers on iOS?” Well, not exactly. The current setup forces developers to tweak their software to fit into the WebKit framework, essentially turning browsers like Chrome into Safari look-alikes.
It’s like putting a fancy dress on your browser and hoping it behaves. But fear not, because Apple is cutting the umbilical cord and allowing companies to use their own engines for browser apps. No more Safari shackles for you!
The big winners here? Google Chrome, the ruler of the browser kingdom, finally gets to spread its wings and deliver the true Chrome experience on iOS. And it’s not just Chrome – other Chromium engine buddies like Edge and Opera are joining the party. Even independent options like Firefox are breaking free from the WebKit straitjacket.
But hold your horses before you start dreaming of a browser revolution. Apple won’t just let any browser waltz into the App Store; they have criteria, my friends.
Browsers must have Fort Knox-level protections for iPhone owners, block third-party cookies, and be EU-exclusive. So, get ready for some browser auditions, because Apple’s playing the gatekeeper.
But that’s not all, folks! Apple is giving the App Store a makeover too. You can now dip your toes into “alternative app marketplaces” like the Google Play Store. Yeah, you heard that right – Apple is opening its doors to the competition. But there’s a catch, because Apple wouldn’t be Apple without a catch.
Apps from outside the App Store won’t play nice with features like Ask to Buy or Family Purchase Sharing. It’s like letting your rebellious cousin crash the family reunion but not giving them the Wi-Fi password.
And if you’re thinking of sideloading apps, well, Apple’s staying mum on that. Rumor has it they might slap some fees on sideloading platforms. Because, let’s be honest, Apple wants a piece of every pie, even the ones you bake at home.
Now, for the burning question – will the rest of the world get this iOS facelift? Not so fast. Apple insists it’s not doing this out of the goodness of its silicon heart. It’s all because of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a set of rules that Apple is reluctantly complying with.
When asked about expanding these changes globally, Apple practically shouted, “Danger, danger! Not happening!” But who knows, if the US cooks up its own version of the DMA, maybe the rest of the world will get a taste of the iOS revolution. Stay tuned!
