In name, Apple has opened the door to real browser competition on iOS. In practice, it’s a masterclass in obstruction.
Following pressure from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple updated iOS 17.4 to technically allow third-party browser engines beyond its own WebKit. But as advocacy groups and developers have pointed out, the way Apple implemented this change practically ensures that few—if any—browser makers will take advantage of it.
The result? Apple complies with the letter of the law while preserving its de facto browser monopoly.
