Apple will reverse its decision to stop supporting the installation of progressive web apps in the European Union. As mentioned by 9to5Mac, which specializes in Apple matters, the brand will continue to offer the existing resource, contrary to what was expected.
First, it is important to clarify, from now on, what a “progressive web app” is. By definition, it is an application created for the Web, with an experience very similar to that of mobile devices. Basically, they offer features similar to mobile apps, from sending notifications to working offline.
Apple doesn't “power” apps, it just offers support
Illustrative Image (via Pexels and Apple Instagram)
On this subject, Apple notes that the home screen apps will also be built by Webkit, a tool that Safari uses. What does this mean in practice? It means that web apps are not “powered” by Apple resources. At most, Apple offers support at a later stage.
As previously mentioned, the objective was not to provide support. However, in a statement from Apple, it can be read that “the return of existing functionality for home screen web apps is expected with the availability of iOS 17.4 in early March” (via The Verge).
A few days separated the decision and its respective reversal
Out of curiosity, the period of time between the announcement of the withdrawal of support for Web apps and the “reversal” in the decision was short. At the time of the announcement, in February, Apple justified the measure by the fact that it had to build “an entirely new integration architecture”, which was not practical to undertake.
Still, after receiving several requests from users asking it to maintain support, Apple ended up backtracking on its decision. Remember that the company's decision generated some controversy, even leading to a study being carried out by Open Web Advocacy, with the aim of measuring the impact this would have on developers.
Ultimately, everything seems to have turned out for the best and the company will continue to support progressive web apps.