Norwegian browser developerOperaOpera has announced plans to launch a new AI-powered browser in Europe that will be built on Opera’s own engine for iOS. The announcement comes after Apple said it would allow alternative browser engines to run on iOS, a change required by Europe’s Digital Markets Directive (DMA).
Apple currently requires third-party browsers to use the same WebKit engine as Safari. In order to comply with DMA, Apple decided to allow developers to submit non-WebKit-based browsers, including web browser apps and in-app browsers that display web pages in iOS apps.
Opera said the changes will give it the opportunity to offer iPhone users an AI-powered browser alternative to Safari. Opera's executive vice president of mobile, Jørgen Arnesen, said in a statement that they plan to do this through an AI-centric iOS browser called Opera One. The company welcomed Apple's introduction of an iOS browser selection screen, saying it would make it easier for users to choose a default browser on their mobile devices.
Opera plans to launchfirstOpera will unveil the new browser when the DMA takes effect. Since these changes are only being implemented in the EU, Opera strongly encourages Apple to roll out these enhancements to iOS users worldwide.
While Opera did not provide specific details about the upcoming browser, they said they will soon announce a major investment in a key AI infrastructure project. Last year, Opera launched its "Aria" browser AI and redesigned its desktop browser and renamed it Opera One, which could also be the name of the new iOS browser. Opera said that some elements of the new browser will prepare it for a "future based on generative AI."