Apple deprives developers of the ability to test third-party web engines outside the EU

Apple has made significant changes to the App Store guidelines in the European Union to ensure compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) antitrust laws . One of these changes allows developers to release iPhone web browsers with their own engine, but the company is making it difficult for developers to test their apps before releasing them to users in the EU.

For web testing browser with an alternative engine requires a device located in the EU

The Register's report from developers says Apple has limited testing of third-party web browsers to devices located in the EU “This requirement creates an additional barrier for anyone planning to. develop and support a browser with an alternative engine” for European users, the report notes.

Although developers can first use iPhone Simulator to test their apps on Mac. launching them on the App Store, there are some behaviors that can only be observed on a real device. And even if someone reports a bug to a developer, it can be difficult to find and fix without the ability to install the browser on the iPhone.

For years, Apple required iOS web browsers to use the same WebKit that and Safari. However, one of the requirements of DMA is that developers can use alternative browser engines if they choose. For example, Google may now release a version of Chrome for iOS using the same engine as the desktop version.

But with such demands, it doesn't seem like most developers will be working on it anytime soon. soon. “Apple isn't serious about supporting web browser or engine choice on iOS,” Google Chrome vice president Parisa Tabriz said in February. Another limitation is that alternative engines are not available for iPad – but this will change later this year.

The EU Commission has already announced that it is not satisfied with some of Apple's responses to the new law, so expect more changes on this issue .