TL;DR:
- Opera welcomes Apple’s move to open iOS to alternative browsers.
- The European Digital Markets Act (DMA) drives this change, allowing Opera to introduce an AI-centric browser.
- Opera’s AI initiatives, like Aria browser AI and Opera One, set the stage for the upcoming iOS browser.
- Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, expresses excitement for the competition and user choice that the DMA brings.
- Opera encourages Apple to extend these changes globally.
- Apple’s new interoperability request form also garners enthusiasm.
- Opera plans a significant investment in a European AI infrastructure project.
Main AI News:
Opera, a leading European browser developer, warmly welcomes Apple’s recent decision to open the iOS ecosystem to alternative browser engines. This move, prompted by the European Digital Markets Act (DMA), presents a unique opportunity for Opera to revolutionize the browsing experience for iPhone and iPad users. The DMA, slated to come into effect in March 2024, has set the stage for Opera’s groundbreaking AI-centric web browser, scheduled for launch in the months ahead.
Since early 2023, Opera has been at the forefront of browser innovation, particularly in the realm of AI. The introduction of Aria browser AI across its key products and the complete redesign of its flagship desktop browser into the AI-centric Opera One marked significant milestones. Now, in 2024, Opera aims to elevate this innovation to new heights.
Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera, emphasizes the company’s commitment to embracing the changes brought about by the DMA. “As the leading European browser developer, we embrace the changes introduced through the DMA, aimed at fostering competition and offering users a more diverse selection of browsers on iOS. We intend to deliver on this with the AI-centric Opera One for iOS,” stated Arnesen. He further expressed excitement about Apple’s plan to implement a browser choice screen for iOS, making it easier for users to select their preferred default browser on mobile devices.
While the DMA primarily targets the European market, Opera sees it as a pivotal moment that can set a global precedent. The company encourages Apple to extend these newfound freedoms to iOS users worldwide, fostering even more competition and innovation.
Opera currently boasts an award-winning browser for iOS, and the opening of the iOS ecosystem to alternative browser engines provides an opportunity for browser developers like Opera to create truly distinctive and user-centric products that enhance the overall browsing experience. Arnesen also praised Apple’s announcement of a new interoperability request form, allowing developers to submit requests for enhanced compatibility with iPhone and iOS hardware and software features.
Conclusion:
Opera’s entrance into the iOS browser market with an AI-powered offering reflects a strategic response to the evolving landscape, driven by the DMA. This move not only enhances competition but also underlines the potential for innovation in the browser market, promising a more diverse and user-centric experience for iOS users. The upcoming browser and Opera’s investments in AI infrastructure position the company to be a key player in the evolving mobile browser industry.
