iOS allows alternative browser engines in Japan

> Use memory-safe programming languages, or features that improve memory safety within other languages, within the alternative web browser engine at a minimum for all code that processes web content

Would Apple themselves meet this requirement? Isn't WebKit C++? Of course, I'm not sure what would be considered "features that improve memory safety within other languages," that's kind of vague.

Re: iOS allows alternative browser engines in Japan

#5

Post by rafram » Thu, Jan 01, 2026, 4:37 PM UTC

Wowfunhappy wrote: post #4

I know this isn't new for Japan, but this requirement caught my eye: > Use memory-safe programming languages, or features that improve memory safety within other languages, within the alternative web browser engine at a minimum for all code that processes web content Would Apple themselves meet this requirement? Isn't WebKit C++? Of course, I'm not sure what would be considered "features that improve memory safety wi…

https://github.com/WebKit/WebKit/wiki/Safer-CPP-Guidelines

Re: iOS allows alternative browser engines in Japan

#6

Post by signal11 » Thu, Jan 01, 2026, 4:49 PM UTC

shmerl wrote: post #3

Did Japan decide to push proper competition laws? Time to force Apple to do it everywhere. Very long overdue.

I agree with the “enforce competition laws” sentiment, but in this context, enforced naively, all it’ll do is entrench the dominant browser engine, Blink, even more across the mobile ecosystem.

I’m sure some devs will love this. But equally, some may worry about the monoculture implications.

Re: iOS allows alternative browser engines in Japan

#7

Post by zb3 » Thu, Jan 01, 2026, 4:52 PM UTC

The title is misleading. "Allows" need to be in quotes - they did everything they could to make sure this won't change anything in practice. Screw Apple.

Re: iOS allows alternative browser engines in Japan

#8

Post by dekoidal » Thu, Jan 01, 2026, 4:54 PM UTC

signal11 wrote: post #6

shmerl wrote: post #3

Did Japan decide to push proper competition laws? Time to force Apple to do it everywhere. Very long overdue.

I agree with the “enforce competition laws” sentiment, but in this context, enforced naively , all it’ll do is entrench the dominant browser engine, Blink, even more across the mobile ecosystem. I’m sure some devs will love this. But equally, some may worry about the monoculture implications.

It hasn’t on Macs. Safari is still popular among non-tech folk

Re: iOS allows alternative browser engines in Japan

#9

Post by hu3 » Thu, Jan 01, 2026, 5:07 PM UTC

rafram wrote: post #5

Wowfunhappy wrote: post #4

I know this isn't new for Japan, but this requirement caught my eye: > Use memory-safe programming languages, or features that improve memory safety within other languages, within the alternative web browser engine at a minimum for all code that processes web content Would Apple themselves meet this requirement? Isn't WebKit C++? Of course, I'm not sure what would be considered "features that improve memory safety wi…

https://github.com/WebKit/WebKit/wiki/Safer-CPP-Guidelines

Documentation to guide devs on safe usage of C++ is enough?

So any language should be allowed as long as they instruct developers to be careful.

Re: iOS allows alternative browser engines in Japan

#10

Post by threethirtytwo » Thu, Jan 01, 2026, 5:08 PM UTC

Why only Japan? Seems like something forced them to in Japan.