Apple drops PWA support on iOS for EU users
I'm a long-term Linux user and started buying Apple products long ago. I still keep my iPhone 4S around because I think it's a piece of art. I think the hardware and physical design of Apple products is really great.
When I heard about this new EU regulation, I started to consider retiring my iPhone. I developed my own iOS app, but I'm unable to run it permanently because I need to get it approved by Apple to install it on my own device. PWAs are an alternative I was considering, and I'm also using some from others.
If this is true. I'll switch to Android. The only device I'd keep using actively is the M1 MacBook because it's running Asahi Linux and I haven't booted into MacOS for months now.
It's not true. According to a follow-up tweet:
> Sites that had some PWA information provided - such as an iOS icon - would be added as PWAs even though they weren’t. They have tightened up things so that only sites that are explicitly configured as PWAs will be added as such.
I see Apple is trying the "self harm as a threat" tactic. We'll see how that goes for them.
Relevant info: https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/06/spoil-the-bunch/#dma
How many years did it take until Apple accepted USB-C?
Let us count the years until they understand the mess they are creating right now...
I suppose this will yield a real-world test of the EC's enforcement powers. To my understanding, they have little unilateral power--their legislative powers are limited to initiative (not a paltry power, but not a unilateral one either) and its enforcement power seems to consist of taking cases to the ECJ.
Does the ECJ grant the EC injunctions?
I have never seen a normal person use or install a PWA so this seems like pointlessly picking a fight on Apple's part.
My guess is: DMA asks Apple to allow other browser vendors have the same access as Safari has.
Probably APIs for adding sites to the Home Screen slipped in the development time and is coming later
PWA Progressive web app ?
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Wait, has Web Push ever worked on iOS?
There is no way to install PWA on FF for iOS anyways.
Can we correct the headline…
This is just Max’s viewpoint and others in the thread who are actually in Europe have confirmed it works for them
My guess would be that Apple is trying to blackmail some large software company inside the EU. And after careful consideration, they noticed that threatening to wipe all of their apps data of all Apple devices will do.
If my theory is correct, we will soon see a large EU software company - which deployed PWAs in the past - mysteriously start supporting Apple in their refusal to open up to alternative App Stores in the EU.
They will talk about security and user choice, while completely ignoring that the EU is merely asking Apple to treat them as well as China. In China, Apple has already been allowing 3rd party app stores for some years.
For what it's worth, I used to be a proud Apple user. But recently, I can't help but imagine the financial incentives behind their every move.
all 5 people who use PWAs will be very mad!
This might be a misunderstanding. The following tweet implies they’ve just tightened the standard for how sites are supposed to be configured as PWAs.
I had to look this up: PWA stands for Progressive Web App and according to web.dev is “a webapp that uses progressive enhancement.” On iOS you can install a PWA using the “Add to Home Screen” function.