In recent developments, major tech companies Google and Mozilla have announced plans to build web browsers for iOS devices, circumventing Apple’s App Store rules. These new browsers would be based on open source web browser engines such as WebKit and will enable users to access other websites, including their own services, without the need to download the native app from the App Store.
Though Google and Mozilla have been tight lipped about their plans, it’s speculated that the new browsers would only be available outside of the App Store. This could have implications for how users access services such as YouTube, Gmail, and Google Maps. Apple currently requires all developers to use their own App Store and provide a convenient way to offer app-based services. This would likely be circumvented by deploying web-based applications through a browser, without the need to go through Apple’s tightly regulated App Store.
Apple has faced numerous antitrust lawsuits in recent years, regarding their App Store rules and the fees they charge developers. Critics have long argued that Apple should open up the App Store to third party browsers, in order to create a level playing field. Google and Mozilla’s move could help to remove the walled garden aspects of Apple’s App Store and provide a more open internet experience.
In addition to allowing users to access third party services, Google and Mozilla’s new browsers would also offer users increased privacy and security. By utilizing Google’s Chrome and Mozilla’s Firefox browser engines, users will be able to access websites with added encryption and privacy-enhancing features such as ‘Do Not Track’.
Though there’s no guarantee that Google and Mozilla will be able to launch their iOS browsers outside of the App Store, their efforts are a positive step forward in providing users with an unrestricted internet experience. If successful, their new browsers could provide Apple with the competition they’ve been lacking. With users being able to access third party services without restriction, it could also give smaller developers a chance to compete in the market. Only time will tell how this plays out.
