Apple has updated documentation for developers regarding iOS 18.2, which was released in beta version earlier this week. The update includes APIs that allow third-party browsers to add web app icons to the Home screen (PWA – Progressive Web App) that can then call up the browser.
This change specifically impacts the European Union (EU) region only. In iOS 17.4, Apple had previously allowed users in the EU to set their default browser and the browser no longer needed to use the WebKit engine like Safari. However, Apple chose to discontinue building PWAs altogether on Safari citing security reasons. Subsequently, the EU announced an investigation into this matter, prompting Apple to restore PWA creation for users, with the condition that browsers must use the WebKit engine.
Users in other countries eager for this feature will have to wait. Despite some positive signs, such as the ability to set the default app, initially only available in the EU, is now accessible globally in iOS 18.2.
TLDR: Apple updates documentation for developers on iOS 18.2, enabling third-party browsers in the EU to add web app icons to the Home screen and calling up the browser, with the condition that browsers must use the WebKit engine.
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