Hi,
On feb 8, 2024, tweakers.net published the following article (translated using Google Translate):
This might be of interest for anyone creating PWA's for use in the EU.
Apple appears to no longer support PWAs on iOS in iOS 17.4 for EU users
It appears that Apple no longer fully supports progressive web apps, or PWAs, within iOS. The problems only seem to affect users within the European Union.
PWAs are apps built with technologies for the web, but provide a similar experience to a platform-specific app. This means, for example, that apps get their own icon on the home screen, often open in full screen, can offer their own UI and can be distributed via the App Store.
However, in a beta of iOS 17.4, which was released earlier this month, that process has changed considerably. Already in the first beta version of the operating system, it was noticed that PWAs no longer open at the top level, but in Safari. In fact, they are a kind of shortcuts, said James Moore of the Open Web Advocacy last week.
Initially it was suspected that it was a bug, but there was no solution from Apple. There is now a second beta of iOS 17.4, in which the problem still occurs. Mysk, a company that specializes in app development for iOS, also notes that a pop-up has even been added, stating that the app will now open in the default browser. This does not seem to be a mistake, but a conscious choice on Apple's part. The company has not yet said anything publicly about this.
Mysk further emphasizes that only users within the European Union are affected. This may have to do with the European legislation Digital Markets Act (DMA), which Apple must comply with from March 7, Mysk researchers told The Register. Until now, only Safari supported PWAs on iOS, but under the upcoming law that is not allowed. Then PWAs must be able to run in all browsers, or in no browser at all.
"The browser had to create a component called 'service worker' to run PWAs," the Mysk researchers said. According to them, it appears that Apple has not been able to find a way for other browsers to create their own service workers. "The only way to comply with the DMA before the deadline is to disable PWAs in all browsers. Now all browsers are equal." Apple has not yet responded and was not immediately available for comment.
Cheers,
Rene Simons
Topic: Apple appears to no longer support PWAs on iOS in iOS 17.4 for EU users (Read 2478 times)