The way Apple seeks to evade EU regulation by naming three different web browsers as Safari has attracted attention. They claim to offer three distinct web browsers named Safari. These browsers include Safari on iPadOS and macOS, Safari on iOS, and other engines outside of WebKit. Apple believes each Safari browser constitutes a unique “core platform service” with different interface options and purposes.
According to the judgment document of the EU Commission, it is important to note that only the iOS version of Safari falls within the scope of the “Digital Markets Act” requirement for browser engines. As a result, Apple was made aware of this in July. Subsequently, in August, they submitted a response to the EU Commission to address the matter.
Apple faces accusations of preparing to open the European market for third-party app stores to work with browser engines other than Safari, in addition to the browser issue. According to the EU Commission’s initial list of six companies designated as “gatekeepers” announced in early September, companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, ByteDance, Meta, and Microsoft are all on that list.
This information is primarily based on a report from the UK media outlet The Register on November 4th and the EU Commission’s list announced in early September.
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