Opera revealed today that it will launch a new AI-powered browser built on its own engine for iOS in Europe. The company made this announcement following the news that Apple is going to allow alternative browser engines to run on iOS as a result of the requirements of the European Digital Markets Act (DMA). This change will enable developers to offer browsers that are not based on the WebKit browser engine, unlike the current requirement by Apple for third-party browsers to use WebKit.
As a result, Opera will be providing iPhone users with an AI-powered alternative to Safari. Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, expressed the company’s excitement about these changes and its plans to deliver the AI-centric Opera One for iOS. He also mentioned the new interoperability request form Apple announced, which will allow developers to submit additional requests for interoperability with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.
The new browser is expected to debut in March, coinciding with the implementation of the DMA. While these changes are currently being applied in the European Union, Opera is urging Apple to extend these freedoms to iOS users worldwide. Additionally, Opera announced its upcoming “major investment” in a key AI infrastructure project in Europe but did not provide further details about the new browser.
Finally, Opera noted that it had introduced its “Aria” browser AI and unveiled its flagship desktop browser named Opera One last year. This name will also be used for the new iOS browser and was described by Opera as being ready for a “generative AI-based future.”
