Browsing the web on an iOS device has typically ben accomplished with Safari. We now have the option though to use third party web browsers like Firefox, or Google Chrome to browse the web as well. The advantage is that Safari isn’t the only option for browsing the web on iOS, or is it?
Web Browsers on iOS
There are several web browsers now on iOS, but are they actually different from Safari? The truth is that all web browsers on iOS are based on Apple’s WebKit technology, which also powers Safari. This is because third party apps can not run code like Javascript in a way that is required to render web pages. This may change if Apple allows JIT which stands for Just In Time code execution in third party apps. In short, it means that apps like Chrome or Firefox could not load web pages quickly like Safari, so the rule is that all iOS web browsers must use the same technology that powers Safari.
So Are Third Party Browsers Just Safari?
Third-party browsers employ the same technology as Safari, yet they offer distinct advantages. Notably, Google Chrome and Firefox enable users to synchronize bookmarks across devices. While this functionality is also available in Safari, its implementation is limited to the Apple ecosystem, and many users prefer not to exclusively utilize a Mac or Safari. Consequently, third-party browsers provide users with the flexibility to access tools and features that are not exclusive to web browsing.
Conclusion
Third party browsers allow alternatives to Safari on the iPhone and iPad. Many users believe that they are faster and more reliable than Safari without knowing that these browsers work the same while browsing the web. The only reason to consider a third party browser would really be if you like the other features provided by your favorite web browser that you use on your desktop computer.