We might finally see the first iPhone browsers built on top of third-party engines now that Japanese regulators have taken up the issue.
Apple’s strict compliance with EU regulations has thus far blocked Chrome, and its Blink engine, from being available on iOS. However, newly published guidelines tied to Japan’s Smartphone Act might change this. These guidelines not only set a December deadline for lifting current restrictions but also stipulate that Apple cannot impose alternative rules that hinder the adoption of alternatives to its WebKit browser engine.
“The guidelines mention avoiding unreasonable technical constraints on individual app developers while allowing the use of alternative browser engines, preventing imposing excessive financial burdens on developers choosing alternative browser engines, and ensuring smartphone users are not discouraged from utilizing software with alternative browser engines.”
