the opera revealed today It will launch a new AI-powered browser built on its own engine for iOS in Europe. The Norway-based company announced the change following news that Apple will allow alternative browser engines to run on iOS as a result of requirements of the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). The changes will allow developers to offer browsers that do not rely on the WebKit browser engine.
Apple currently requires third-party browsers to use WebKit, the same browser engine that powers its Safari browser. In order to comply with the DMA, Apple will begin allowing developers to submit non-WebKit-based browsers, for both web browser apps and developers offering in-app browsers for viewing web pages within their iOS apps.
Opera says the changes will allow it to offer iPhone users an AI-powered alternative to the Safari browser.
“As the leading European browser developer, we are embracing the changes introduced through the DMA, which aim to boost competition and offer a more diverse set of browsers to users on iOS,” Jørgen Arnesen, executive vice president of mobile at Opera, said in a statement. “We intend to achieve this with the AI-focused Opera One for iOS. Furthermore, we are happy to see confirmation that Apple will also implement a browser selection screen for iOS, making it easier for users to choose their preferred browser as the default also on their mobile devices.” .
Arnesen went on to note that Opera is “very excited about the new interoperability request model announced by Apple, which will allow developers to submit additional requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.”
The new browser is expected to debut in March, which is when the DMA will begin. Given that the changes only apply in the European Union, Opera said in a press release that it “strongly encourages Apple to implement these freedom-enhancing changes for iOS users around the world.”
Opera did not provide any further details about the upcoming browser, but said it would soon announce a “major investment” in a major AI infrastructure project in Europe.
Last year, Opera introduced its “Aria” AI browser and redesigned its main desktop browser and called it Opera One, which will also be the name of the new iOS browser. At the time, Opera said the new browser contained elements that made it ready for an “AI-driven future.”