Japan to Force Apple to have other web browser choices starting in December, 2025

Japan’s new antitrust regulations will not only compel Apple to permit third-party app stores but also mandate the company to enable third-party browser engines on iPhones starting in December.

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Japan’s Fair Trade Commission is preparing to enforce its new Smartphone Act regulations, which directly affect Apple’s software policies. A key aspect of these changes is Apple’s WebKit-only rule for all iOS browsers.

The new guidelines, translated by Open Web Advocacy, give Apple until December 2025 to eliminate restrictions that prevent or hinder third-party browser engines on iOS. This deadline suggests that iPhone users in Japan could experience actual alternatives to Safari as early as 2026.

In July, Japan’s Fair Trade Commission finalized updates to the Mobile Software Competition Act, with full enforcement scheduled for December 18, 2025. These rules require Apple to allow third-party app stores, alternative payment methods, and broader access to hardware features such as Face ID and Touch ID.

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