TL;DR
Starting in iOS 26.2, Apple will permit non-WebKit browser engines for two kinds of apps distributed in Japan: full browser apps and apps embedding an engine for in-app browsing. Developers must obtain specific entitlements and meet extensive functional, security, and privacy requirements before Apple will authorize access to system capabilities like JIT and multiprocess support.
What happened
With iOS 26.2 and later, Apple is opening a limited path for alternative web browser engines to run on iOS devices in Japan. The company created two separate entitlements: a Web Browser Engine Entitlement for standalone browser apps and an Embedded Browser Engine Entitlement for apps that provide in-app browsing using a stewarded engine. Eligible developers must apply to Apple and satisfy technical baselines — including passing industry test suites — and a long list of security and privacy obligations. Apple says it will grant authorized developers access to system technologies that enable features such as just-in-time compilation and multiprocess support, while insisting on secure development practices, public vulnerability disclosure policies, timely mitigation of exploited flaws, and constraints on cross-site tracking and state sharing. The embedded-engine path also requires that the browsing UI dominates the display, show the rendered domain or URL, and offer a way to open the system default browser.
Why it matters
- Introduces the possibility of non-WebKit browser engines on iOS devices sold in Japan, potentially increasing browser diversity there.
- Apple retains gatekeeping through entitlements and strict technical, security, and privacy conditions, limiting broad rollout.
- Developers that gain authorization can access system features (e.g., JIT) that are typically restricted, which may affect performance and compatibility.
- High compliance requirements aim to reduce security and privacy risks associated with running third-party browser engines.
Key facts
- Policy applies to iOS 26.2 and later and only to apps distributed on iOS in Japan, unless otherwise permitted by Apple under the Developer Agreement.
- Two entitlements: Web Browser Engine Entitlement for dedicated browser apps and Embedded Browser Engine Entitlement for in-app browsing.
- Functional test baselines include passing 90% of Web Platform Tests (relative to the highest executed subtests) and 80% of Test262 on an Apple device or compatible OS.
- Apple will provide authorized developers access to system technologies such as just-in-time (JIT) compilation and multiprocess support.
- Security program requirements include using memory-safe languages for content-processing code, adopting modern mitigations (e.g., Pointer Authentication Codes), process separation, supply-chain monitoring, and prioritizing fixes over new features.
- Developers must publish a vulnerability disclosure policy, publicly track resolved vulnerabilities by version, and commit to timely mitigations (example: 30 days for simpler actively exploited issues).
- Privacy rules require blocking third-party cookies by default, partitioning site-observable storage by top-level site, not syncing state across apps without explicit user permission, and labeling network connections for the App Privacy Report.
- Embedded in-app browsing apps must have a UI that takes most of the display, present the domain or URL of rendered content, and include a control to open the system default browser.
- To qualify for the embedded-engine path, an organization must be a browser engine steward — the entity primarily responsible for operating a distinct engine and handling security responses.
What to watch next
- Which browser engines and developers Apple authorizes under these entitlements: not confirmed in the source
- How Apple will verify ongoing compliance and enforce the program’s security and privacy obligations over time: not confirmed in the source
- Whether Apple expands the policy beyond Japan or adjusts technical requirements in future iOS updates: not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Entitlement: An Apple-issued permission that allows an app to access specific system capabilities or behaviors not available to all apps.
- Just-in-time (JIT) compilation: A technique where code is compiled into machine language at runtime to improve performance, often restricted for security reasons.
- Web Platform Tests (WPT): An industry-standard suite of tests used to evaluate a browser engine’s implementation of web platform features and standards.
- Browser engine steward: An organization with primary operational responsibility for a distinct web browser engine, including coordinating security responses and updates.
Reader FAQ
Can any iOS app outside Japan use an alternative browser engine?
The source states the program applies to apps distributed solely on iOS in Japan unless Apple expressly permits other jurisdictions under the Developer Agreement.
Do embedded alternative engines have UI requirements?
Yes. In-app browsing must occupy the majority of the display, display the domain or URL of rendered content, and include a control to open the system default browser.
Will Apple allow access to JIT and multiprocess features for authorized engines?
Apple says it will provide authorized developers access to system technologies including JIT compilation and multiprocess support.
Are there timelines for fixing security vulnerabilities?
Developers must commit to timely mitigation of exploited vulnerabilities; the source gives an example of 30 days for simpler classes of actively exploited issues.
Overview Web Browser Engine Entitlement Embedded Browser Engine Entitlement Examples and resources Using alternative browser engines in Japan In iOS 26.2 and later, browser engines other than WebKit can be used in…
Sources
- iOS allows alternative browser engines in Japan
- Apple announces changes to iOS in Japan
- Changes to iOS in Japan – Support
- Japan App Store Gets Alternative Marketplaces, Third …
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