Browser extensions are a key part of the web ecosystem and most popular browsers support them. Browser extensions allow developers to add functionality to the browser providing increased utility, usability, and interoperability with applications installed on the system.

For distribution, popular browsers have established extension catalogs that are available on the open web and curated by the browser vendors. Because extensions have elevated privileges, developers submit them to be approved to ensure safety and compatibility. Browser vendors make their own decisions about the APIs available to extensions. Extensions for each browser are installed and managed within the browser resulting in a common user experience across platforms.

Safari supports extensions distributed on the iOS App Store. However, third party browsers are prevented from offering their own established extension functionality because it would violate section 2.5.2 of the App Store Review Guidelines. To allow third-party browsers to offer the same functionality and be competitive with respect to browser extensibility, the App Store software requirements should be relaxed to permit third-party browsers to use their own extension catalogs. Third-party browsers could then use the existing web-based distribution model (where users can browse and install extensions directly from the browser) allowing for browser extensions to be used on iOS, similarly to other mobile and desktop platforms.