Forced browser selection: Firefox counts doubled iPhone users

In the EU for a year now, IOS has been asking for a standard browser if iPhone users have so far used Apple's safari. The group did not voluntarily integrate this into its operating systems, but in response to new requirements of the Digital Market Act. Such a browser choice screen actually has an effect, Mozilla has now shared: Since Apple's first fading in a browser selection dialogue in March 2024, the number of daily active users of the iOS version of Firefox in Germany has almost doubled. In France there was even growth of 111 percent.

Firefox was at the top of the app store charts

The meaningfulness of percentage growth information remains limited, concrete figures on the now active Firefox users do not mention Mozilla. In recent months, however, the fact that third-party browser received a massive download thrust through the browser choice-choice screen displayed by iOS has been observed again and again in the app store charts. Firefox and Google Chrome in the meantime were repeatedly found under the most charged apps in Germany.

The download flood seems to be triggered by larger point updates for iOS like last version 18.3. Many users then receive the browser selection dialog and then obviously download one of the known browsers. Chrome is practically continuously represented in the top 10 of Apple's App Store, obviously also regardless of the fiction of the selection dialog.

The Digital Markets Act could not yet develop its full potential because the gatekeepers reluctantly adhere to the new rules, explained Mozilla. However, it shows that such “targeted regulation can help to tackle some competitive barriers at browsers”. With iOS 18.2, Apple-apparently under pressure from the EU-had to improve significantly again in the browser selection dialogues. Since then, the newly chosen standard browser then replaces Safari from the prominent position in the iPhone-Dock.

No full third browser yet available

There is still no correct selection between full browsers for iOS and iPados: all browsers rely on Apple's webkit in the substructure. The Digital Markets Act has also forced Apple to allow other browser engine. Neither Google nor Mozilla have implemented this so far-not least because there were considerable Apple hurdles here too.