DuckDuckGo Gets iOS 14 Update, Can Be Set as Default Browser App

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Apple in iOS and iPadOS 14 is allowing third-party apps to be set as alternatives to the default mail and browser apps on iPhone and iPad, and developers with of browser and mail apps are implementing support now that the updates are available.

ios14 and default ddgo feature 2
Privacy-focused browser DuckDuckGo is now able to be set as the default browser app on the ‌iPhone‌ and the ‌iPad‌, serving as an alternative to Safari. With DuckDuckGo set as the default, links that you tap on an ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ will open in DuckDuckGo instead of Safari.

In a blog post, DuckDuckGo says that setting the DuckDuckGo browser of default will provide protection from trackers by blocking third-party tracking requests outright as well as offering greater privacy for web searches and browsing.

DuckDuckGo can be set as the default browser app by installing DuckDuckGo from the App Store, opening up the Settings app, selecting DuckDuckGo in the apps list, and then tapping on Default Browser App.

Chrome and Microsoft Edge have also implemented support for iOS 14 and can be set as default browser apps as well.

There's also a new DuckDuckGo search widget that can be installed on the Home Screen of the ‌iPhone‌.

Related Roundups: iOS 14, iPadOS 14
Related Forum: iOS 14

Top Rated Comments

Taz Mangus Avatar
Taz Mangus
11 months ago
I just set DuckDuckGo as the search engine in Safari. Also, do the same in macOS Safari.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
827538 Avatar
827538
11 months ago
I've used Google search for as long as I can remember but recently over the last month or so I've steadily moved to DuckDuckGo, it's amazing the amount Google filters out and censors. I'm actually having to go to DDG in order to find stuff these days.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
now i see it
11 months ago
If anyone cared to to take a peak at the number of tracking cookies forced without your consent into the browser cache, they'd be appalled at the Wild Wild West that resides in there. It's a free for all of data tracking.

Pro Tip: Delete your cookies and browsing history after leaving a website or pay the consequences. Actually to get rid of trackers held in RAM, the browser has to be quit too.
The Data Trackers pretty much ruined the Internet
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Moyapilot Avatar
Moyapilot
11 months ago
I notice Safari on IpadOS14 is really fast. I never tried the betas.

Does Apple still keep the turbo javascript engine or whatever its called all to themselves still? Or do other browsers get access to this too. This is a big factor as it seems Safari has turned up the performance up another notch (on IOS at-least)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DinkThifferent Avatar
DinkThifferent
11 months ago
It's nice that they offer this for those who love DuckDuckGo, but i'm very happy with Safari (with adblocker of course). I love handoff and iCloud Tabs and it's a fast (snappy) and reliable browser. I am using DDG more as a search engine now.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stevet Avatar
stevet
11 months ago
Every once in a while I try duck duck go and every time I’m reminded why I don’t stay with it. Just not as good
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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