Arc is Coming to iPhone, but it Won’t Replace Safari Yet, Says CEO

Mar 28, 2023

Updated • Mar 28, 2023

Apple, iOS

While Arc may be coming to iPhones, the CEO of Safari isn't worried about it yet

Safari has been around for decades and has been the default browser for all Apple devices including their computers, iPads, and iPhones. It works similarly to Google Chrome on Android devices. We see Safari entering the scene for the first time in 2003. Some of us reading this article weren’t even born by that time.

The browser is popular for its security features, speed, and integration with services for Apple devices. We’ve known Apple for its extensive and advanced web technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS3. This has made Safari a first choice for web developers and designers.

Arc on the other hand is a browser that has simple tools to import bookmarks and runs on the same engine as Chrome. Getting the browser on your device isn’t the simplest thing to do. Arc is a production of The Browser Company and requires one to have the time and effort to understand.

One of my recent discoveries reveals that a companion app for iPhone will be released on the 30th of March. The CEO of The Browser Company Josh Miller says the app isn’t a replacement for Safari the default mobile browser. This means the two browsers will work hand in hand like how Opera mini can function together with Chrome on the same device. The app will also have most of the features users are accustomed to on the desktop version.

According to the listing on the app store for iOS, the browser will still have the ability to sync your desktop tabs and Spaces and you also can view your whiteboard-esque Easels and notes. Links can also be shared to Arc and these can be saved to read later.

Anyone who wants to use Arc will need to set it up first on a Mac before accessing it on the iPhone app. Arc hasn’t made it to Windows yet. If you wish to get the Mac version you’ll need to get an invite from an Arc user which means there’s a waitlist.

Arc’s vision is unique especially when it comes to how one should use the internet. The only negatives of the browser are that it doesn’t have a smooth transition to phones. This could be the reason why the company chose to go with a companion app instead of the original browser. It being a companion app also means it has some limitations which are likely to disappoint those that want to use Arc. The companion app has only been optimized for iPhones and no app has been created for iPad users. If you’re interested in Arc I recommend that you do some thorough research on how the browser works.