Apple, the tech titan, is known for its innovative and groundbreaking updates. The company’s upcoming iOS 17.4 update for iPhone has taken an unexpected twist.
The forthcoming iOS 17.4 update is poised to bring a host of modifications to the iPhone experience. It’s on the verge of being released, and the anticipation is palpable. There are several significant changes in the pipeline, including a major revamp of iMessage’s security and enhancements to the Stolen Device Protection feature.
However, Apple’s recent announcement regarding Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) has grabbed everyone’s attention. Here’s what the buzz is all about.
PWAs, or web clips designed to mimic the user experience of native apps without requiring an actual app, were on the chopping block in Apple’s initial iOS 17.4 update plan. In compliance with the Digital Markets Act in the European Union, Apple had initially decided to discontinue support for PWAs.
But in a surprising twist, Apple has made a U-turn on this decision. The company confirmed the changes in an update titled “Update on apps distributed in the European Union”.
Apple’s statement, which reverses its position on PWAs, has intrigued tech enthusiasts and iPhone users alike. The company stated:
“Previously, Apple announced plans to remove the Home Screen web apps capability in the EU as part of our efforts to comply with the DMA. The need to remove the capability was informed by the complex security and privacy concerns associated with web apps to support alternative browser engines that would require building a new integration architecture that does not currently exist in iOS.
“We have received requests to continue to offer support for Home Screen web apps in iOS, therefore we will continue to offer the existing Home Screen web apps capability in the EU. This support means Home Screen web apps continue to be built directly on WebKit and its security architecture, and align with the security and privacy model for native apps on iOS.”
This reversal signifies that the implementation of the DMA is still in flux. It also averts potential scrutiny from the EU, although it hasn’t been confirmed.
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The iOS 17.4 update for iPhone is expected to land any day now, and tech enthusiasts are eager to see the impact of the changes. The support for PWAs means home screen web apps will continue to be created directly on WebKit and its security architecture, aligning with the security and privacy model for native apps on iOS.
Reactions to this sudden and unexpected reversal have been widespread. Maximiliano Firtman, a developer and author, expressed concerns that the decision would prevent alternative browsers from executing installed PWAs. Meanwhile, the Financial Times suggested that the European Commission had received over 500 complaints about Apple’s original plan and welcomed Apple’s announcement.
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The Open Web Advocacy had also sent an open letter to Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, urging him to reverse the decision. This letter had received nearly 5,000 signatures by March 1.
