Apple Removes Home Screen Web Apps for iPhone Users in the EU
Apple has officially announced the end of support for home screen web apps, also known as progressive web apps (PWAs), for iPhone users located in the European Union (EU). The decision comes as a response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new EU regulation aimed at promoting competition by opening up core platforms to third-party developers.
In an update to its developer support page regarding the EU and the DMA, Apple cited security and privacy concerns as the primary reasons for discontinuing PWA support. Under the DMA, Apple would be required to allow alternative web browsers to host home screen web apps without using Safari or WebKit, which could potentially expose users to malicious web apps.
According to Apple, addressing the security implications associated with web apps using alternative browser engines would necessitate building a new integration architecture, which is currently not feasible given the demands of the DMA and the low adoption rate of home screen web apps in iOS. As a result, Apple has opted to remove PWA-support entirely in the EU.
The move has sparked criticism from developers and tech industry observers, who see it as a step backward in terms of user choice and competition. Some have argued that Apple’s actions under the guise of DMA compliance are motivated by a desire for increased revenue and control.
Despite the removal of PWAs, Apple assures users that they can still access web apps via their website within mobile web browsers. The company emphasizes that the impact of this change will be minimal and expects it to affect only a small number of users.
Apple’s decision to remove home screen web apps in the EU underscores the challenges of navigating regulatory requirements while balancing security, privacy, and user experience in the digital landscape. As the DMA continues to shape the tech industry landscape, companies like Apple will face ongoing scrutiny and debate over their compliance efforts and their implications for consumers and developers alike.
