In Japan, theMobile Application Competition ActUnder this influence, Apple's long-standing policy requiring iOS browsers to use only its WebKit engine may be changing. This new rule, expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2025, means that third-party iOS browsers used in Japan will be able to use different engine designs, such as Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera's Blink, or Firefox's Gecko.
Following the EU trend, Japan adopts stricter standards
This move is consistent with the direction of the Digital Markets Directive (DMA) implemented by the EU last year.similar, which has asked Apple to allow third-party browsers to use its own engine in the European market.
However, Japan's new regulations are considered by the outside world to be more stringent. In addition to prohibiting designated platforms from preventing developers from adopting other browser cores, it also explicitly prohibits Apple from imposing unreasonable technical restrictions on non-WebKit browsers.
The nonprofit Open Web Advocacy noted that this will ensure that third-party browsers have a truly viable space for development in the Japanese market, avoiding being open in name only.
Scope of impact and actual changes
According to the regulations, Apple not only needs to allow browsers designed with non-WebKit engines to be listed on the App Store, but also must provide a default browser selection interface during the iPhone's initial setup process, allowing users to directly select other browsers that can be used as default in addition to Safari.
This change will not only affect standalone browser applications, but also browsers embedded in applications (in-app browsers), such as those with built-in web viewing functions in social media and shopping platforms. At that time, developers will be free to adopt third-party browser engines such as Blink or Gecko, and import more complete functions, performance optimization, and cross-platform consistency.
Industry and user feedback
Apple has not yet responded to how the Japanese regulations will affect its iOS ecosystem, but the industry anticipates that this will open up new opportunities for third-party browser vendors such as Google, Mozilla, and Microsoft to offer full functionality on iOS, consistent with Android and desktop browsers, rather than being limited to a stripped-down version based on the WebKit architecture.
For users, this may bring faster JavaScript execution, better web compatibility, and more advanced features (such as extension support). At the same time, increased market competition is also expected to drive continuous improvement of the Safari browser.
