Apple reverses course on blocking web apps in the EU

Apple has reversed its plans to limit entry to sure net apps within the EU

A number of days after the EU announced it would investigate Apple’s plans to limit entry to sure net apps that circumvent its App Retailer, the tech firm is now reversing that plan of action. In an replace to a developer help web page, as reported by 9to5Mac, Apple says it would “proceed to supply the present Residence Display net apps functionality within the EU” in iOS 17.4.

Apple maintains that residence display apps will nonetheless must be utilized by its personal Safari engine, WebKit. Any apps downloaded from third-party browsers will seemingly not seem on the house display and might not be supported by their very own engines. Based on Apple, performance ought to return when customers replace to iOS 17.4 in early March.

Apple claimed that the choice to limit entry to net apps (also called PWAs) was in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). PWAs enable corporations to develop apps accessible as webpages, showing as an icon on a cell consumer’s residence display. Subsequently, These could be downloaded with out accessing conventional app shops, which Apple reasoned that non-Safari browsers might pose unacceptable safety and privateness dangers underneath the DMA.

Apple vs the EU

This isn’t the primary time that Apple has gone up against the EU. Previously, the corporate has resisted rules resembling common chargers and different digital market rules.

On this case, Apple has said that it’s reversing the choice after it “obtained requests” to proceed supporting the function, studies the Verge. Whereas it’s unclear the place these requests got here from, Apple’s assertion that it might drop net apps drew criticism from builders and customers alike. For instance, the nonprofit group Open Net Advocacy wrote an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook in regard to the transfer.

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Rachael Davis

Freelance Journalist

Rachael Davies
has spent six years reporting on tech and leisure, writing for publications just like the Evening Standard, Huffington Post, Dazed, and extra. From area of interest subjects like the newest gaming mods to consumer-faced guides on the newest tech, she places her MA in Convergent Journalism to work, following avenues guided by quite a lot of pursuits. In addition to writing, she additionally has expertise in modifying because the UK Editor of The Mary Sue , in addition to talking on the vital of website positioning in journalism on the Pupil Press Affiliation Nationwide Convention. You will discover her full portfolio over on Muck Rack or observe her on social media on X.