Apple's WebKit requirement for iOS browsers may be costing users significant performance, according to new benchmark data from Microsoft. A research prototype of Edge using its own Blink engine scored 28.6% higher than Safari on the Speedometer 3.1 test, posting 49.27 versus 38.3. The prototype also beat Safari on JetStream 3 and MotionMark benchmarks, though Microsoft's Kyle Pflug noted these are preliminary results from his personal device.

Apple mandates that all iOS browsers use WebKit, which means Chrome and Firefox on iPhone are essentially reskinned Safari versions. The EU's Digital Markets Act theoretically addressed this in March 2024 by requiring Apple to permit alternative engines through BrowserEngineKit. However, more than two years later, no browser maker has shipped an alternative engine on iOS, citing technical barriers and the need to publish completely separate apps.

Open Web Advocacy calls this a 17-year cost to consumers and argues that WebKit restrictions limit mobile web capabilities. The group wants the European Commission to open a specification proceeding that would force Apple to remove barriers to alternative browser engines. These findings highlight persistent friction between Apple's platform control and regulatory efforts to increase competition.

Despite EU pressure, the practical reality shows Apple's grip on browser technology remains largely intact. Browser makers continue facing significant obstacles to delivering truly alternative engines on iOS, leaving users stuck with potentially slower performance than what other platforms offer.