### The Effect of the EU’s Digital Markets Act on Web Browsers: One Year On
When the Digital Markets Act (DMA) was enacted by the European Union last year, it represented a considerable transformation in the regulatory environment for major technology companies, especially Apple. A key alteration mandated that Apple permit developers to build web browsers utilizing their own engines, rather than being confined to Safari’s WebKit. A year has now gone by since these modifications took effect, yet prominent web browsers have not yet introduced EU-specific versions. In an exclusive interview with *9to5Mac*, Opera’s Product Manager Jona Bolin provided his perspective on the current competitive landscape in the browser market and the persistent hurdles encountered by third-party developers.
#### The Digital Markets Act: A Driver for Transformation
The DMA was created to enhance competition among digital services by placing certain requirements on “gatekeepers,” or major tech firms that control the market. Among these requirements, Apple was obligated to enable sideloading on iOS, improve user choices for default web browsers, and permit browsers in the EU to function with different web engines.
These alterations have positively influenced third-party browser developers. Bolin observed that the ability for users to select their default browser when setting up a new device has resulted in a rise in downloads for alternatives like Opera. This newfound exposure has enabled users to consider options beyond Safari, which has traditionally held a commanding presence in the iOS ecosystem.
#### Persistent Challenges for Third-Party Browsers
In spite of these improvements, Bolin contends that substantial obstacles continue to exist for third-party browsers on iOS. He pointed out that while Opera appreciates the chance to provide a custom engine in the EU, the rollout of these changes has not been optimal. Developers remain bound by Apple’s regulations, which Bolin characterizes as a deficiency of trust in third-party developers.
One of the primary difficulties lies in the inability to easily transition users from the global version of a browser to an EU-specific variant. This division necessitates developers to manage two separate versions of their browsers, which increases costs and risks. Additionally, the ongoing dependency on WebKit curtails third-party browsers from incorporating features unsupported by Apple, limiting their capacity for innovation.
Bolin champions broader access to custom engines, asserting that users should have the freedom to select browsers with their preferred engines irrespective of their geographical location. He believes that permitting multiple binaries would enable users in various regions to choose browsers that best fit their requirements.
#### The Outlook for Browser Competition
Notwithstanding the obstacles, Opera maintains a hopeful outlook regarding the future of browser competition. Bolin is confident that ongoing regulatory scrutiny will ultimately drive Apple to further relax its ecosystem, creating a more equitable environment for all browser developers. In the interim, Opera is dedicated to enhancing its browser with new features, including the recent launch of Aria, an AI chatbot, alongside a complimentary VPN and content filters.
Opera’s dedication to user privacy is also significant, as the company is headquartered in Norway and adheres to rigorous European data protection regulations. This emphasis on user privacy resonates with consumers who are increasingly aware of how their data is collected and handled.
#### Conclusion
The execution of the EU’s Digital Markets Act has sparked vital changes in the browser landscape, providing fresh opportunities for competition. Nevertheless, as underscored by Opera’s Jona Bolin, significant work remains to foster a genuinely competitive environment. The aspiration is that ongoing regulatory initiatives will result in a more accessible ecosystem, facilitating the success of third-party browsers alongside Apple’s Safari. For the moment, users can delve into the evolving realm of web browsers, with Opera for iOS available free on the App Store, along with other innovative features that focus on user privacy and experience.
As the digital world continues to evolve, the relationship between regulation and innovation will be essential in defining the future of web browsing.
