The new DMA rules force Apple to offer the installation of other web browsers, instead of Safari. This obligation is the business of Bravewhich is seeing its number of downloads explode.
Willy-nilly, Apple finally applied the new rules imposed by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to its iOS operating system. With the iOS 17.4 update, available since the beginning of March 2024, Apple had to open its platform a little more to the competition. Among the new features brought to the system, we can cite in particular the possibility of installing mobile application stores, and thus avoid going through the App Store to obtain software. The issue of mobile browsers is also at the heart of the changes made by the manufacturer, which must now offer more choice to consumers when they first use their iPhone.
Apple suggests changing its default web browser
Once the update was completed, users were surprised to see a new window appear when launching the Safari browser. Apple indeed offers a list of third-party browsers to download from the App Store. By selecting one of its browsers, and after installation, it will be configured as the system’s default browser, and will open automatically by clicking on any link. A small revolution for Apple.
Among the browsers offered by Apple, we can find well-known names like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, but also names less known to the general public like Brave. Indeed, Apple lists all the browsers that have been downloaded more than 5,000 times in Europe during 2023, and displays 11 of them on its page, randomly to prevent one software from being favored over others.
Installations up significantly for Brave after the iOS 17.4 update
The regulation imposed by the DMA is also the business of Brave, which in a tweet is delighted with a resurgence in popularity. Indeed, since the launch of iOS 17.4, the number of daily installations has increased significantly, from around 7,000 downloads per day to more than 11,000 on the day of March 9, 2024 alone.
“ Why did Apple and Google make it difficult to change your default browser for so many years? Because it is a powerful way to block competitors », Indicates Brave in its publication. “ Defenders of monopolies argue that monopolies simply provide better products. But as you can see, when consumers have a clear choice of iOS browsers, they choose Safari alternatives “.
The editor also concludes by attacking Google, which today does not offer a selection of alternative browsers in Android when opening Google Chrome.
Source : Bleeping Computer
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