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I can see the argument that allowing users to run Chrome on iPhones may hurt browser engine diversity, but I don't see how that translates to giving Google more

I can see the argument that allowing users to run Chrome on iPhones may hurt browser engine diversity, but I don't see how that translates to giving Google more dominance. Most alternative browsers are based on Chromium, and strip out Google shit. Even in the bleak potential future where running a non-blink browser is untenable, non-Chrome browsers will exist and stymy Google's attacks on the free web. That's not to say that there's nothing to be concerned about; engine diversity is valuable all on its own, and Google won't stop attempting to capture the web for as long as it exists and hasn't yet succeeded. This is one of those "patient monster vs eternally vigilant guards" deals where the monster is guaranteed eventual victory unless it is destroyed or victory is rendered impossible.

Apocryphon 3y ago
Orion is based on WebKit and not specifically Blink, at least.
shepherdjerred 3y ago
Google can (and has) ignored web standards/pushed their own features. They are limited in what they can do today because every iPhone uses uses WebKit. e.g. Google _could_ do whatever they want today, but they'd miss out on iPhone uses. Even assuming that Google is benevolent, it makes less sense for developers to target alternative web browsers if they don't have sufficient market share. Today most businesses support Chrome and WebKit (because they want those iPhone uses). If Chrome is dominant then it becomes self-reinforcing. The market share for other browsers is minimal, so nobody is going to develop/test for other browsers, so the experience on other browsers becomes worse, so users are forced to use Chrome, so the market share for other browsers drops further.