Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is set to enforce new regulations that will compel Apple to drop its long-standing WebKit-only rule for iOS browsers. The change, part of Japan’s updated Mobile Software Competition Act, will take effect on December 18, 2025.
Currently, all browsers on iOS—whether Safari, Chrome, or Firefox—must use Apple’s WebKit engine. This restriction limits performance and features compared to versions on other platforms. The new rules will require Apple to permit alternative browser engines, potentially giving users more speed, functionality, and choice.
Broader Reforms Under the Smartphone Act
The browser change is one of several reforms targeting major tech firms like Apple and Google. The updated law also mandates support for third-party app stores, alternative payment systems, and expanded developer access to hardware features such as Face ID and Touch ID.
Japan’s approach differs from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. While the EU technically allows alternative browser engines, developers have faced delays due to additional compliance requirements. Japan’s rules aim to make the process simpler and more practical for adoption.
Timeline and Industry Impact
The JFTC finalized these updates in July 2025, following a public consultation in May. Apple must comply by the December deadline, meaning Japanese iPhone users could see non-WebKit browsers as early as 2026.
Open Web Advocacy, which translated the new guidelines, says this could open the door to more competitive and innovative mobile browsing experiences. However, Apple has raised concerns. The company warns that loosening control over browser engines could harm user privacy and security. It also argues that giving rivals access to its technologies without compensation would provide them with an unfair advantage.
A Step Toward Greater Competition
This move represents a significant shift in Japan’s tech policy, aiming to reduce gatekeeping and foster fairer competition in the mobile ecosystem. For iPhone users, it could mean more choice, better performance, and faster innovation in mobile browsers. For developers, it opens new opportunities to bring fully featured browser experiences to iOS without Apple’s technical limitations.
