Core Points - The Japanese government has officially requested Apple to open its iOS system to third-party browser engines, with a deadline for compliance set for December 2025 [1][4] - This initiative is based on the newly released guidelines of the "Mobile Software Competition Law," which expands upon the recently passed "Smartphone Law" targeting Apple's restrictive policies in the App Store [1][4] Group 1 - Apple currently requires that iOS versions of browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge use its proprietary WebKit engine, which has been criticized for limiting market competition and hindering the performance and functionality of other browsers [4] - The Open Web Advocacy organization, involved in legal consultations, stated that Apple's enforcement of WebKit obstructs the development of independent browsers on iOS [4] - The new guidelines prohibit Apple from hindering the adoption of third-party browser engines and from setting unreasonable technical or financial barriers [4] Group 2 - The law ensures that browser developers have full access to critical system APIs, and any alternative APIs provided by Apple must not significantly underperform compared to those used by Safari or WebKit [4] - A notable requirement of the law is that devices must present a browser selection interface immediately upon activation, ensuring users can choose their preferred browser during the setup process [4][5] - Compared to related EU legislation, Japan's regulations are stricter regarding the timing and manner of user prompts, emphasizing the importance of user choice in the browser market [5]