Apple under fire for disabling iPhone web apps—EU asks developers to weigh in
Enlarge / An Apple Store in Hangzhou, China on February 20, 2024.
European Commission officials are probing Apple's decision to remove home screen web apps from iPhones and iPads in Europe. The EC confirmed it is seeking information from Apple and app developers who would be affected by the change, kicking off a process that could lead to a formal investigation.
"We are indeed looking at the compliance packages of all gatekeepers, including Apple," a European Commission spokesperson told Ars. "In that context, we're in particular looking into the issue of Progressive Web Apps, and can confirm sending the requests for information to Apple and to app developers, who can provide useful information for our assessment."
Apple is removing the ability to install home screen web apps in Europe when iOS 17.4 is released, claiming it is too hard to keep offering the feature under the European Union's new Digital Markets Act (DMA).