Where Are iPhone Browsers Without WebKit?

Over a year has passed since the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) allowed iPhone browsers to use their own engines instead of Apple’s WebKit — but we’ve yet to see any major releases. Where are the non-WebKit browsers?

According to Open Web Advocacy (OWA), Apple’s continued technical and legal restrictions are making it nearly impossible for competitors like Google and Mozilla to launch their own iOS browsers.

These obstacles include lack of testing tools outside the U.S., harsh legal terms, and Apple’s rule that forces developers to launch an entirely new EU-only app to use their own engine — losing existing users and doubling the maintenance workload.

Mozilla called Apple’s approach a “burden”, saying it blocks real browser competition on iOS. “Apple’s policies make it painful for anyone to offer alternatives to Safari,” said Mozilla spokesperson Damiano DeMonte.

Though iOS 17.4 added support for third-party engines to satisfy EU regulators, OWA argues Apple is not truly complying with the DMA due to the impractical hurdles imposed.

The group also highlights a major financial motive: Safari brings Apple over $20 billion a year in Google search revenue, representing around 14–16% of its annual profits. Losing just 1% of browser market share could cost Apple $200 million annually.

Meanwhile, the UK is also pushing back. Regulators there recently concluded that Apple and Google are hindering mobile browser innovation, increasing pressure for broader global reform.