Apple recently announced a set of changes to be released with iOS 17.4 in early March 2024 that will impact the way that apps can be distributed in the European Union (EU): https://developer.apple.com/support/dma-and-apps-in-the-eu
Let's dive into the impacts of these changes on OutSystems mobile apps.
1. Store distribution
iOS apps can now be distributed through stores other than the official App Store. OutSystems will maintain support for App Store distribution without requiring any changes from our customers. However, the feasibility and support for deploying iOS OutSystems mobile apps in other stores will be evaluated at a future date.
2. More APIs and new capabilities
Apple has introduced new APIs for accessing additional capabilities, including alternative payment options, interoperability, and data portability. These changes do not impact existing OutSystems mobile apps and plugins. However, if we come across any adjustments that are required to ensure compatibility with OutSystems-supported offerings, we will make and support those changes accordingly.
3. PWAs will no longer be supported
Starting from iOS 17.4, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) will no longer be officially supported on iOS within the EU. This means that a Mobile Web App can no longer be added to the home screen. Existing PWAs, when opened, will instead run as a Mobile Web App on a browser.
Despite this change, Mobile Web Apps can still access various Web API capabilities such as camera, location, barcode, file systems, etc... The absence of official PWA support, and the inability to install a Mobile Web App on the home screen, will primarily affect two capabilities: Push Notifications and Offline. If you do not take advantage of these two capabilities, the end of PWA support will not affect your apps.
Developers in the EU will need to consider alternative distribution methods for their PWAs if they want users to be able to add them to their home screens. This could involve encouraging users to access the PWAs directly through the browser or using your PWA to build native mobile apps that can be distributed in the App Store.
It's important to note that these changes only apply to the EU region. While Apple has stopped officially supporting PWAs within the EU, developers can still offer PWAs for users outside the EU.
Thanks for the info!
Good news: Apple published an update regarding Home Screen web apps in the EU
Update on apps distributed in the European Union - Support - Apple DeveloperSection: "Why don’t users in the EU have access to Home Screen web apps?"
So PWAs will still be pinable directly to the home screen in the future without having to publish a native app 🎉
UPDATE:
Apple has reversed its decision to discontinue PWA support in the EU, so PWAs will continue working on iOS devices.
“We have received requests to continue to offer support for Home Screen web apps in iOS, therefore we will continue to offer the existing Home Screen web apps capability in the EU. This support means Home Screen web apps continue to be built directly on WebKit and its security architecture, and align with the security and privacy model for native apps on iOS.”
https://developer.apple.com/support/dma-and-apps-in-the-eu#dev-qa