Following the release of the second beta version of iOS 17.4, it emerged that Apple had restricted the functionality of iOS web apps in the EU. Web apps could no longer launch from the Home Screen in their own top-level window that takes up the entire screen, relegating them to a simple shortcut with an option to open within Safari instead.
The move was heavily criticized by groups like Open Web Advocacy, which started a petition in an effort to persuade Apple to reverse the change, and it even caught the attention of the European Commission. Now, Apple has backtracked and says that Home Screen web apps that use WebKit in the EU will continue to function as expected upon the release of iOS 17.4.
Nah, they should keep that stuff on Android. I like that I only have one app store. I used custom roms, weird alternative app stores and all that stuff for years on Android, but I like that iOS is built on a different philosophy.
Also, I just realized today that if EU forces Apple to open iOS to more stores, shouldn’t they force MS and Sony to do the same for Xbox and Playstation?
What difference does it make to you if other iPhone users are given the option? You don’t have to use anything but the App store, just like how you don’t have to use anything but the Play Store on Android if you don’t want to.
I don’t mind that other users have this option. I’m not worried about them. It’s all the expected shenanigans of the companies that’ll remove their apps from the store I don’t much like.
Why would it be bad to have alternatives? Stick to the built-in store if you want to, but let others have the freedom to choose.
Any company locking people to their own platform should be forced to allow alternatives.