In today’s digital landscape, Japan is setting a new precedent for mobile browsing freedom with its recently passed Mobile Software Competition Act focusing on non‑WebKit browsers on iPhone. This change reflects a broader shift toward greater competition and user choice on mobile platforms.
Apple’s longstanding rule requiring all iOS browsers to use its WebKit engine has faced criticism for limiting competition. Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act, approved in August 2025 and taking full effect in December 2025, compels Apple to allow browsers using alternative engines such as Blink and Gecko on iPhones. This is a meaningful departure from previous policy in most countries where Chrome, Firefox, Edge and other browsers must rely on WebKit even though they use Blink or Gecko elsewhere.
This law also bans Apple from imposing unreasonable technical constraints that make alternative engines impractical. That goes further than similar rules in the European Union under the Digital Markets Act, which the EU implemented in iOS 17.4 but still lacks true engine diversity due to stringent Apple-imposed requirements. In addition, the Japanese regulation mandates a default browser selection screen in Safari, offering genuine user choice .
For developers and browser makers the implications are substantial. Previously, Apple’s WebKit mandate limited innovation and reduced user experience variability on iOS. With this law, developers can build feature‑complete browsers using Blink or Gecko without legal or technical barriers. Open Web Advocacy, a digital rights nonprofit, has welcomed the development as a critical step toward meaningful engine competition on iOS.
Compared to the EU, where engine-based competition remains mostly theoretical, Japan’s regulation appears more dynamic and enforceable. The UK is also expected to introduce similar legislation in the near future.
As December 2025 approaches, anticipation grows for when users in Japan may finally see Chrome with Blink or Firefox with Gecko available on the App Store in their full form. If enforcement is effective, this could spur Apple to rethink its engine monopoly everywhere.
via MacRumors
