Bug 288247 – Remove User Agent Override for espn.com

• Status: RESOLVED
• Resolution: FIXED
• Component: WebKit Misc.

[Karl Dubost]

Currently the Chrome UA override in place for espn.com seems to break the user experience of ESPN.
Let's remove it and work with the ESPN team on how to give a good user experience for Safari users. 

https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/774994

[Graham]

Hi Karl, thanks for opening this bug. I can work with you on improving ESPN experience. Can you let me know when the Chrome UA override can be removed?

[Graham]

(In reply to Graham from comment #1)
> Hi Karl, thanks for opening this bug. I can work with you on improving ESPN
> experience. Can you let me know when the Chrome UA override can be removed?

I do see the E+ playback issue when I have 'Disable site-specific hacks' checked. I am working with internal teams to get this resolved

[Karl Dubost]

Hi Graham, thanks for the status update. 
That's very cool

I will prepare a patch myself to remove the espn UA override, and hold it until there is a resolution.

[Radar WebKit Bug Importer]

<rdar://problem/145520927>

[Graham]

hey Karl, our team has validated that E+ playback is working as expected in Safari when using 'Disable site-specific hacks'. We are ready for removal of the UA override. 

Thank you!

[Karl Dubost]

This is great. I will land the patch. 
It should be available in the next Safari release. I don't have an exact date yet. 

Thanks a lot for the quick turnaround. This is super helpful.

[Karl Dubost]

Patch is landed on Safari. 
User Agent overrides for desktop happens on Safari side of the code. 
I will close the bug here. :) 


(There is an intent to move this mechanism on the WebKit Side so it becomes more visible for companies. Bug 263619 but not yet fully planned.)

[Graham]

Thanks Karl. So we will see this change reflected in Safari 18.3?