The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →EU rules allow qualifying browser developers to use an engine other than Apple’s WebKit on iPhones in the EU—but they do not switch every browser app to a different engine. Developers must meet Apple’s conditions, obtain an entitlement, and release an app version that uses the alternative engine. For users, the most visible change is a screen for choosing a default browser.
What the EU rules change—and what they do not
Apple says browser apps and apps offering qualifying in-app browsing experiences may use alternative engines on iOS and iPadOS in the EU. Apple’s March 2026 DMA compliance summary says the amended rules took effect on 16 September 2024. Apple’s developer guidance describes the entitlements and technical requirements; its DMA compliance summary describes the measures as part of its compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act.
This is permission subject to eligibility and technical safeguards, not a platform-wide replacement of WebKit. A developer must request and receive the relevant Apple entitlement, and the app must actually ship an alternative engine. Apple’s stated availability is for EU users on iOS 17.4 or later and iPadOS 18 or later; the iPad threshold is different from the iPhone threshold.
Dedicated browser apps
A browser app seeking to use its own engine needs Apple’s Web Browser Engine Entitlement. Apple says the app must be distributed solely on iOS and/or iPadOS in the EU, have the default-browser entitlement, meet its testing thresholds, and satisfy security and privacy requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
In-app browsing
An app that provides an in-app browsing experience can request the Embedded Browser Engine Entitlement. Apple applies functional, security, and privacy conditions to this use as well. For embedded engines, Apple also requires the developer to submit an update within 15 calendar days after a new engine version becomes available. This is an update-submission deadline, not a promise that the update will reach every user within that period.
What iPhone users can see: the default-browser choice screen
Apple’s choice screen offers a way to select a default browser from eligible options. Apple says it appears the first time an EU user opens Safari on a supported iPhone or iPad. In its October 2024 update, Apple said that users whose default was Safari would see the screen after installing iOS 18.2 or iPadOS 18.2; users who had already chosen another default browser would not. Users can select an option on the screen, and the selected app may be downloaded and opened from there. See Apple’s browser choice-screen guidance.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
The screen is not a complete browser directory
Apple’s eligibility rules require an app to have a default-browser entitlement and web browsing as its primary purpose. It also sets prior-year user thresholds across EU storefronts: at least 5,000 iPhone users or 4,000 iPad users, depending on the platform. Apple selects up to 11 eligible browsers in addition to Safari, updates eligible lists once per calendar year, and randomizes their order on each user’s device. The country lists on the reviewed Apple page are labeled current as of November 2025, so they should not be treated as a live list for October 2026.
A listed app is not proof of an alternative engine
Apple says developers may opt to list their alternative-engine version, but the choice-screen country lists identify apps and publishers rather than specifying the engine in each release. An app’s name or appearance on the screen therefore does not establish that its current iPhone version uses an alternative to WebKit. To assess a particular browser, check whether that specific app version supports an alternative engine in your country; the available Apple lists do not answer that question for every app and release.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
What developers must meet
Apple publishes technical thresholds and safeguards as conditions for its entitlements. They describe eligibility requirements, not evidence that any particular browser has passed them or that users will see a particular performance or privacy result.
Functional test thresholds
- Web Platform Tests: at least 90% of tests, measured against the highest number of subtests executed by any browser on the WPT front page, on a compatible operating system.
- Test262: at least 80% on an iOS device, iPadOS device, or Mac with Apple silicon.
- Lockdown Mode: the engine must meet the test requirements even when just-in-time (JIT) compilation is unavailable, such as when a user enables Lockdown Mode.
These figures are Apple Developer’s current eligibility thresholds, not adoption, market-share, or real-world performance statistics. The test and entitlement details are in Apple’s alternative-engine requirements.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Security and privacy conditions
Apple’s listed security requirements include secure development practices, a public vulnerability disclosure policy, version-specific vulnerability information, modern TLS support, monitoring third-party dependencies, and timely vulnerability responses. Apple says the simplest classes of actively exploited vulnerabilities should be mitigated promptly, giving 30 days as an example; its guidance also says most vulnerabilities should be resolved in 30 days while acknowledging that some cases may take longer.
Privacy requirements include blocking third-party cookies by default unless the user gives informed consent, subject to a narrow compatibility exception; partitioning cross-site-observable storage by top-level website or blocking it; not sharing device identifiers with websites without informed consent and user activation; and labeling network connections for App Privacy Report. These are requirements placed on participating developers, not a general guarantee that every iOS browser app has the same implementation or outcomes.
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
What the European Commission has said
On 23 April 2025, the European Commission announced that it had closed its investigation into Apple’s user-choice obligations, including the browser choice screen. The Commission said Apple had changed the screen after discussions, streamlining the process of selecting and setting a default browser on iPhone. The closure concerns that user-choice investigation; in the same release, the Commission separately raised preliminary concerns about Apple’s terms for alternative app distribution. Those are distinct matters, and the closure is not an approval of every aspect of Apple’s DMA compliance. Read the Commission’s 23 April 2025 announcement.
How to evaluate a browser option
If you are deciding which browser to use, separate the default-browser setting from the engine question. A useful check for the specific app and version is:
- Does that version support an alternative engine in your EU country, or does it use WebKit?
- Is it available in your country and eligible to appear on the choice screen?
- What privacy controls and data-handling practices does the developer document?
- How does the developer describe security updates and vulnerability handling?
- Does the browser work with the websites and workflows you rely on?
The Apple choice screen can help set a default, but it is not a technical comparison of browser engines. The reviewed Apple pages do not establish which engine every named browser uses in each country and release, nor do they establish that alternative engines have materially changed speed, compatibility, privacy, or market shares.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
