In an update that has stirred controversy, Apple has disabled much of the functionality of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in the European Union (EU) with the release of the second beta of iOS 17.4. Speculation initially arose regarding whether this change was temporary or a bug, but Apple has confirmed that PWAs were intentionally removed and will not be returning.

According to an update on Apple's Developer website, the removal of PWAs in the EU is due to concerns related to the support for alternative browser engines and the associated security risks. Apple explains that the implementation of a new solution to address these risks would require significant work, which is not feasible considering the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the low adoption of Home Screen web apps by users.

The Home Screen web apps feature, built on WebKit and its security architecture, is designed to align with the privacy and security model for native apps on iOS. Apple emphasizes the importance of storage isolation and system prompts on a per-site basis to safeguard user data. Without such isolation, malicious web apps could potentially access a user's camera, microphone, and location without consent. Additionally, Apple cites concerns about the installation of web apps on the system without user awareness and consent.

As a result of the change, iPhone users in the EU can still access websites directly from the Home Screen through a bookmark, but the PWA features will no longer be available. Instead, web apps on the Home Screen will open in Safari or another default browser rather than in a dedicated window. Long-term local storage and notifications will also no longer be supported.

Apple states that these changes are necessary to comply with the DMA's requirements, and the company acknowledges the impact this will have on developers of Home Screen web apps and iPhone users. Apple has been undergoing several changes to the App Store in the EU, including the allowance of alternative app marketplaces, payment methods, and different browser engines.

The removal of the PWA functionality in the EU has drawn criticism from some users who see it as punitive and unnecessary. However, Apple attributes the decision to concerns over security and the challenges of implementing a new integration architecture. The company assures that only a small number of users will be affected by this change.

The update to Home Screen web apps coincides with other anticipated changes in the coming months, such as the expansion of iPhone driver's licenses to eight U.S. states, the cancellation of Jon Stewart's Apple TV+ series, and the release of new MacBook Airs, iPads, and iOS 17.4.

It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the user experience and the development of web apps within the EU.