iOS 17.4 has finally arrived for our iPhones, bringing a plethora of new features for users in the European Union. This update has been influenced by the Digital Markets Law (DMA), which has led Apple to make significant changes such as introducing alternative app stores to the App Store and making changes to the browser.
One of the most notable changes in iOS 17.4 is the increased freedom in choosing which browser users want to use on their iPhones. Previously, changing the default browser required digging into settings, but now a window pops up as soon as Safari is opened, offering the option to choose another default browser. Popular options like Firefox, Edge, Chrome, and Safari itself are provided for users to choose from.
Additionally, developers now have the freedom to use their own navigation engines instead of being limited to Apple’s WebKit engine. This means we may see more comprehensive versions of browsers with added options and features previously not possible under WebKit’s protection.
However, it is important to note that for now, no browser has launched its own engine yet. This change may happen silently through app updates in the future, so users need to pay attention to version notes to see if the browser has integrated the engine change.
Another significant change in iOS 17.4 is the handling of webapps on the home screen. Apple initially announced that it would stop supporting webapps on the home screen due to technical difficulties and security risks when using browsers other than WebKit. However, after facing investigation by the European Union, Apple decided to allow webapps to be added to the home screen as long as the browser uses the WebKit engine.
In conclusion, iOS 17.4 brings unprecedented changes to the browsing experience on iPhones, offering users more freedom in choosing their default browser and opening up possibilities for developers to innovate with their own navigation engines. Users can expect a more diverse and personalized browsing experience with this update.
