Apple Faces Backlash Over Browser Engine Restrictions in EU

Apple’s recent policy changes in the European Union have sparked controversy, particularly among developers, with Mozilla, the company behind the Firefox browser, expressing deep disappointment over the implications of the new rules.

Mozilla Expresses Disappointment

In response to Apple’s announcement regarding its decision to restrict the newly introduced BrowserEngineKit to EU-specific applications, Mozilla spokesperson Damiano DeMonte voiced the company’s concerns. DeMonte highlighted the burden placed on independent browsers like Firefox, which would be required to maintain two separate browser implementations under the proposed plan.

“We are still reviewing the technical details but are extremely disappointed with Apple’s proposed plan to restrict the newly-announced BrowserEngineKit to EU-specific apps,” DeMonte stated. “The effect of this would be to force an independent browser like Firefox to build and maintain two separate browser implementations — a burden Apple themselves will not have to bear.”

Policy Shift in iOS 17.4

Apple’s policy shift, set to be implemented in iOS 17.4, signifies a departure from the previous mandate requiring EU browsers to utilize WebKit, the engine powering Safari. This change opens the door for alternative engines like Blink (used by Chrome and Edge) and Gecko (Firefox’s engine) to function fully on iOS without the limitations imposed by WebKit.

Mozilla Criticizes EU-Specific Implementation

Despite the potential benefits of the policy change, Mozilla argues that confining these alterations to the EU exacerbates the challenge for browsers in managing multiple versions. DeMonte contends that Apple’s approach fails to offer consumers genuine alternatives by intentionally complicating the process for competitors to provide viable alternatives to Safari.

Backlash from Other Developers

Mozilla isn’t the only developer critical of Apple’s new rules. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney described the terms as a “horror show,” while Spotify labeled the changes a “farce.” This indicates a broader discontent among developers regarding Apple’s latest policy decisions, which extend beyond browsers to encompass game streaming apps, alternative app stores, and sideloading.

Pending Approval by EU Commission

It’s worth noting that Apple’s guidelines are still pending approval by the EU Commission, indicating that the situation remains dynamic and subject to further scrutiny and potential revision.

Conclusion

Apple’s recent policy changes regarding browser engine restrictions in the EU have ignited a wave of criticism from developers, with Mozilla leading the charge in expressing disappointment over the implications of the new rules. As the tech giant moves forward with its plans, the industry awaits further developments and potential revisions in response to the backlash from developers and stakeholders.