In short

The Digital Markets Act came into force in 2023 with enforcement starting in 2024. It targets a small number of very large platforms ('gatekeepers') and imposes obligations like allowing third-party app stores, allowing alternative payment methods, and banning self-preferencing in search results. For browsers, the most important change is that iOS in the EU now allows alternative browser engines (Chromium, Gecko), meaning Apple can no longer require every iOS browser to use its WebKit engine. In practice, the rollout has been messy, but the rule is now law.

Who counts as a 'gatekeeper'

The DMA targets companies that meet specific size thresholds, annual EU turnover, market capitalisation, and number of users. As of 2024, designated gatekeepers include Apple, Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, ByteDance (TikTok), and Booking. Each has specific 'core platform services' designated (e.g. Apple's App Store, iOS, Safari; Google's Search, Android, Chrome).

Smaller companies aren't covered, which is why most of the conversation is about the big seven.

What gatekeepers must do

The obligations are extensive. The most relevant for browsers and apps:

  • Allow third-party app stores and direct downloads on iOS (Apple) and Android (Google).
  • Allow alternative payment methods for in-app purchases.
  • Allow alternative browser engines on iOS, Apple's longstanding rule that every iOS browser must use WebKit no longer applies in the EU.
  • Ban self-preferencing in search results (e.g. Google Search putting Google products above competitors).
  • Allow business users to communicate freely with their customers about pricing and offers outside the platform.
  • Interoperability for messaging (Meta's WhatsApp / Messenger must allow third-party clients).

The browser angle

For browsers specifically, the DMA does two things:

  1. On iOS, Apple must allow alternative browser engines (Chromium, Gecko, etc.). Before the DMA, every browser on iOS was forced to use Apple's WebKit, even if it was branded as Chrome or Firefox. Now (in the EU only) that's not required.
  2. Apple, Google, and Microsoft must show users a 'choice screen' for the default browser when setting up a new device. This is why first-time iOS / Android setup in the EU now asks 'pick your default browser' from a list, rather than defaulting silently to Safari or Chrome.

How well it's working in practice

Mixed. Apple's first attempt at DMA compliance involved a 'Core Technology Fee' that critics said made third-party app stores commercially impossible. The EU pushed back and Apple revised it. The browser-engine choice has been slow to roll out, Chrome and Firefox both said they'd ship Chromium / Gecko on iOS in the EU but encountered Apple's testing and contractual requirements that delayed launches.

The choice screens have rolled out and are mostly working. Browser developers report a meaningful uptick in installs from the choice screens.

Long-term: the DMA is the first major legal framework that meaningfully constrains gatekeeper power. Even if the implementation is messy, the legal precedent is real.