Microsoft Edge on iOS Introduces Native Extensions Feature After Android Launch

Microsoft is making significant strides in enhancing its Edge browser functionality by introducing Extensions on iOS and iPadOS. Following a year of testing Extensions on Edge for Android, this new feature is now available for iOS users. This move marks a pivotal shift as mobile devices have traditionally not supported browser extensions, allowing Microsoft to set a new standard in the mobile browsing landscape.

According to reports from Windows Latest, the stable version of Edge for iOS now supports Extensions after being tested with beta users via the Apple App Store’s TestFlight. The inclusion of a hidden flag to manage this feature is notable, as users need to manually enable it through the experiments page, a step that ensures only those interested in testing it can access the new functionality.

How to Enable Extensions in Edge for iOS

To activate the Extensions feature, users must enter Edge://flags/ in the browser’s URL bar and find the Edge iOS Web Extension flag on the Experiments page. Once located, set the flag mode to Enabled and apply the changes. Following this, a new “Extensions”option will appear in the “All Menu” section, mirroring the user interface of Edge on Android but tailored for iOS users.

The available Extensions are currently limited, similar to the early offerings on Edge for Android. Users can explore a select number of Extensions designed to enhance their browsing experience. Adding an Extension is straightforward: simply tap the Get button next to a listed Extension, and it will install automatically, ready for use after refreshing the web page. If the Extension does not meet expectations, users have the option to disable it easily via the Extensions page.

Current Extensions and Future Prospects

The current selection of available Extensions for Edge on iOS includes practical options such as sponsor blockers for YouTube, various VPN services, Violentmoney, and ScriptCat, among others. While the initial offerings may appear limited, similar to Edge for Android, there is potential for expanding this selection over time, given Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing browser capabilities.

Despite the current constraints, many users, including myself, favor essential extensions like VPNs, script managers such as Tampermonkey, and readability enhancers like Dark Reader for a better mobile browsing experience. In contrast, rival browsers like Google Chrome have not made significant advances in integrating similar extension support for mobile platforms, emphasizing Edge and Firefox’s undertaking to innovate in this area.

Google had previously explored adding extensions to desktop versions for Android; however, similar developments for mobile devices still remain a distant goal. It is important to note that while Edge for iOS is testing the extensions feature, it may take some time before it is automatically activated in the stable version.

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