Apple has made a significant decision regarding web apps, known as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), on iPhones in the EU. The company has updated its developer page to announce that after numerous requests to support PWAs, it will reintroduce the functionality in the upcoming public release of iOS 17.4.
PWAs offer the functionality of native apps while being more efficient in terms of storage space on your device. These apps can also provide notifications and maintain your login status to a service.
In a recent turn of events, Apple initially reduced the capabilities of PWAs to simple website shortcuts with the release of the second beta of iOS 17.4, as highlighted by security researcher Tommy Mysk and Open Web Advocacy. Apple later mentioned security concerns, such as potential data breaches and camera access by malicious web apps, as reasons for the decision to discontinue support for home screen apps.
Apple cited compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) as a factor in this move. The company was compelled to broaden the browser ecosystem and allow developers to choose engines other than WebKit.
Despite Apple’s claim of low user adoption for PWAs, regulatory bodies expressed dissatisfaction, prompting them to launch an investigation by reaching out to developers, as reported by the Financial Times. In response, the Open Web Advocacy group penned an open letter to Tim Cook requesting the lifting of the ban on web apps. The letter garnered support from various organizations and individuals, including Mastodon, internet advocate Cory Doctorow, and Vercel CTO Malte Ubl.
This reversal from Apple only pertains to web apps based on WebKit, as 9to5Mac pointed out. Users will not be able to avail themselves of this functionality if a browser opts for a different engine.
Here’s the full text of Apple’s update:
Previously, Apple had announced its intention to eliminate the Home Screen web apps capability in the EU to comply with the DMA. The decision to remove the capability was influenced by complex security and privacy concerns associated with supporting alternative browser engines for web apps, which would necessitate the creation of a new integration architecture not present in iOS.
We have received requests to retain support for Home Screen web apps in iOS, leading us to maintain the existing capability in the EU. This support ensures that Home Screen web apps are built directly on WebKit and its security framework, aligning with the security and privacy standards for native iOS apps.
Developers and users affected by the removal of Home Screen web apps in the beta version of iOS in the EU can anticipate the reinstatement of the functionality with the release of iOS 17.4 in early March.
