Arrr! Apple be bendin' to the scurvy developers' gripes, lettin' web apps in the EU sail... but with a trick up their sleeve!
2024-03-01
Arrr, mateys! Apple be takin' away the power to load web apps in the EU, but fear not! They be bringin' back the capability in an iOS update. So hoist the sails and prepare to game on the high seas once again!
Apple is adjusting its response to EU regulations that required changes to the iPhone and iOS. Initially, Apple cut off web apps for EU users after being told to allow third-party web browsers on the iPhone. However, due to complaints from developers and users, the company has reversed this decision and will allow EU users to save websites as apps on their home screens once again.Web apps date back to the early days of the iPhone before the App Store existed. These apps function similarly to downloaded apps but are smaller in size. One notable example of a web app is Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows users to play Xbox games on their iPhones using an Xbox controller. Apple had initially raised security concerns about third-party web apps but has now decided to allow third-party browsers to create web apps that will run on Apple's own Webkit browser engine for added security.Despite Apple's previous assertion that web apps were not widely used, the company has decided to continue supporting Home Screen web apps in the EU. This compromise aligns with Apple's security and privacy standards for native iOS apps. The update is expected to be available in early March, offering a solution that balances user convenience with security concerns.