After the release of the iOS 17.4 beta, European users were quick to notice that their beloved progressive web apps were no longer functioning. At first, they assumed it was a bug, but it turns out that Apple made a deliberate decision to drop support for these apps in the European Union.
Progressive web apps are websites that offer the convenience of being added as shortcuts to your homescreen, functioning like native apps with added features such as notifications and sign-in information storage. However, Apple’s decision to discontinue support stems from the Bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union.
The problem lies with the DMA’s requirement that Apple allow third-party browsers to utilize their own engines on iOS. This would allow progressive web apps to be based on any browser engine, rather than Safari’s WebKit engine.
Apple explains that implementing this requirement would require a significant amount of work, which is not practical given the relatively low user adoption of web apps. Furthermore, Apple raises concerns about security issues that could arise from allowing progressive web apps based on alternative browser engines. Malicious apps could potentially gain access to personal data, recapture permissions, and even access camera, microphone, and location services without the user’s knowledge.
When the iOS 17.4 update is released to the general public in March, European users will no longer have access to progressive web apps. Instead, they will only be able to add basic browser bookmarks to their home screens, which will open as new tabs in their respective browsers. Unfortunately, these bookmarks will not retain login data nor be able to send notifications.
Apple emphasizes that keeping progressive web apps as a Safari-only option on iPhones in the European Union is not feasible due to the requirements of the DMA, which demand equality among all browsers.
While this decision by Apple may disappoint European users who have grown fond of progressive web apps, it is essential to consider the company’s commitment to security and compliance with regional regulations.
FAQ:
What are progressive web apps?
Progressive web apps are websites that offer the convenience of being added as shortcuts to your homescreen, functioning like native apps with added features such as notifications and sign-in information storage.
Why can’t European users access progressive web apps after the iOS 17.4 update?
Apple made a deliberate decision to drop support for progressive web apps in the European Union due to the requirements of the Bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA requires Apple to allow third-party browsers to utilize their own engines on iOS, which would allow progressive web apps to be based on any browser engine, rather than Safari’s WebKit engine.
Why can’t Apple implement the requirement of allowing alternative browser engines for progressive web apps?
Implementing this requirement would require a significant amount of work, which is not practical given the relatively low user adoption of web apps. Additionally, Apple raises concerns about potential security issues that could arise from allowing progressive web apps based on alternative browser engines.
What will European users be able to do instead of using progressive web apps?
After the iOS 17.4 update is released to the general public in March, European users will only be able to add basic browser bookmarks to their home screens, which will open as new tabs in their respective browsers. However, these bookmarks will not retain login data nor be able to send notifications.
Why is it not feasible for Apple to keep progressive web apps as a Safari-only option on iPhones in the European Union?
Apple emphasizes that keeping progressive web apps as a Safari-only option is not feasible due to the requirements of the DMA, which demand equality among all browsers.
Definitions:
Progressive web apps: Websites that offer the convenience of being added as shortcuts to your homescreen, functioning like native apps with added features such as notifications and sign-in information storage.
Web browser engine: The software component that handles the rendering and display of web content in a web browser.
Bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA): Legislation in the European Union that places requirements on digital market platforms, including Apple, to ensure fair competition and equality among all browsers.
Related links:
– Apple
– Digital Markets Act (DMA)