Apple's recent release of the second beta version of iOS 17.4 has brought attention to a significant change regarding web apps in the EU. These web apps are now restricted from launching independently from the Home Screen in their own top-level window, instead being reduced to simple shortcuts with an option to open within Safari.
This alteration has sparked criticism, with many arguing that it undermines the viability of web apps as alternatives to native iOS apps.
EU Takes Action Against Apple's Recent Decision
In response to this change, EU competition regulators have taken action, sending inquiries to developers to assess the impact of this adjustment, The Financial Times finds. This move is seen as a preliminary step toward a potential in-depth investigation.
Furthermore, the European Commission has confirmed its examination of the matter, signaling potential regulatory intervention.
"We are indeed looking at the compliance packages of all gatekeepers, including Apple. In that context, we're in particular looking into the issue of progressive web apps, and can confirm sending the requests for information to Apple and to app developers, who can provide useful information for our assessment," the regulator said.
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Apple's Justification and Compliance
Apple contends that these changes were necessary to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company asserts that allowing third-party browsers to be used with web apps in Europe could pose security and privacy risks to users, hence requiring adjustments to mitigate these concerns, per MacRumors.
The Cupertino titan maintains that the impact of these alterations will be minimal, affecting only a small portion of users.
As we know, there are standalone apps we open everytime we want to access the home screen websites. With the implementation, their function is downgraded to being "bookmarks."
Still, Apple regrets the potential aftermath of this change as some users will be affected by it. If this move annoys both the developers and users, it's even worse when it comes to EU's legal arguments about the matter.
There is speculation that a formal probe into the handling of web apps by Apple may commence after the March 6 deadline for DMA compliance. However, the initiation of formal proceedings could be avoided if the company offers further concessions or adjustments in response to regulatory concerns.
In other news, Deutsche Telekom, a popular telecommunications firm based in Germany, has revealed the "T-Phone" at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Spain.
What's interesting here is that this special smartphone is touted to have no apps at all. Instead, it relies on what AI commands on it.
The company said that five to 10 years from now, nobody will not use apps anymore. This is a great change that everyone will not expect in the future.
