Apple responded to the new European rules by removing web apps from the European market. This is easier for the iPhone manufacturer than making applications compliant. The EU has opened an investigation.

In the latest iOS beta, web apps work (Progressive web applications or PWAs) for iPhone users in the European Union. Such an app looks like a traditional application, but actually runs entirely in the browser. Apple says it is forced to remove functionality from iOS in Europe to comply with new Digital Markets Act (DMA) rules.

The DMA requires Apple to allow browser engines other than Webkit. Nowadays, all web apps have to run on Apple’s Webkit, but developers should soon theoretically also be able to offer web apps via Chromium, for example. Apple doesn’t like that. The company claims that such a thing cannot be done safely and is therefore eliminating PWAs completely: no PWAs, no discrimination against other browser engines. Somewhere between the lines there is a middle finger aimed at the European Commission.

No PWAs, no freedom for developers

This Commission is now preparing to put its own finger in the air. Finally, web apps are a way for developers to bypass the App Store and its 30 percent commission. Disabling the PWAs will require developers to search the App Store again. Although the entire discussion is actually only about a limited number of apps, Apple is once again positioning itself as a monopolist. The EU has launched an initial investigation to determine whether iOS without PWAs is actually too restrictive for developers. In this way, Apple would still be violating the rules of the DMA.

In this first investigation, the EU is requesting additional information from Apple. Whether the Union will also initiate a larger investigation will only become clear at a later date. If this is the case, Apple will have to expect hefty fines of up to ten percent of annual sales.