Apple is a global tech giant renowned for its constant innovation and shaping of the digital landscape. Historically, Apple required all iOS browsers to run exclusively on its WebKit engine, limiting browser performance and features. However, a major shift is underway due to new regulations in Japan.
Under Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act, Apple is now mandated to allow third-party browser engines on iOS. This change currently applies to iPhone users in Japan, enabling browsers like Chrome and Firefox to operate with their own engines instead of being confined to WebKit.
For Japanese iPhone users, this has been a long-awaited update, providing more freedom and flexibility in choosing browsers. In this article, we examine Japan’s new rule for iOS browsers, its operation, and the implications for both Apple and its users.
AI-Generated Profile Photos and Group Icons in the New Update
With the new regulation, Apple must allow iOS browsers with their own rendering engines. Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge can now use Blink or Gecko instead of being limited to WebKit, letting developers introduce more features and improved performance for iOS browsers.
This update paves the way for more versatile browsing experiences on iPhone. Users can leverage native browser technology and unique functionalities without depending solely on WebKit. The rule promotes an open iOS browsing ecosystem, providing users the freedom to choose browsers that suit their preferences.
Benefits of AI-Generated Images in the New Update
This change, which allows iOS browsers to use their own engines, brings significant benefits to both developers and users. Browsers can now deliver better performance, advanced features, and enhanced privacy options, giving users greater control over their browsing experience.
For browser companies, this opens the door to showcasing their unique strengths and innovations. Without Apple’s restrictions, developers can offer the full capabilities of their browsers, providing a richer and more customizable experience. This update not only benefits established browsers like Chrome and Firefox but also paves the way for new and emerging browsers to thrive on iOS, creating a more open and competitive mobile browsing ecosystem.
The Availability of This New AI Image Generation Update
The new browser engine rule is part of Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act and will take full effect on December 18, 2025. By this date, Apple is legally required to comply with the law.
The rollout is gradual, and once the rule is fully implemented, iPhone users in Japan will be able to download and use browsers running their own engines. If some users do not see the update immediately, it means the change is being deployed in phases and will reach more people over the coming months.
How This New Feature Works
When the law takes effect, browser developers can release iOS apps using their own engines such as Blink for Chrome or Gecko for Firefox. This shift brings genuine choice and flexibility to iPhone users in Japan.
The requirement for all iOS browsers to use WebKit is now lifted. Japan’s regulations aim to make browsing more open, fair, and user-friendly for both developers and users.
Bringing Your Imagination to Life on WhatsApp
One major impact of allowing different browser engines is an improved iOS browsing experience. Users gain greater freedom in choosing a browser with unique performance.
This ensures iPhone users can enjoy a browsing experience tailored to their preferences. By lifting restrictions, iOS browsing becomes more personalized and user-friendly.
700 million weekly users and growing
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that ChatGPT now has 700 million weekly users, making it the fifth most popular website globally. He predicts the AI platform will soon rise to the third spot, surpassing Instagram and Facebook, while remaining behind Google and YouTube.
This surging popularity has pushed OpenAI’s servers to full capacity. Altman admitted that the company cannot yet release some of its more advanced models due to server limitations. To address this, he announced plans for trillion-dollar investments in data centers in the near future.
Altman also commented on Elon Musk’s AI project, Grok, which launched a more risqué AI companion. Altman remarked, “You will definitely see some companies go make Japanese anime sex bots,” and emphasized that OpenAI prioritizes useful applications that avoid exploiting vulnerable users.
Investment in AI development has reached unprecedented levels. According to Renaissance Macro Research, capital expenditure in AI contributed more to U.S. GDP in the last two quarters than total consumer spending a historic first. Major tech giants, including Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, are expected to invest $364 billion in AI in 2025 alone, driving significant economic growth.
With global tariffs impacting traditional trade, investors are increasingly turning to software and AI companies as safer investments. Analysts warn, however, that the rapid surge in AI spending could create an economic bubble, which, if it bursts, might have widespread consequences.
Altman also shared OpenAI’s future ambitions, including developing a brain-computer interface to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink, launching new apps beyond ChatGPT, and potentially acquiring Chrome if regulators require Google to sell the browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new iOS browser rule in Japan?
Japan’s Mobile Software Competition Act now requires Apple to allow third-party browser engines on iOS, letting browsers like Chrome and Firefox operate with their own engines instead of WebKit.
When will Apple implement this rule in Japan?
The rule will take full effect on December 18, 2025, although the rollout is gradual, with all Japanese iPhone users expected to be covered over the following months.
How does this affect iOS browsers?
Browsers can now use their native engines, such as Blink for Chrome or Gecko for Firefox, improving performance, features, and privacy for users.
Why is this rule significant for iPhone users in Japan?
It gives users real choice and flexibility, allowing them to select browsers based on engine performance, features, and personal preference, instead of being restricted to WebKit.
What does this mean for developers?
Developers can now fully utilize their browser technology on iOS, offering custom features, faster performance, and unique user experiences without the restrictions imposed by Apple.
How does this compare to Apple’s previous policy?
Previously, all iOS browsers were required to run on WebKit, which limited their functionality and innovation. The new rule lifts that restriction in Japan.
Will this change affect browsers globally?
Currently, the rule applies only to Japan, but it could set a precedent that may influence browser policies and regulations in other countries in the future.
Conclusion
The new iOS browser rule in Japan marks a significant shift in the tech landscape, giving users and developers unprecedented freedom. By allowing alternative browser engines like Blink and Gecko, Apple is enabling more powerful, feature-rich, and personalized browsing experiences on iPhone. While currently limited to Japan, this change sets a global precedent for openness and competition in the mobile ecosystem.