Opera revealed today that it will launch a new artificial intelligence browser based on its own engine on the iOS platform in Europe. The Norway-based company announced the change after news broke that Apple would allow other browser engines to run on iOS as required by the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). This change will allow developers to offer browsers that are not based on the WebKit engine.
Apple currently requires third-party browsers to use WebKit, and WebKit is the browser engine that powers Apple's Safari browser. To comply with the DMA's requirements, Apple will begin allowing developers to submit browsers that are not based on WebKit, including web browser apps and developers that provide in-app browsers for displaying web pages in iOS apps.
Opera says the changes will allow it to offer iPhone users an artificial intelligence alternative to Safari.
Jørgen Arnesen, executive vice president of mobile at Opera, said in a statement: "As Europe's leading browser developer, we welcome the changes introduced by DMA, which are designed to promote competition and provide users with a more diverse browser choice on iOS. "We intend to achieve this goal with the artificial intelligence-focused version of Opera One for iOS. In addition, we are happy to see Apple confirm that it will also launch a browser selection interface on iOS, making it easier for users to choose their favorite browser as the default browser on mobile devices. "
Arneson went on to note that Opera is "very excited about the new interoperability request form announced by Apple, which will allow developers to submit more interoperability requests with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features."
The new browser is expected to debut in March, when the DMA comes into effect. Given that the changes only apply to the EU, Opera said in a press release that it "strongly encourages Apple to provide these enhanced freedoms to iOS users worldwide."
Opera did not provide further details about the upcoming browser but said it would soon announce a "significant investment" in a key artificial intelligence infrastructure project in Europe.
Last year, Opera launched its "Aria" artificial intelligence browser and redesigned its flagship desktop browser, naming it Opera One, which will also be the name of the new iOS browser. At the time, Opera said that elements of the new browser would prepare it for a "generative AI-based future."