Binu Paul email: b.paul@mobilenapps.com
Mozilla will not release an iOS version of Firefox browser until Apple loosens the technological limitations imposed on third-party browsers. Talking at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference, Jay Sullivan, Mozilla's vice president of product, made it clear that Firefox will not return to iPhones and iPads unless the Cupertino tech giant relaxes iOS browser rules.
Sullivan made the comments at an Interactive panel at SXSW 2013, where he said Apple's strict browser restrictions do not allow other browsers that do not use Apple's version of WebKit, CNET reports. This rule prevents Mozilla from building a Firefox version for the Apple operating system. In addition, Apple also prevents its users from setting any non-Safari app as the default means of handling browsing.
"The sticking point for Mozilla is not being able to carry over its sophisticated rendering and Java script engines to iOS. Essentially, the organization doesn't feel like it can build the browser it wants to for Apple's platform," Sullivan was quoted as saying to CNET.
The move is a quite risky one for Mozilla, as Firefox holds less than one percent of the mobile browser market, while Apple's Mobile Safari leads the market with close to 60 percent share of all mobile browser usage. However, Mozilla appears to be pinning all its hopes on the newly announced Firefox OS for mobile to take a significant share of the mobile browser market — especially with its proclaimed policy to grab the market share with low-end smartphones equipped with its browser.
Mozilla had removed its Firefox Home app from Apple's App Store in September of 2012 and now the company is not working on an iOS version of the browser and according to Sullivan, nor does it plan to do so.
Mozilla had recently announced its Firefox OS mobile platform at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), embarking into the world of mobile operating systems to take on Apple's iOS and Google's Android. As the company sees it, Firefox phones will be the world's first "open Web devices" and these phones will essentially work just like a browser. As the OS is based on the open Web, and working on the HTML5-based apps will be just like visiting websites through a browser, opening them temporarily as apps and closing.
most read
related stories
more stories from News
Breaking news! Realme GT Neo 6 SE confirms Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset for next-level performance. Stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge technology.
ernest hamiltonLeak alert! Apple's 3-year product roadmap reveals iPhone SE 4, foldable device, AR glasses. Explore the exciting innovations ahead. Stay tuned for updates!
ernest hamiltonUS Intel finds no evidence of TikTok threat. Security concerns dispelled. Stay informed on the latest updates in the tech landscape.
ernest hamiltonSony Xperia 1 VI potential game-changer! Considering a shift from 4K display. Explore the latest developments in Sony's flagship lineup. Stay tuned!
ernest hamiltonDiscover on-device web page summarization! Android phones with Gemini Nano could get this feature. Learn more now!
ernest hamiltonRevolutionary unveil! Motorola introduces revamped Moto G 5G and Moto G Power 5G for 2024. Discover new designs, speed boosts, and more. Elevate your mobile experience!
ernest hamiltonExciting news for Galaxy users! Samsung unveils One UI 6.1 update for select devices, rollout expected by March end. Stay tuned for enhanced features and improved user experience!
ernest hamiltonLeak alert! Google Pixel 9 unveils major feature, promising innovation. Explore the latest advancements in the Pixel lineup. Stay tuned for more updates!
ernest hamilton