Apple’s enclosed ecosystem seems to be gradually opening, especially in the EU. On January 25th, 2024, Apple announced changes to its App Store and business model to comply with the Digital Market Act (DMA), effective March.
However, Apple’s move stirred controversies. Meta’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, and Spotify criticized it. Proton VPN accuses Apple of capitalizing on the DMA. Mozilla views it as Apple erecting barriers against browser competition on iOS.
Despite the skepticism, Opera’s developers embrace Apple’s new iOS browser rules. They launched an AI-powered alternative to Safari. Jona Bolin, Product Manager at Opera browser for iOS, shared insights into the implications for users worldwide.
Embracing Regulatory Evolution
“It’s refreshing to see regulations evolving,” Bolin expressed. “We see it as a chance to maintain control.”
He elaborated that Opera, being free, won’t be as affected by new fees. However, adapting to two different apps poses a user migration challenge.
Apple’s opening to third-party web browser engines, limited to EU apps, doubles the workload for developers.
Despite this, Bolin anticipates Apple’s changes facilitating feature implementation across Opera’s apps.
Opera intends to introduce Opera One, an AI-centric browser, to iOS, offering an alternative to Safari.
The UK and US are considering legislation akin to the DMA, aiming for fair competition and digital rights protection.
Bolin sees the DMA as a catalyst for broader ecosystem openness, hoping it pressures Apple to expand globally.
