📱 Apple’s Restriction on Progressive Web Apps in iOS 17.4 Beta Raises Concerns for EU Users 😱
Apple Appears to Limit Functionality of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in iOS 17.4 Beta, Specifically Targeting Users Within...
iOS 17.4 limits the abilities of web apps in the EU.
Don’t You Dare Take Up My Entire Screen! 😡
In a surprising move, Apple appears to have limited the functionality of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in the latest beta of iOS 17.4, targeting users within the European Union 🇪🇺. These changes bring into question the role of PWAs as viable alternatives to native apps in the Apple ecosystem.
As first flagged by Open Web Advocacy, the second beta release of iOS 17.4 introduces changes that put web apps at a significant disadvantage in Europe. These changes prevent web apps from launching in their own top-level window that takes up the entire screen, relegating them instead to open within Safari. 🙄 This change significantly impacts the user experience and functionality of PWAs, demoting them to mere website shortcuts.
📷 Image Source: Miximages
Say Goodbye to Dedicated Windows, Notifications, and Local Storage 😢
Previously, when users tapped on a web app icon, it would launch in a dedicated window, seamlessly integrated with the rest of the user’s device. However, with iOS 17.4 beta, European users are greeted with a system message asking if they want to open the web app in Safari or cancel. This message also notifies users that the web app “will open in your default browser from now on.” 😮
Unfortunately, opening web apps in Safari means they open as bookmarks, devoid of dedicated windowing, notifications, or long-term local storage. Not only does this limit the functionality of web apps, but it also creates issues such as data loss as the Safari version can no longer access local data. Broken notifications have also been reported 😢.
Apple’s Flip-Flop on Web App Support 🔄
Progressive Web Apps were created to provide a user experience comparable to native apps using web technologies. They offer the potential for users to add them directly to their home screen, bypassing the need for an app store. This recent change by Apple is particularly controversial because the company has previously suggested that developers who are unwilling to comply with its App Store guidelines could instead focus on web apps. However, these adjustments contradict Apple’s previous stance by limiting the capabilities of PWAs and their ability to compete with native applications in iOS. This raises questions about Apple’s commitment to supporting web technologies as a viable alternative to the App Store.
Regulatory Compliance or Browser Preference? 🕵️♂️
This development comes amidst Apple’s efforts to comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to promote competition and regulate the practices of digital “gatekeepers.” Apple’s decision to alter the functionality of PWAs specifically in the EU could be seen as an attempt to navigate the regulatory landscape imposed by the DMA. Alternatively, the company may simply want to restrict users in Europe from using web apps with alternative browser engines. At this time, Apple has not provided any official comment on their motivations.
It’s a European Affair 🌍
There are indications that iOS 17.4 beta is using SIM carrier information to implement the changes to web app functionality solely for users in the EU. Web apps in other regions around the world remain unaffected, providing a glimmer of hope for users outside of Europe.
😮 Reader Q&A – Digging Deeper into the Apple-PWA Controversy
Q: What are the specific advantages of Progressive Web Apps over native apps?
A: Progressive Web Apps offer several advantages over traditional native apps. They can be accessed directly from a web browser, eliminating the need to visit an app store and download an app. PWAs are also platform-agnostic, meaning they can run on any device or operating system. This cross-compatibility reduces development costs and allows for seamless user experiences across different platforms. Additionally, PWAs are often more lightweight and require less storage space than native apps.
Q: Are there any potential workarounds for European users to regain the full functionality of PWAs?
A: While Apple’s restrictions may limit the functionality of PWAs for European users, there may be workarounds available. Users can try opting for alternative browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, that may provide better support for PWAs. Additionally, developers might find ways to optimize their web apps specifically for Safari, taking advantage of any remaining capabilities within the browser.
Q: How will this impact the future of web apps and app development?
A: The limitations placed on PWAs by Apple could have far-reaching implications for the future of web apps and app development. Developers may be less inclined to invest in PWAs if they cannot offer the same level of functionality as native apps on Apple devices. This could lead to a decrease in the number and quality of available web apps, potentially limiting choice for users. It remains to be seen if Apple will reconsider its stance and create a more level playing field for web apps in the future.
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