Apple could soon face an investigation over its decision to discontinue iPhone web apps in the European Union, according to a report from the Financial Times. The European Commission has reportedly sent Apple and app developers requests for more information to assist in its evaluation.
Apple’s decision to drop iPhone web apps comes under scrutiny in the EU
The European Commission is collecting information from Apple on its decision to discontinue web apps in iOS 17.4.
The European Commission is collecting information from Apple on its decision to discontinue web apps in iOS 17.4.
Illustration by Kristen Radtke / The Verge
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“We are indeed looking at the compliance packages of all gatekeepers, including Apple,” the European Commission says in a statement to The Verge provided by spokesperson Lea Zuber. “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.”
When reached for comment, Apple pointed The Verge to its support page about the change.
Earlier this month, Apple confirmed it will no longer support iPhone web apps in the EU in iOS 17.4. Instead of functioning as standalone apps with storage and the ability to send push notifications, web apps in the EU will work more like bookmarks. The company blames the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) as the primary reason for the change, as it requires Apple to allow full support for third-party browser engines — not just Safari’s WebKit.
Introducing web app support for other browsers would require the company to build “an entirely new integration architecture” that it says “was not practical to undertake given the other demands of the DMA.” The company also cites “very low user adoption” and potential security risks as reasons for the change.
App developers are pushing back on the discontinuation of web apps. Open Web Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the open web, is conducting a survey to see how the change will impact developers. It plans on sending the responses to the European Commission.
Update February 26th, 12:03PM ET: Added a statement from the European Commission.
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