Google experiments with a Blink-based browser on iOS
Google developers have been exploring an experimental iOS browser built on the Blink engine, a project that runs afoul of Apple guidelines. This information comes from Record, which notes that the approach challenges the current policy framework.
At present, the standard Chrome browser and other engines available on iOS and iPadOS rely on Apple WebKit. That reliance stems from Apple’s App Store rules, which generally require apps to use WebKit for rendering. The same policy does not apply on macOS, where different rules govern browser engines and distribution. This distinction is often discussed in the tech press when comparing iOS versus macOS development environments. (Source: Record)
Google describes the Blink-based browser as an experimental prototype created to study how certain iOS performance factors behave. It is explicitly stated that this edition would not be released to users, given Apple’s policy restrictions. The project appears to be a controlled investigation rather than a consumer product. (Source: Record)
Some observers speculate that Google is preparing for a potential shift in antitrust contexts that could compel Apple to relax browser-engine requirements for App Store apps. If authorities were to loosen such constraints, Google might be positioned to publish a browser in the App Store built on its own engine sooner than later. This line of thinking reflects broader debates about platform control and interoperability in mobile ecosystems. (Source: Record)
Additionally, earlier claims circulated by Socialbites.ca touched on the possibility that Apple would not release certain hardware options, such as the Mac Studio with an M2 Ultra, due to internal competition concerns. While such reports highlight industry tensions, they should be weighed against official company statements and subsequent developments. (Source: Record)