After installing the iOS 17.4 beta, several European users noticed that progressive web apps were no longer functioning. Initially, they believed it was a bug, but it turns out that this was a deliberate decision made by Apple, as outlined on its Developer website.
Apple has decided to end support for progressive web apps in the European Union, citing the Bloc’s Digital Markets Act as the reason behind this move.
So, what exactly are progressive web apps? These are websites that can be added to your homescreen as an app, offering additional functionality such as the ability to send notifications, provide badge notifications, and retain your sign-in information. They are based on Safari’s WebKit engine. The problem arises from the EU’s DMA requirement that Apple allow third-party browsers to use their own engines on iOS, which would enable these progressive web apps to be based on any of those engines, rather than on WebKit.
Apple explains that ensuring compliance with the EU’s DMA for web apps would require a significant amount of work, which is not practical given the low user adoption of these web apps. Additionally, Apple cites security concerns associated with progressive web apps based on alternative browser engines. It states that malicious apps could potentially read data, reclaim permissions, and access a user’s camera, microphone, or location without their knowledge.
When iOS 17.4 is released to the public in March, users in the European Union will no longer have access to progressive web apps. Instead, they will have the option to add basic browser bookmarks to their home screens, which will open as new tabs in their respective browsers. These bookmarks will not retain login data or be able to send notifications.
Apple also notes that it is unable to keep progressive web apps as a Safari-only option on iPhones in the EU, as the DMA mandates equality for all browsers.
