Apple Shifts Strategy: Web Applications to Remain on iPhones in the European Union!
Apple Reverses Decision to Restore Home Screen Web Apps in the EU
Apple has recently announced a reversal of its decision to remove home screen web apps for users located in the European Union (EU). Initially, the tech giant attributed this action to compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which required support for non-WebKit browsers. However, Apple has since confirmed that European users will once again have access to the same web app functionality as before with the upcoming release of iOS 17.4.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) provide users with similar features to native apps, including dedicated windows, notifications, and local storage. In the second iOS 17.4 beta, Apple had eliminated PWAs for European customers, directing them instead to open websites in Safari.
Criticism and Reactions
The decision to remove web apps drew swift criticism from the Open Web Advocacy organization, which pointed out Apple’s longstanding preference for Safari and accused the company of hindering true browser competition on a global scale. Furthermore, the European Commission expressed discontent with the removal of web apps, suggesting a potential formal investigation into Apple’s actions.
Apple’s Response
While Apple has not elaborated on the specific reasons for its policy reversal, the company did mention receiving “requests” to maintain support for home screen web apps in the EU. It is possible that Apple faced external pressure from EU authorities or sought to avoid negative repercussions from a potential investigation. Regardless of the underlying motives, European users testing the iOS 17.4 beta can anticipate the reinstatement of web app functionality upon the final software release.
