Japan Forces Apple to Allow Non‑WebKit Browsers on iOS

Japan’s new Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA) mandates that Apple must permit iOS browsers on the App Store to use alternative rendering engines, rather than being limited to Apple’s own WebKit, MacRumors reports.

Set to be enforced by December 2025, the law prohibits Apple from imposing overly restrictive technical or financial barriers that would deter developers from adopting non‑WebKit engines.

This contrasts with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), where Apple technically allows alternative engines but effectively makes meaningful adoption difficult through burdensome requirements.

Japan’s law also requires Apple to present a browser choice screen during the first setup of the device or upon initial launch of a browser, giving users the option to select their preferred browser explicitly. The Japanese Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) finalized the MSCA’s rulebook after consultations that concluded in late July, with full compliance expected by December 18, 2025.

The new law represents a move toward transparency and genuine competition. Non‑compliance may lead to regulatory penalties, although the exact enforcement measures are yet to be publicly detailed.

This regulatory shift could reshape iPhone browsing for Japanese users. Instead of re‑skinned versions of Chrome or Firefox bound to WebKit, fully functional browsers powered by their native engines could arrive on iOS—delivering potentially better performance, improved standards support, and greater innovation.

Notably, Japan joins the EU and the UK in pressuring Apple to loosen its browser engine restrictions. However, Japan’s approach may prove more effective because its guidelines explicitly address the pitfalls that have hindered effective implementation in Europe.