Berlin, Germany – Tech giant Apple has backtracked on its decision to restrict Home Screen web apps in Europe, in response to criticism from developers and the threat of further scrutiny. The company announced its decision in an update to its developer documentation, stating that it will continue to support Home Screen web apps in the European Union (EU).
Apple’s move to limit Home Screen web apps, also known as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), in the EU surprised many as the deadline to comply with Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) approached. The DMA aims to promote competition in markets dominated by large tech companies, with Apple being one of the designated gatekeepers required to accommodate rivals.
In January, Apple had announced several changes to its iOS operating system to comply with the DMA, including allowing third-party app stores and supporting third-party browser engines as alternatives to Safari’s WebKit. However, with the second beta release of iOS 17.4, Apple had initially removed the Home Screen web apps feature in the EU to comply with the DMA’s requirements.
Following backlash from developers and an investigation by regulators, Apple has now decided to reinstate support for Home Screen web apps in the EU, albeit with the condition that they continue to use WebKit. This decision comes after lobbying efforts from groups like Open Web Advocacy (OWA), which raised concerns about the impact of Apple’s earlier decision on web applications.
OWA welcomed Apple’s concession but emphasized the need for a level playing field for web apps, calling out Apple’s history of favoring its proprietary App Store over the open web. The group highlighted the importance of allowing web apps to be powered by other browsers and their engines to ensure fair competition on iOS.
As Euro watchdogs work to reconcile the requirements of the DMA with Apple’s stance on browser engines for Home Screen web apps, OWA remains vigilant in advocating for a more open and interoperable environment for web developers. The group sees Apple’s reversal as a temporary victory and will continue to push for fair competition for all browsers on iOS.