Apple Tests Safari Feature to Track Google App Promotions

Apple is reportedly testing a new feature in Safari that can track when Google promotes its own apps, like Chrome or the Google app, to users browsing in Safari. The code, which first appeared in iOS 27.2 beta 2, allows Safari to detect promotional banners on Google's search pages and log whether users interact with them.

The system works by injecting a JavaScript script into Google's home and search results pages. This script identifies promotional banners and other elements designed to encourage users to install or open Chrome or the Google app. Safari can then log whether the banner was displayed, if the user was signed into a Google account, and whether they engaged with the promotion.

The purpose of this feature is unclear, but it comes at a time when regulators are closely examining competition between Safari and other browsers, particularly Chrome. In the UK, Google has argued that its efforts to promote Chrome to iPhone users demonstrate its competitive stance against Safari. Meanwhile, Apple faces regulatory scrutiny in the European Union over its browser choice screen compliance with the Digital Markets Act.

As of iOS 27.2 beta 3, Apple has not publicly documented this feature, leaving its final implementation and use uncertain. The company may be using this data to address regulatory concerns or to better understand user behavior in response to Google's promotions.