Apple has officially decided to remove support for progressive web apps on iPhones for users located in the European Union (EU). This decision comes after web apps have been rendered inoperable for EU users throughout the iOS 17.4 beta testing phase, raising concerns that it might be a bug. However, Apple has now confirmed that this is an intentional feature, not a glitch.

The revelation came in an update to Apple’s developer website, which was spotted by 9to5Mac. In the update, Apple explains that it is discontinuing homescreen apps for EU users because bringing them into compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) would necessitate “an entirely new integration architecture” that the company deems “not practical” to build on top of the other changes it has been compelled to make. One of these changes requires Apple to allow third-party browsers to use their own engines on iOS.

Apple contends that web apps are built “directly on WebKit” — the engine employed by Safari — enabling web apps to “align with the security and privacy model for native apps on iOS.” With the modification in iOS 17.4, websites added to the homescreen will now function solely as bookmarks that open a new tab in the user’s browser, rather than acting as standalone services capable of performing tasks such as sending notifications and displaying badges, a feature Apple had just introduced to web apps the previous year.

Progressive web apps on iOS also have the capability to store data separately from the user’s browser instance, which proves advantageous if a user wants quick access to a particular site without having to repeatedly sign in. Some services, like Facebook Gaming, have utilized web apps as a means to circumvent the Apple App Store and its associated fees.

Now that alternative browser engines are being introduced in the EU, Apple claims that this poses a security risk, noting that “malicious web apps could read data from other web apps and recapture their permissions to gain access to a user’s camera, microphone or location without a user’s consent.” The company also contends that browsers could install web apps without the user’s knowledge — despite the fact that Android phones have offered web apps with different types of browsers for years.

“We expect this change to affect a small number of users,” Apple writes. “Still, we regret any impact this change — that was made as part of the work to comply with the DMA — may have on developers of Home Screen web apps and our users.” Apple cites “very low user adoption” of homescreen apps as another reason for the lack of support.

While Apple’s decision to discontinue web app support on iPhones in the EU may be rooted in compliance challenges with the Digital Markets Act, it raises questions about the broader implications for web app development and user experience. As the tech industry navigates the intricate landscape of regulatory frameworks, it remains to be seen how companies like Apple will balance innovation, user preferences, and legal obligations in the future.