Apple fans shouldn't hold their breath for a dedicated iOS Firefox browser, according to Mozilla's Jay Sullivan.
During a mobile browser wars panel at SXSW, Mozilla's vice president of product said that until Cupertino adjusts its attitude toward third-party browsers, Firefox will avoid Apple's iOS.
Mozilla's biggest problem lies in the inability to carry over its sophisticated rendering and javascript engines to iOS, CNET reported. "Essentially, the organization doesn't feel like it can build the browser it wants to for Apple's platform," Sullivan told CNET, which moderated Saturday's panel.
"Due to constraints with the environment and distribution, we cannot provide users the full Firefox experience on iOS at this time," Sullivan said in an emailed statement to PCMag. "We will continue experimenting with new technologies that move the Web forward and keep the user in control."
Apple's rules forbid browsers that don't use its version of WebKit, and prevent users from setting any non-Safari app as their default browser. Apple's Safari currently has more than 55 percent of the mobile/tablet browser share, according to Net Applications. Mozilla holds 0.01 percent.
Mozilla pulled Firefox Home from the App Store in September, in an effort to focus on other resources and projects. The app was less of a browser and more useful for bookmark and tab syncing.
Mozilla's criticisms come just as Apple is fighting accusations of having a monopoly on iPhone apps via its App Store. Opponents argue that since iPhone users have only one option for purchasing apps, "Apple is a monopolist." The case, which dates back to 2011, asks that the court stop Apple from selling iPhones that cannot download third-party apps. Apple denies any wrongdoing.
Mozilla, meanwhile, has its own mobile operating system in the works. For more, see PCMag's first look at Firefox OS from MWC, as well as our hands on with the Alcatel One Touch Fire Firefox OS Phone.
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 3:45 p.m. Eastern with comment from Mozilla.