In a recent update to its website, Apple has attributed the malfunctioning of iPhone web apps, known as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), in the European Union to the new EU regulation, the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The tech giant asserts that the requirement to allow different browser engines, mandated by the DMA, has led to the complexity behind the issue.

The problem first came to light when security researcher Tommy Mysk and Open Web Advocacy noticed that PWAs had been downgraded to website shortcuts with the release of the second beta of iOS 17.4. Initially, it was uncertain whether this was a beta bug or a deliberate move to curtail the functionality of PWAs in the EU, a market where Apple is compelled to permit alternative app stores, third-party payments, and alternative browser engines.

Developers using the beta versions of iOS 17.4 encountered several issues with PWAs. These web apps opened as bookmarks on the home screen, lacking features such as dedicated windowing, notifications, long-term local storage, and the ability to badge their icons with notifications. Furthermore, users reported experiencing data loss and notifications no longer working.

Initially, TechCrunch reached out to Apple for comment but received no response, leaving ambiguity regarding the intentional nature of the changes. The Verge later reported that Apple appeared to be intentionally breaking PWAs in the EU.

Now, Apple has officially responded by updating its website to clarify the DMA-related modifications made for compliance within the EU. The company explains that the numerous changes required by the EU guidelines, particularly in relation to alternative browser engines, made it impossible to continue supporting PWAs.

Traditionally, iOS's support for Home Screen web apps relied on WebKit, Safari's browser engine, ensuring security and privacy consistency with native apps. However, the DMA's provisions mandate the inclusion of alternative browser engines, leading Apple to argue that the absence of the same security measures for these browser engines could result in the installation of malicious apps capable of unauthorized data access or control over device functions.

To comply with the DMA, Apple states that constructing an entirely new integration architecture that meets the security and privacy concerns associated with web apps using alternative browser engines would be impractical, given the other demands of the regulation. Consequently, to conform to DMA requirements, Apple had to remove the Home Screen web apps feature altogether in the EU.

Apple acknowledges the impact this change will have on developers and users of Home Screen web apps in the EU and expresses regret over the inconvenience caused. However, the company expects the change to affect only a small number of users.

Critics have accused Apple of prioritizing its control over the iOS app ecosystem at the expense of web app functionality for its users. On the other hand, Apple's defenders may argue that the explanation reflects the company's commitment to safeguarding iOS for its users. The reality likely lies somewhere in between.

As of now, Apple has not responded to requests for further comment.