Apple will finally allow web apps in iOS 17.4

Apple Reverses Its Decision and Will Return Web Apps to the iPhone Home Screen in iOS 17.4

The first beta versions of iOS 17.4 suggested that Apple removed web apps from the iPhone home screen in the European Union. Web applications or web applications Websites turned into apps Via Safari. An unexpected change has caused a lot of criticism.

A while back, Apple confirmed that it was removing the functionality to create web apps from the home screen… Fortunately, the company seems to have reconsidered its decision. Finally, the official release of iOS 17.4 will make web apps available in the EUIt is expected in the first week of March.

Apple will bring web apps to the home screen in iOS 17.4, confirming that they will “continue to offer home screen web apps as they exist in the European Union.”

iPhone Web Apps will be available in iOS 17.4

Apple decided to remove the Web Apps functionality from iOS 17.4 Requirements of the Digital Markets Act of the European Commission. Apparently, Apple considers the functionality vulnerable to some security and privacy issues.

An Apple representative pointed it out at the time “This would require the integration of an entirely new framework that iOS does not currently have”. Apparently, there were privacy and security issues related to the new default web browsing apps in iOS 17.4.

How to Add WebApp to Your iPhone

Here's an excerpt from Apple's statement:

“Previously, Apple announced plans to remove the ability for web apps from the home screen in the EU as part of our efforts to comply with DMA. The need to remove this feature was due to security and privacy concerns associated with web apps. An alternative browser would require creating a new integration framework that does not currently exist in iOS. Machines.

We've received requests to continue providing support for Home Screen Web Apps on iOS, so we'll continue to provide Home Screen Web Apps functionality in the EU. This support means that home screen web apps rely directly on WebKit and its security framework, aligning with the security and privacy model for native apps on iOS.”

Let's remember that iOS 17.4 will also include access to alternative application stores to the App Store… a historical change that will be added to other new features like the arrival of new emojis.