Apple adheres to European rules in the latest iOS beta, but not without stressing it. Web apps have stopped working and this is not a harmless error.

Beta testers noticed something was wrong in the iOS 17.4 beta: web apps stopped working. In-depth web apps or PWAs progressive web applications, is a type of application that runs like a desktop app but runs entirely in a browser. Since the last iOS beta, users were notified whether they wanted to “open or cancel” the app in Safari, after which the app could no longer save data or display notifications.

Bugs in a beta version are not uncommon, but in this case there is more to it. The fact that this only happened to users in the European Union already suggested that it could be an intentional error. Apple has now confirmed this in a blog that provides further information about the problem. It points an accusing finger at the European Union.

DMA’s fault

Apple must comply with DMA rules from March 7th. One of the concessions that the iPhone developer makes is to allow other browser engines in addition to Webkit. However, Apple doesn’t budge on this concession, saying it will no longer be able to support web apps. In short, the iPhone maker’s explanation sounds like it can’t guarantee that web apps in any other browser engine won’t install malware on your device, so it’s eliminating them completely as a precaution.

The Firefox operator Mozilla was previously critical of Apple’s new browser policy because it only allows other engines within the European Union. Browsers that want to use this option would therefore have to design and manage two versions of the browser on iOS. The way Apple handles sideloading and external payment systems has also been criticized.

Apple appears to bow to the European Union, but has its own interpretation of the rules. Apple managed to enforce an exemption for iMessage, meaning the messaging service is not required to allow messages from other chat services.