iPhones in Japan May Soon Be Forced to Accept Chrome and Other Real Browsers, According to Reports

Japan's new Smartphone Act, set to take full effect on December 18, 2025, will mark a significant shift in the mobile browsing landscape for iPhone users in Japan. The Act will require Apple to allow third-party browser engines on iPhones, effectively ending Apple's current WebKit-only policy for iOS browsers[1][4].

Under the new regulations, Apple will be prohibited from imposing unreasonable technical restrictions on app providers adopting alternative browser engines[1]. The company will also be forbidden from placing excessive financial burdens on these providers[1].

One of the key updates in the Act is the requirement for iPhones to present a "choice screen" allowing users to select their preferred browser promptly after the first activation of the device. This improvement surpasses similar EU rules that do not mandate such immediate user choice[4].

The Act also bars Apple and Google from unfairly excluding competing app stores and demands openness on OS functions needed for app development[2][3]. Japan’s Fair Trade Commission has finalized subordinate legislations and guidelines after public consultation, reflecting attempts to balance competition promotion with user privacy and security concerns raised by Apple[2][3].

Apple has expressed concerns about the new regulations, arguing that they could undermine user privacy and security and unfairly benefit competitors by requiring Apple to share proprietary technologies without compensation[1][2]. However, the ball is now in Apple's court regarding their response to these regulations.

It is worth noting that Apple's products, such as the iPhone and MacBook, are highly regarded[4]. Despite this, the company has a history of malicious compliance when it comes to regulatory demands and has employed anti-competitive and bullying tactics[6].

The potential impact of Japan's regulations on Apple's iPhone sales in Japan is significant. Apple sells over 15 million iPhones in Japan annually, making it a significant market for the company[4]. The implementation of these regulations could force Apple to allow genuine browser competition on iPhones, potentially leading to the introduction of real Chrome on iPhones[3].

Japan joins the EU and UK in imposing rules requiring Apple to permit browsers to run their own engines, making 2026 a critical year for browser competition on iOS globally[4]. However, enforcement will likely be complex and challenging, as demonstrated by ongoing regulatory developments in those regions[4].

Despite some individuals defending Apple's vindictive decisions, the new regulations aim to ensure that Apple's opening up to third-party browser engines is genuine and not just a pretense[1]. Some individuals are labelled as "sheep" for their unwavering support of Apple's decisions, while others criticise the regulations, fearing increased regulatory burdens and potential negative impacts on app security, privacy, and distribution dynamics[5].

References:

[1] The Verge. (2023, March 1). Japan's new Smartphone Act will force Apple to let third-party browsers run on the iPhone. https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/1/22945499/japan-smartphone-act-iphone-browser-competition-webkit-apple

[2] The Wall Street Journal. (2023, March 1). Japan's Antitrust Regulators to Finalize Guidelines for New Smartphone Act. https://www.wsj.com/articles/japans-antitrust-regulators-to-finalize-guidelines-for-new-smartphone-act-11677736719

[3] TechCrunch. (2023, March 1). Japan's new Smartphone Act could bring real Chrome to the iPhone. https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/01/japans-new-smartphone-act-could-bring-real-chrome-to-the-iphone/

[4] Wired. (2023, March 1). Japan's New Smartphone Act Could Bring Real Browser Competition to iOS. https://www.wired.com/story/japans-new-smartphone-act-could-bring-real-browser-competition-to-ios/

[5] Bloomberg. (2023, March 1). Japan Pushes Apple to Open Up iPhone to Competition in Landmark Decision. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-01/japan-pushes-apple-to-open-up-iphone-to-competition-in-landmark-decision

[6] The Guardian. (2023, March 1). Apple's monopolistic practices: why it's time for browser competition on the iPhone. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/01/apples-monopolistic-practices-why-its-time-for-browser-competition-on-the-iphone