Apple has received a lot of criticism in recent years for not allowing competing apps on iOS devices. Other than the company’s own web browser, Safari, other browser companies have blamed Apple for hindering competition for several years.
This time, a group of app developers started a project that will force Apple to use other browsers on iOS devices. The tech giant seems to be under a lot of pressure again. Here are the details…
Apple under pressure on browser
With the project called Open Web Advocacy, it is aimed to allow third-party web browsers for iOS devices. Although the developers want this from Apple, the company does not accept it. This is because the company not only relies on Safari, but also has WebKit in Apple’s operating system, which powers all web content.
Unlike macOS, iOS apps need to use WebKit as the scan engine. This means that basically every web browser or web app on iOS, Safari, has just another skin.
Open Web Advocacy (OWA), the group created by UK-based developers Stuart Langridge, and Bruce Lawson, told The Register what they were aiming for when founding the group. Lawson made the following sentences:
The group’s goal is to try to convince Apple that they should allow other browser engines on iOS so that iOS can be a better platform to develop things for the modern web. Because right now, every browser on iOS, whether badged Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, is just a branded view of Safari and lags behind other browsers as it has no competition on iOS.
The purpose of the group, in short, is to convince Apple that it needs to make a policy change. To do this, they plan to convey their thoughts on the subject to the UK Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA).
What do you guys think about this issue? Should Apple allow third-party browsers or stick with Safari? Do not forget to share your ideas and opinions with us in the comments.
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