When Apple releases the iOS 17.4 software update to the world in the next few weeks it'll bring with it a sea change in the way the iPhone and App Store work. It'll open the door to third-party app stores, for one, and there will be support for non-Webkit web browsers as well. Both of those things will launch in the EU only, however, as Apple scrambles to comply with incoming Digital Markets Act requirements before the March 6 deadline. And while there are reasons to be cheerful about the changes, the opening of the web browser market on iOS isn't something that web developers are looking forward to.
While there is a reason to believe that more web browser engine choice is a good thing, there are catches to be considered. It's those catches that web developers worry could cause chaos in their line of work — especially if they don't happen to live in the EU.
