Google Chrome is set to introduce a new feature that allows users to install any webpage as a desktop app on Mac, similar to Safari's functionality in macOS Sonoma. This feature, based on Chrome's support for Progressive Web Apps, will be available in the upcoming stable build after Chrome 123. Users can currently test the feature in the latest Canary build by enabling specific flags. The implementation of web apps in Chrome is more advanced than Safari's, offering a simplified toolbar and a pared-down settings menu.
Apple has reversed its decision to remove support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in the European Union with the upcoming iOS 17.4 update, citing requests from developers and users. This unexpected U-turn comes after widespread responses and pressure from the EU, with support for PWAs continuing to be based on Apple's WebKit. The reversal indicates the fluidity of the situation leading up to the implementation of the Digital Markets Act, and it appears that the prospect of PWAs disappearing has now been avoided.
Apple has reversed its decision to remove support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in the European Union with the upcoming iOS 17.4 update, citing requests from developers and users. This unexpected U-turn comes in response to concerns and complaints, potentially avoiding an investigation by the EU. However, PWAs will still need to be based on Apple's WebKit, and alternative browsers won't be able to execute installed PWAs. The move signals ongoing fluidity in the run-up to the Digital Markets Act being implemented.
Apple has reversed its decision to limit the functionality of Home Screen web apps in Europe following backlash from developers and the threat of further investigation. The company initially planned to remove support for Home Screen web apps in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Act but has now decided to continue offering this capability using WebKit. Open Web Advocacy welcomed the concession but continues to push for a level playing field for web apps, emphasizing the need for Apple to support alternative browsers and their engines on iOS.
Apple is disabling progressive web apps (PWAs) in the EU due to new rules around browsers in Europe's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires browsers that don't use its WebKit architecture. This move has caused friction as web apps are supposed to be an alternative to the App Store model, and the EU, Japan, Australia, and the UK have previously criticized the requirement for WebKit to run PWAs. The Open Web Advocacy organization disagrees with Apple's decision, accusing the company of deliberate obfuscation and inaction in facilitating true browser competition worldwide.
Apple has confirmed that it will not support Home Screen web apps, also known as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), on iOS devices in European Union member states under its forthcoming iOS 17.4 release, citing compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This change will impact the user experience and functionality of PWAs in the EU, leading to concerns from developers and industry figures. The decision has sparked criticism and accusations of bad faith compliance from the tech community, with some arguing that Apple's move is aimed at eliminating competition and maintaining control over app distribution and functionality on its platform.
Apple has confirmed that it will no longer support home screen web apps, also known as progressive web apps (PWAs), for iPhone users in the European Union (EU) due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulation. The company claims that the move is necessary to comply with the DMA's requirements, citing security and privacy concerns associated with web apps using alternative browser engines. This decision has sparked criticism from developers and tech giants, who argue that the DMA's intention to provide more options has been perverted by Apple to increase revenue and control. Apple states that the removal of PWAs will only affect a small number of users and that they can still access web apps via their website within mobile web browsers.
Apple is discontinuing support for progressive web apps for iPhone users in the European Union, citing compliance with the Digital Markets Act as the reason. This move is part of the changes forced by the DMA, including allowing third-party browsers to use their own engines on iOS. Apple claims that supporting web apps in the EU would require an entirely new integration architecture that is not practical to build. The change to iOS 17.4 means that websites added to the homescreen now act only as bookmarks, rather than standalone services capable of sending notifications and showing badges. Apple also argues that alternative browser engines in the EU pose security risks, despite Android phones having offered web apps with different types of browsers for years.
Apple has confirmed that it intentionally broke iPhone web apps, known as progressive web apps (PWAs), in the EU due to the complexities involved with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) requirement to allow different browser engines. This change means that PWAs have been demoted to website shortcuts, affecting their functionality and features. Apple argues that complying with the DMA's requirements forced them to remove the Home Screen web apps feature in the EU to address security and privacy concerns associated with web apps using alternative browser engines. Critics argue that Apple's move prioritizes its power in the iOS app ecosystem, while defenders see it as a reasonable step to keep iOS safe for users.
Apple has confirmed that the second beta of iOS 17.4 intentionally disables much of the functionality of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in the European Union due to security concerns and compliance with the Digital Markets Act. Users in the EU will no longer have access to Home Screen web apps, and PWAs will be forced to open in Safari rather than in a dedicated window. This change will affect only a small number of users and is part of a series of updates to comply with the DMA, including allowing alternative app marketplaces and payment methods.
Apple's iOS 17.4 is causing confusion and concern among users and developers regarding the future of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). The changes are linked to the Digital Markets Act, requiring Apple to allow alternative browser engines in iOS for EU users. While some claim that PWAs are being killed, others argue that properly configured PWAs will still function on iOS 17.4. Complications include issues with push notifications and storage, particularly in the EU. The situation is still evolving, and the impact on PWAs in the US is less restrictive but still uncertain. Developers and users are waiting to see how the situation will unfold as iOS 17.4 is expected to launch by March 8 to comply with the Digital Markets Act.
