Google’s Chromium developers are tinkering with a web browser for iOS that doesn’t meet Apple’s strict rules for browsers. For now, it seems to be purely an experiment because Apple would never allow the application in the App Store.

According to The Register, the browser in question uses Google’s Blink engine. It is not allowed in the App Store: Apple only allows using its own WebKit engine there. Chrome from Google and Microsoft Edge for iOS and iPadOS are also forced to work based on Apple’s WebKit, while the Mac versions are (may) be based on Chromium.

Google knows that such a browser will never make it to the App Store. The tech giant, therefore, states that it is mainly an ‘experimental prototype’ intended to gain more insight into the performance of iOS and iPadOS devices. We will continue to comply with Apple’s policies, and the browser will not be available to the general public.

However, that could change in the future. For example, apple’s WebKit monopoly within the App Store is facing increasing opposition from various competition authorities. In the United States, the Biden administration is working on new legislation to prevent companies like Apple from continuing to boycott alternative browser engines on their platform. In Europe, the Digital Markets Act should provide a similar approach next year.