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Apple has backtracked on its plan to remove support for web apps from the iPhone home screen in the European Union (EU), the company confirmed this week. The tech giant will now allow iPhone users to continue adding web apps to their home screens when it releases iOS 17.4 in early March.
This rollback comes after Apple’s original decision to remove the feature sparked widespread criticism from developers, users, and EU regulators.
Apple changes stance after backlash In February, Apple announced that it would disable the ability for EU users to add web apps to the iPhone home screen. The company cited security and complexity concerns related to compliance with the new EU Digital Markets Act (DMA).
But developers and users condemned the move, arguing that it would severely limit key web app functions such as notifications and data storage. The European Commission also questioned Apple about the potential impact of removing web applications.
Now, in an update to an iOS developer page, Apple says it will preserve the functionality of the existing web app after receiving feedback. However, Apple noted that web apps will still need to be built with its own WebKit engine used in Safari rather than alternative browser engines.
Apple previously said the removal of web apps was necessary. When Apple first revealed its plans to kill web apps, it said it wouldn’t be feasible to build an entirely new architecture to support alternative browser engines under the DMA.
The company cited security risks such as web applications that steal data or permissions without users’ knowledge. But after the backlash, Apple found a way to keep the feature while addressing the risks.
While Apple is preserving web apps for now, its long-term future on iPhones remains uncertain. Apple may still look to restrict or replace them to maximize native app usage and App Store revenue. But the company’s quick reversal indicates that it is feeling pressure from regulators, developers and consumers to maintain an open iOS ecosystem.
This rollback comes after Apple’s original decision to remove the feature sparked widespread criticism from developers, users, and EU regulators.
Apple changes stance after backlash In February, Apple announced that it would disable the ability for EU users to add web apps to the iPhone home screen. The company cited security and complexity concerns related to compliance with the new EU Digital Markets Act (DMA).
But developers and users condemned the move, arguing that it would severely limit key web app functions such as notifications and data storage. The European Commission also questioned Apple about the potential impact of removing web applications.
Now, in an update to an iOS developer page, Apple says it will preserve the functionality of the existing web app after receiving feedback. However, Apple noted that web apps will still need to be built with its own WebKit engine used in Safari rather than alternative browser engines.
Apple previously said the removal of web apps was necessary. When Apple first revealed its plans to kill web apps, it said it wouldn’t be feasible to build an entirely new architecture to support alternative browser engines under the DMA.
The company cited security risks such as web applications that steal data or permissions without users’ knowledge. But after the backlash, Apple found a way to keep the feature while addressing the risks.
While Apple is preserving web apps for now, its long-term future on iPhones remains uncertain. Apple may still look to restrict or replace them to maximize native app usage and App Store revenue. But the company’s quick reversal indicates that it is feeling pressure from regulators, developers and consumers to maintain an open iOS ecosystem.