Recently-introduced "alternative" browsers for the iPhone are mostly weak, and not truly separate from Safari, reports allege. Though Incognito
 is said to be useful for its ability to privatize browsing information, it along with browsers like Squeaky, WebMate
 and Shaking Web
 are said to be simple extensions of Safari, with one or two unique features sometimes coming at the expense of core aspects like bookmarks. The only major free title, Edge Browser, is in fact said to lack forward and back buttons.

It is generally understood that the iPhone SDK forbids third-party apps from interpreting code, blocking Javascript functionality in any alternative browser. Apple's rule against programs that "duplicate existing functionality" may also create hazards, as it could be used to eradicate months of effort on a developer's part when creating a truly competitive iPhone browser.