Apple disables iOS Home Screen web apps in EU

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In the digital world, a recent development has been making waves. Apple, the tech giant, has confirmed that it has disabled the functionality of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on its devices in the European Union. This move, part of the iOS 17.4 update, has left users and developers alike questioning the implications.

 

The decision to disable PWAs is linked to the European Union’s new Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA, a regulatory framework, has introduced new rules around browsers, which Apple cites as the reason for this change. The company has stated that complying with these rules would require building an entirely new integration architecture, a task deemed impractical given the low user adoption of Home Screen web apps.

 

Apple’s stance is that the security and privacy concerns associated with web apps using alternative browser engines are complex. Without the necessary isolation and enforcement, malicious web apps could potentially access data from other web apps and gain access to a user’s camera, microphone, or location without their consent. As a result, to comply with the DMA’s requirements, Apple has removed the Home Screen web apps feature in the EU.

 

This move by Apple has sparked a flurry of online discussions. While some see it as a necessary step for security, others view it as a limitation on the functionality of their devices. Despite the change, Apple assures that EU users will still be able to access websites directly from their Home Screen through a bookmark.

 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the impact of such decisions will undoubtedly be a topic of ongoing debate. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you believe Apple’s decision to disable Home Screen web apps in the EU is a necessary step for security, or does it limit the functionality of their devices? Share your views in the comments below.

 

 

Read more:

• https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/15/apple-confirms-its-breaking-iphone-web-apps-in-the-eu-on-purpose/
• https://www.macrumors.com/2024/02/15/ios-17-4-web-apps-removed-apple/
• https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/02/apple-disables-iphone-web-apps-in-eu-says-its-too-hard-to-comply-with-rules/
• https://www.engadget.com/apple-confirms-home-screen-web-apps-will-no-longer-work-on-european-ios-devices-112527560.html

 

 

Top image: Kawee Wateesatogkij | Dreamstime.com