Apple recently announced its decision to allow iPhone users to sideload third-party app stores and choose their preferred default web browser, in compliance with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). Following this revelation, Opera has announced the upcoming launch of an AI-powered web browser named Opera One for iPhones. As per the company's statement, Opera One will be an AI-centric web browser, fully leveraging Apple's latest regulation allowing users to switch from Safari to a web browser of their choice as the default. It's worth noting that the Opera One web browser is already accessible on Windows, and Opera might deliver a similar experience on iPhones in the coming days. The latest development enables app-makers to create web browsers without WebKit and incorporate their custom technology, providing more freedom for developers. Due to regulatory requirements, the forthcoming AI-powered Opera One web browser will exclusively operate in the EU and will be available for download on iPhones running iOS 17.4 or newer versions starting March 2024. This recent development signals a significant shift in the Apple ecosystem, particularly in the EU, where brands like Epic Games have confirmed plans to launch their own App Store for iPhones, and these third-party stores can also offer their own payment process. This move will empower iPhone users to download and experience apps, though initially, developers will need to obtain authorisation from Apple for their apps/services, especially for web browsers intending to use a non-WebKit engine, a requirement likely applicable to Opera One.
