Apple Ends Support for Progressive Web Apps for EU With iOS 17.4

Apple’s recent move regarding the interaction of iPhone users in the European Union with progressive web apps (PWAs) marks a significant shift, following the company’s decision to cease support for these apps in its iOS 17.4 update. This decision presents a challenge for developers and users, driven by the stringent requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU. Apple cites the complexity of DMA compliance, stating that developing a new integration architecture is impractical under current circumstances.

With iOS 17.4, standalone web apps will now function as bookmarks, reflecting the DMA’s provision allowing third-party browsers to utilize their own engines instead of Apple’s WebKit. While Apple emphasizes security concerns regarding potential exploitation of these new freedoms by malicious web apps, the broader implications of the change are evident. This includes ongoing discussions around app store fees and the utilization of web apps by companies like Facebook Gaming to circumvent such costs.

Although Apple anticipates minimal user impact, given the low adoption rates of home screen web apps, the company regrets any inconvenience caused to developers and users. This compliance-driven decision underscores the complexities at the intersection of technology regulation and platform management.