Starting in March, Apple will allow iOS browsers to use an engine of their choice, but only in the EU. Mozilla criticizes that browser operators would therefore have to juggle two versions.

Big changes are coming to iOS. The ability to sideload applications outside of the App Store has already been discussed a lot, but everything is about to change for browsers too. Until now, Apple has always required browsers to use their own WebKit engine. This means that other browsers in iOS are actually disguised as Safari. This is changing under the influence of the Digital Markets Act, as browsers can now bring their own engine via the BrowserEngineKit.

In itself, this should be good news for Mozilla, Google, Microsoft and Co. From now on you no longer have to use the Apple engine and can develop a “full-fledged” version of your browser for iOS. So what is Mozilla, the operator of Firefox, having a problem with the new rules? That they only apply to the European Union and not outside.

The criticism of Apple is harsh

This would require Mozilla to develop two versions of the Firefox browser: one running on its own Gecko engine for EU users, and the version on WebKit for all non-EU users. This will make it harder for independent browsers to truly compete with Safari in iOS, a Firefox spokesperson told The Verge: “We are disappointed with Apple’s plan to limit the recently announced BrowserEngineKit to EU apps.” Apple is putting a burden on us on things that they don’t have to carry themselves.”

Criticism of Apple’s proposed adjustments is harsh. Epic Games, the company behind the popular Fortnite game, speaks of a “horror show” for developers to make their apps compliant. The fact that Apple wants to continue the checkout for apps that are downloaded outside the App Store is not well received by Microsoft and Spotify, among others.

The changes will take effect starting with iOS 17.4, which will most likely roll out to Apple in early March, close to the Digital Markets Act deadline. Whether Apple’s “concessions,” which critics say are anything but concessions, will be enough for the European Commission remains to be seen.

Mozilla is not only critical of Apple. Last week, a nearly 75-page report was released looking at Microsoft’s “deceptive” advertising techniques for Edge. Even if Mozilla’s accusations are certainly true, they primarily reflect self-interest. Firefox is increasingly losing ground to Chrome, Safari and Edge in the browser market.