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iOS 18.2 to Allow Third-Party Browser Web Apps With Custom Engines in EU

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Apple will allow third-party browsers in the European Union to create web apps for the iPhone Home Screen using their own custom engines when iOS 18.2 launches later this year.

Chrome Feature 22
This expands on changes introduced in iOS 17.4, which first allowed third-party browsers in the EU to use non-WebKit engines for both standalone browsers and in-app browsing. Previously, Apple required all iOS browsers to use Safari's WebKit engine, including popular options like Chrome and Firefox.

According to new documentation on Apple's developer website spotted by 9to5Mac, the upcoming API will be exclusive to the EU and enable web apps to use the same custom engine as their parent browser.

The change follows Apple's reversal of an earlier decision to remove web app support entirely from EU devices – a move that prompted scrutiny from the European Commission. However, despite Apple announcing support for alternative browser engines like Chrome's Blink and Firefox's Gecko in January, these have yet to appear on iPhones.

iOS 18.2 will bring additional EU-specific changes, including the ability to completely remove core apps like the App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera, and Photos. Outside the EU, the update will introduce new Apple Intelligence features such as ChatGPT integration with Siri, Image Playground, custom Genmoji, Visual Intelligence, enhanced Writing Tools, and expanded language support. For all the details, don't miss our iOS 18.2 beta 1 roundup.

Tags: European Union, WebKit

Top Rated Comments

gaximus Avatar
gaximus
19 months ago
So the extra RAM wasn't for AI, it was for Chrome.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
WarmWinterHat
19 months ago

Bad idea EU. Chrome is filled with tons of trackers
That's why you use Firefox. Chrome isn’t the only alternative.

I would dump Safari or my iPhone and Mac in a second if Firefox had full iOS support, with extensions.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
Apple Knowledge Navigator
19 months ago

Bad idea EU. Chrome is filled with tons of trackers
Don’t use it then?
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FSMBP Avatar
FSMBP
19 months ago
At first I really believed Apple in their reason for not allowing custom engines because of security risks (it makes sense)...but found it wasn't the full truth. Turns out, other engines can create full experiences and you can make webapps feel like native apps; so devs could bypass the App Store (which means Apple loses control/revenue).
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
System603
19 months ago
Finally, my main reason isn't the ability to choose a different browser in itself. I'm fine with Safari, but on rare occasions, it struggles to display or interact with some pages correctly. Having an actual backup will be very useful.

That said, the freedom of choice is and should be a valuable aspect for users. There are many dedicated Firefox users, as well as fans of the Blink/V8 engine's performance, etc. Plus, being able to use proper extensions in truly different browsers can further enhance (already great) privacy options, block intrusive ads, and more.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
P
PhoenixAnhart
19 months ago
The EU is literally improving iOS to a great extent. Hopefully Apple will embrace these changes globally.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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