Mobile Browser Compatibility Quiz: iOS Safari vs Android Chrome Quiz

Explore key differences in mobile browser compatibility between iOS Safari and Android Chrome. This quiz assesses understanding of CSS support, touch event handling, media playback, and browser-specific features crucial to mobile web development.

1. CSS Grid Layout Support Differences

   Which statement best describes the support for CSS Grid Layout in iOS Safari compared to Android Chrome as of 2024?

   1. iOS Safari supports CSS Grid Layout only with vendor prefixes, while Android Chrome does not.
   2. iOS Safari and Android Chrome both fully support CSS Grid Layout with minor syntax differences.
   3. CSS Grid Layout is only supported in Android Chrome and not in iOS Safari.
   4. Neither iOS Safari nor Android Chrome support CSS Grid Layout without polyfills.

   Explanation: Both iOS Safari and Android Chrome provide solid support for CSS Grid Layout, but iOS Safari historically had some syntax nuances or minor differences which have mostly been resolved. This makes their support broadly comparable today. The statement about Android Chrome having exclusive support is incorrect, as iOS Safari does support Grid. Vendor prefixes are no longer required for current versions of iOS Safari, making that option outdated. Both browsers support CSS Grid Layout natively, so the last option about the need for polyfills is also incorrect.

2. Touch Events API Availability

   When building a mobile site that relies on the Touch Events API for gesture detection, which of the following is true about its support in iOS Safari versus Android Chrome?

   1. Only iOS Safari supports Touch Events natively, while Android Chrome requires a polyfill.
   2. Android Chrome offers better native support for the Pointer Events API, while iOS Safari primarily supports Touch Events.
   3. Neither browser supports Touch Events or Pointer Events APIs.
   4. Both iOS Safari and Android Chrome have full native support for Touch Events.

   Explanation: Android Chrome has robust support for the newer Pointer Events API, which unifies touch, mouse, and pen input, whereas iOS Safari still mainly relies on the older Touch Events API. Saying both browsers have identical support for Touch Events ignores this distinction. The statement that only iOS Safari supports Touch Events is inaccurate, as Android Chrome has support but prefers Pointer Events. The final option is incorrect since both Touch Events and Pointer Events are supported in at least one browser.

3. Media Autoplay Restrictions

   How do iOS Safari and Android Chrome differ in their handling of autoplaying video content with sound?

   1. iOS Safari blocks autoplay of videos with sound by default, while Android Chrome may allow it if the user has interacted with the page.
   2. Neither browser supports autoplay of any kind.
   3. Both browsers allow autoplay of videos with sound by default.
   4. Android Chrome allows autoplay with sound if muted, but iOS Safari never allows autoplay.

   Explanation: iOS Safari enforces a strict policy preventing autoplay of videos with sound unless specific user interaction has occurred, prioritizing user experience and data concerns. Android Chrome is more permissive and can allow autoplay after a user gesture or if the video is muted. The idea that both browsers allow unrestricted autoplay is false, as both impose restrictions. The statement that iOS Safari never allows autoplay is too absolute, and the claim that neither browser supports autoplay at all is incorrect since muted or user-triggered autoplay is possible.

4. Progressive Web App Installation Support

   Regarding Progressive Web App installation, how does the user experience differ between iOS Safari and Android Chrome?

   1. Android Chrome natively supports 'Add to Homescreen' prompts, while iOS Safari requires users to add manually through the browser menu.
   2. iOS Safari has automatic PWA installation, but Android Chrome does not support PWAs.
   3. Neither browser supports adding web apps to the home screen.
   4. Both browsers display customizable system banners prompting users to install PWAs.

   Explanation: Android Chrome allows web apps to display native prompts for users to install them on their home screens, enhancing engagement. In contrast, iOS Safari requires users to use the browser's sharing menu, without a system prompt, making the process less discoverable. The statement about automatic PWA installation on iOS is not correct, and suggesting that Android does not support PWAs is inaccurate. Both browsers allow adding web apps, so the option saying neither supports this is also incorrect.

5. Font Format Support for Web Fonts

   Which font format must always be provided for reliable custom font loading across both iOS Safari and Android Chrome?

   1. TTD
   2. EOT
   3. OTG
   4. WOFF

   Explanation: WOFF is the widely supported font format for web use and is reliably loaded by both iOS Safari and Android Chrome as of recent versions. TTD and OTG are not recognized web font formats and would fail on both browsers. EOT is a legacy format primarily used on older desktop environments and is not recommended for modern mobile browser compatibility. Ensuring WOFF is provided covers the majority of current mobile browsers for custom fonts.