If AppleWebKit appears in the user agent does that mean it's definitely an apple device?

Question

User agents can detect the AppleWebKit. This is a browser engine used primarily on Apple devices, BUT also on BlackBerry Browsers, PlayStation consoles and the Tizen mobile operating system. Also, you can find AppleWebKit appearing in the Android device list for user agents.

Thus, it seems as though the AppleWebKit does not actually uniquely identify the user's device as belonging to apple.

Which part of the user agent string does?

Answer 1

The main problem is that most useragent string indicate what they are compatible with instead of what they are made of. So lots of browsers that do not have AppleWebKit still report it as part of the useragent string.

I wrote a blog about this a few years ago which may interest you: https://techlab.bol.com/making-sense-user-agent-string/

If you want a list of the "rules" that determine if it is an Apple device then I can assure you that no 100% accurate list exists.

I like to think my set of rules come close; but never 100%.