Image: Foundry
If Apple opens up iOS 17 to third-party browser engines this year, Chrome will be ready. According to a report from The RegisterGoogle is already working on an “experimental application” that brings a Blink-powered browser to iOS.
The project, which is described as a “content shell iOS port” is being used “to measure graphics and input latencies by providing traces for analysis.” Google insists the browser will not be available to users and the company will continue to abide by Apple’s policies. A spokesperson told The Register the project is strictly for “experimental” purposes.
However, it’s hard to not read between the lines. Bloomberg reported last year that Apple could open up iOS 17 in unprecedented ways this fall, including the allowance of third-party app stores and browser engines in an effort to appease regulatory agencies. If that were to happen, Google would be able to build a true Chrome browser rather than a WebKit browser with Chrome styling and features.
According to The Register’s sources within Google, the code “looks like the start of an alternate browser build, though in skeletal form” and is missing several necessary features to make it a shippable product. However, it could definitely be ready by the time iOS 17 ships in September if Apple allows such a thing in its App Store.
And it would open the door to other browsers as well. Several Mac browsers use Google’s Blink engine, including Chrome, Opera, and Brave. Assuming Google’s experiment is successful and Apple allows third-party engines at some point, they will likely adopt Blink for iOS as well. In a follow-up report, in fact, The Register reported that Mozilla is also “doing some exploratory work to understand the technical challenges” for a version of Firefox on iOS that uses the Gecko rendering engine.
A Blink browser would bring the first real competition for Safari on the iPhone. With the same WebKit engine, there is little reason to download a competing browser other than syncing, but Google is betting that will change this year.
Update 2/9: Added information that Mozilla is also building a browser for iOS that uses the Gecko engine.
Author: Michael SimonExecutive Editor
Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here
Apple AirTag 4 Pack
$64.39 (as of February 5, 2025 19:31 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Elixir Strings, Acoustic Guitar Strings, 80/20 Bronze with NANOWEB Coating, Longest-Lasting Bright and Focused Tone with Comfortable Feel, 6 String Set, Light 12-53
$16.99 (as of February 6, 2025 20:03 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Apple AirTag
$20.97 (as of February 5, 2025 19:31 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Sleek Socket Original & Patented Ultra-Thin Outlet Concealer with Cord Concealer Kit, Flat Extension Cord with Multi Outlets Power Strip, Ideal for Home Improvement, Hide Bulky and Messy Cords
$23.95 (as of February 5, 2025 19:31 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
