Picture: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac
A brand new act in Japan will pressure Apple to open the iPhone’s App Retailer to non-WebKit browsers later this yr. Apple at the moment solely permits non-WebKit browsers within the EU App Retailer, all as a result of Digital Markets Act.
But, all main iPhone browsers, together with Chrome and Firefox, use the identical WebKit engine as Safari on iOS. That is regardless of them utilizing a distinct engine on desktop.
Japan may lastly break Apple’s WebKit monopoly
Apple opened the App Retailer to non-WebKit browsers with iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 18 to adjust to the Digital Markets Act. Nonetheless, it imposed an extended listing of technical and coverage necessities for apps to qualify for the entitlement, making it almost unattainable for many browsers to satisfy the standards.
Japan’s Cellular Software program Competitors Act (MSCA) additionally requires cellular app shops to permit various browser engines. And in contrast to the EU’s DMA, it goes a step additional and ensures that firms can’t impose unattainable technical necessities.
The rules state, “The willpower of whether or not a chosen supplier’s motion constitutes ‘stopping’ the adoption of other browser engines doesn’t require that or not it’s utterly unattainable for particular person app suppliers to undertake various browser engines. As a substitute, the willpower is made primarily based on the diploma of probability that such a outcome will happen.”
Japan’s MSCA additionally requires firms to supply browsers with entry to OS APIs. This could pressure Apple to open up many APIs it has solely restricted to Safari and WebKit. Or it could present browsers with various APIs, however they need to present the identical performance.
Legislation mandates a browser alternative display
In one other main blow for Apple, the act would require firms to point out a browser alternative display “promptly after the primary activation” of the smartphone.
The Cellular Software program Competitors Act ought to come into pressure in Japan by December 2025. That provides Apple only some months to adjust to the rules.
Supply: Open Internet Advocacy
