A prototype browser using Blink instead of WebKit is showing significant performance gains on iOS devices, according to testing shared by Microsoft's Kyle Pflug. The Chromium-based engine scored 49.27 on Speedometer 3.1 compared to WebKit's 38.3, representing a 28.6% advantage in web responsiveness.

These benchmarks were run on an iPhone 17 Pro Max with iOS 26.5.1, with Blink also edging out WebKit in JavaScript throughput and graphics rendering tests. The testing comes after the EU's Digital Markets Act forced Apple to permit alternative browser engines through BrowserEngineKit, breaking WebKit's long-standing monopoly on iOS browsing.

Pflug emphasized this remains a research prototype, not a commercial product, tested on personal hardware rather than lab conditions. Still, the results suggest genuine competition could emerge if browser makers pursue alternatives to Apple's default engine.

The momentum builds following Chrome's June 4 announcement of new benchmark records, signaling renewed pressure on Safari's performance lead. While WebKit has dominated iOS browsing for years, these developments show developers now have viable options for faster mobile experiences.