Apple will have to allow third -party browsers to function without relying on its webcit engine on iOS under a new law notified by Japan. The new mandate, which applies in December, is an attempt to thwart the alleged anti -competitive practices of the country. Like the European Union, browser will be able to provide access to the browser blinks and Gecko, such as Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
Apple already allows several non-waste browser on iOS in the European Union
Japan according to Mobile software competition act guidelines (MSCA), prepared by Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), Apple restrictions that only allow browsers to use webcit engines are anti -competitive. This, according to the regulator, is impossible for other browsers such as Google Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Firefox to apply its own browser engine.
Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and other browser available on iOS are currently forced to use webkit engines. On other platforms such as Android, browser blinks such as chrome, age and opera use the engine, while the firefox uses Gaco.
However, this is not the first time that Apple has been forced to offer browser options. In 2024, the Cupertino Tech giant released the iOS 17.4 update, with which the company thanks to its Digital Markets Act, allowed the third -party browser engine to stay on the ship in the European Union. However, Apple Strict field-based restrictions were imposed This prevented the growth of Gecko and other browser engines on iOS.
The same update began supporting the alternative app store and installing the app from outside the App Store in Europe. Android has offered this ability for many years, allowing them to download and install APK.
Apple users in the European Union also get new default app control as part of the iOS 17.4 update. Tech giants have also been entangled in many opposing competitive cases in the US, the most recent suit that the FIC sports, Fortanite developer was filed against it. The US-based tech giant only allowed in-app payment, on which it charged a heavy commission. This practice was considered unfair by the American District Court, which directed the company to allow app developers to accept payment through other means.
