The entry into force of the Digital Markets Act in Europe will eliminate basic requirement of web browsers iPhone. Starting with iOS 17.4, Apple will stop enforcing WebKit as a must-have engine. This means Chrome, Brave, Firefox and other apps will be able to use this technology for free.
Apple has updated its App Store review guidelines to include reference to these changes. One of the requirements of any application that includes a web browser is the use of the WebKit framework and WebKit JavaScript. Now developers will be able request the right to use an alternative engine in your applications.
“Apple will give authorized developers access to technologies within the system that enable critical functionality and help developers build modern, high-performance browser engines. These technologies include timely compilation, multi-threading support and much more,” Cupertino representatives mention.
To allow the use of another engine, developers must meet a number of requirements. The most important: In the European Union, only iOS apps will be supported.. The browser should block cross-site cookies by default, not share the device ID without user permission, and comply with web standards.
Apple stated that will only authorize developers who meet certain criteria. The company fears that this change will open the door to malicious attacks, so stakeholders must commit to ensuring the privacy and security of their applications.
Apple is unhappy but can’t do anything to stop the changes
If one thing is clear from reading the press release, it is that Apple essentially rejects changes imposed by European law. The technology company notes that the Digital Markets Act (DMA) will create new security risks for users. That’s why he will introduce new security measures to reduce threats.
“New payment processing and app download capabilities on iOS open up new opportunities for malware, scams and scams, illegal and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats,” Apple says, referring to the ability to create sideloading on iPhone. “Even with these safety measures in place, many risks remain.”
Another point raised is the “complexity” that DMA changes will add to iOS. According to Apple, iPhone user experience will become less intuitive. The idea of offering third-party options represents a paradigm shift for a tech company that is used to having absolute control over its ecosystem.
New app capabilities from EU developers inevitably create new risks for Apple users and their devices. Apple cannot eliminate these risks, but within the limits of DMA, the company will take steps to mitigate them.
Manzana
Changes They will take effect with the release of iOS 17.4 and later versions. at the beginning of March 2024
Source: Hiper Textual
I’m Ben Stock, a highly experienced and passionate journalist with a career in the news industry spanning more than 10 years. I specialize in writing content for websites, including researching and interviewing sources to produce engaging articles. My current role is as an author at Gadget Onus, where I mainly cover the mobile section.
