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Browsing the web on iOS devices has long been synonymous with Safari, but options like Firefox and Google Chrome are now available. However, are these third-party browsers truly different from Safari?
All iOS web browsers are built on Apple’s WebKit technology, the same engine that powers Safari. This is due to Apple’s restrictions on third-party apps running code like JavaScript in a way that is needed to render web pages. While this might change if Apple allows Just In Time (JIT) code execution, for now, all browsers must use WebKit.
Despite sharing the same technology, third-party browsers like Chrome and Firefox offer unique benefits. They allow users to synchronize bookmarks across different devices, a feature that Safari limits to the Apple ecosystem. This flexibility is a significant advantage for users who do not exclusively use Apple products.
In conclusion, while third-party browsers on iOS perform similarly to Safari when it comes to web browsing, they provide additional features that may enhance the overall user experience, especially for those who prefer cross-platform compatibility.