Since iOS 14 and iPadOS 14, it has been possible to use another standard web browser on your iPhone or iPad instead of Safari. The obligation to use Apple’s own browser has therefore expired for some time, but that was not enough for the EU.
In accordance with the Digital Markets Act, Apple in the EU must actively notify users about changes to default web browsers. That is why from iOS 17.4 onwards you will see suggestions to set a different browser.
Standard web browser explained
Every smartphone, tablet or computer has a standard web browser. This is the access to the world wide web and ensures that received links and references to the internet can be opened. On iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the default browser is used by all apps and links and Siri commands open automatically in this browser. Since iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 you can change Safari to another web browser and from iOS 17.4 you will get more suggestions.
Set default browser
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to the browser app in the list, for example ‘Chrome’
- Tap ‘Default browser app’
- Select your favorite browser from the list
On a Mac, you can also adjust this via  ▸ System Settings ▸ Desktop and Dock ▸ Default Web Browser. If you have a Mac with macOS Monterey or older, you can do this via  ▸ System Preferences ▸ General ▸ Default web browser
From now on, all links and Siri suggestions will open in this web browser. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely remove the Safari application from your iPhone or iPad, which is possible for most standard apps. Good to know, this way you can also set a Mail app as default.
New from iOS 17.4
Starting with iOS 17.4, iPhone users in the EU will see a list of browsers that you can set as the default when you open Safari for iPhone. The list shows the 12 most popular apps from the App Store so that the user has a wide choice and is actively informed about the possibilities. If you do not set another browser, Safari will remain the default access to the web.
Furthermore, Apple has new frameworks and APIs for alternative browser engines introduced. These can be used by browser engine developers. This means that a Safari alternative can really be offered, until now this has been WebKit and a copy of Safari with just a different look.