The developers of Chromium, the core of Chrome, would develop an experimental web browser for iOS that would not be based on WebKit as Apple dictates. It would be based on the Blink engine, created by Google itself. What to prepare for the opening to competition on iOS.
European legislation wants to put an end to the monopolistic situation of Apple. Also, the brand is preparing to open the iPhone and iPad to other application stores. Even before this opening, Google is already experimenting with a new web browser for iOS, which is not based on WebKit, but on Blink, its own engine. Enough to set up an alternative version of Chrome on iOS and iPadOS.
Google is experimenting with an alternative browser on iOS
It is The Register which indicates that Google is developing a web browser that would work with the Blink in-house rendering engine. Chromium developers know very well, however, that the rules of the App Store are strict: web browsers on iOS and iPadOS must work with WebKit, Apple’s engine. This means that if this experimental browser were to be submitted for publication, it would automatically be refused.
Google explains in a bug report that “ this experimental application will be used to measure graphics and input latencies providing traces for analysis “, as the English-speaking media could notice. This prototype is developedas part of an open source project with the aim of understanding certain aspects of performance on iOSaccording to a company spokesperson. This browser would therefore not be intended for users and would therefore not violate Apple’s rules.
The Registerwent further and a person close to the development of this experimental software says it would be more than that, but “the start of the browser port“.
Apple will have to open up to alternative application stores
For several years, the Apple brand has been the subject of much criticism for the closure of its operating systems. More specifically on web browsers, the imposition of WebKit makes all browsers very similar, which encourages the use of Safari. In addition, some believe that browsers are limited in performance because of this engine, compared to what the manufacturer’s products can provide. Enough to force developers to publish applications on the App Store, a store on which Apple takes a 30% commission on microtransactions; a practice that is again strongly criticized.
Fortunately for developers, public authorities are beginning to question Apple’s practices, which are increasingly considered anti-competitive. The European Union has passed new legislation which will come into force at the beginning of 2024 and which aims to open up competition on mobile operating systems. This could force Apple to review its requirements for its rendering engine.
For its part, the British Competition Authority considers the obligation to use WebKit as anti-competitive. Recently, it was the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the United States which came to the charge with a reportcalling for changes to the mobile app ecosystem to promote competition“, writingThe Register.
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