Julia Jackson in Software On 03/03/2024

Apple Reconsiders Removing Web App Support for iOS 17.4 in the EU

Apple Reverses Plan to Stop Supporting Progressive Web Apps in EU

Following backlash and regulatory criticisms, tech giant Apple has abandoned its original plan to cease supporting Progressive Web Apps (PWA) on its phones in the European Union (EU) with the iOS 17.4 update. The decision was originally prompted by the new “Digital Markets Act” (DMA) regulations. The company pledged to “continue to offer existing web app features for the main screen in the EU”.

Addressing Security Concerns under DMA Regulations

Apple’s original decision to stop PWA support drew criticism, and EU officials announced their willingness to investigate the decision. Apple initially responded that retaining this feature under new regulatory conditions would require creating a “completely new integration architecture which currently does not exist in iOS”. This effort was meant to ensure the resolution of “complex security and privacy issues associated with web applications using alternative browser engines”. According to Apple, going ahead with the required work was considered impractical due to the “demands of the DMA and the low popularity of web apps on the main screen among users”.

Support for PWA Remains with iOS 17.4

The company has now changed its stance, stating that PWA will continue to be supported on EU phones with iOS 17.4. They emphasised that “This support means that web apps on the main screen will still be created directly on WebKit and its security architecture, conforming to the security and privacy model of native iOS applications”. To put it another way, regardless of the browser through which the web application has been added to the main screen, it will only launch through WebKit.

This post was last modified on 03/03/2024

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Julia Jackson: Hey there! I'm Julia Jackson, your friendly neighborhood tech geek, always navigating the exciting realms of technology with unbridled enthusiasm. Born and raised in the digital age, I've been on a relentless quest to understand and unravel the intricacies of the ever-evolving tech landscape. Hailing from a generation that witnessed the meteoric rise of the internet, I've been a digital native since the dial-up days. From the nostalgic hum of connecting to the World Wide Web to the lightning-fast speeds of today's fiber optics, I've witnessed and adapted to the digital evolution with a keen eye and a passion for all things tech. My love affair with technology goes beyond just using gadgets; I'm driven by an insatiable curiosity to understand the nuts and bolts that power our digital world. Whether it's coding languages, emerging technologies, or the latest in artificial intelligence, I'm always eager to delve deeper and unravel the mysteries that make our digital existence possible. Beyond my personal pursuits, I'm deeply committed to fostering a sense of community in the tech world. Whether through sharing knowledge on online forums, attending tech meetups, or mentoring aspiring techies, I believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing to propel us all forward.