Reynard: A Real Firefox Browser Running Gecko on iOS
Reynard: A real Firefox web browser for iOS 13 or later
I built Reynard, an experimental browser for iOS 13+ that bypasses Apple's WebKit requirement to run the Gecko engine directly. This project helps users on older devices access modern websites that Safari can no longer load. By sideloading via TrollStore or AltStore, you get a true Firefox experience with add-ons and updated rendering capabilities, independent of the operating system version.
This project initially started out of curiosity. I wanted to see if I could get Gecko to run without the BrowserEngineKit framework, so it could be further modified to run on iOS versions as far back as possible.
- dotdi
A bit of context: Apple is being forced by different jurisdictions (EU, UK, Japan) to allow third-party browser engines. In all other regions it's still not allowed to use them.
Apple has been maliciously compliant, putting up roadblocks to testing and distribution. For example, the existing Firefox iOS app cannot be simply updated to use Gecko/Servo; it needs to be a new app.
As far as I know, none of the major browser vendors have released apps with their own engines on iOS. I suppose maintaining two (or more) different codebases for US, EU, etc. is not very attractive.
- rubnogueira
This is great and long overdue for outdated devices!
Those devices are forced to use an ancient Safari version of WebKit which includes tons of vulnerabilities that are not patched anymore, and same time doesn't support modern ECMAScript functionalities.
With a modern browser engine, those old devices can be used for valid browser usage.
- rock_artist
I wonder if there's simple way in the EU or markets that allow non-appstore to install this without TrollStore or something that needs to re-certificate each time.
- wolvoleo
The biggest question imo is why does Mozilla not do this
- Shank
So close to something you could install in Japan via AltStore:
> One or more apps in source "Reynard Browser" are missing a marketplaceID. This most likely means they are not notarized, which is not supported by this version of AltStore.
I'm really looking to a successful version of a Gecko browser that can be installed with just AltStore via the Japanese law.