I think they fear someone will make a browser that makes native apps less desirable.
Google could wrap all the iOS widget, expose them to WASM and basically let people bypass the AppStore entirely and install everything as Chrome “apps”.
Safari conveniently lacks a lot of the features that would compete with native apps in features, like refusing to implement WebPush until very recently.
They don’t want web apps to even have a chance to compete with their AppStore. With Safari being the only allowed browser, they could make sure the browser is always less desirable than downloading the app.
But they are going to allow 3rd party app stores in EU, right? Then those chrome-based web apps wouldn’t be a bigger threat. Maybe I’m missing something.
I think they fear someone will make a browser that makes native apps less desirable.
Google could wrap all the iOS widget, expose them to WASM and basically let people bypass the AppStore entirely and install everything as Chrome “apps”.
Safari conveniently lacks a lot of the features that would compete with native apps in features, like refusing to implement WebPush until very recently.
They don’t want web apps to even have a chance to compete with their AppStore. With Safari being the only allowed browser, they could make sure the browser is always less desirable than downloading the app.
But they are going to allow 3rd party app stores in EU, right? Then those chrome-based web apps wouldn’t be a bigger threat. Maybe I’m missing something.
The apple third party App Store solution should be in a list under the title: Notable Examples in Malicious Compliance
They’re still going to charge app developers releasing on 3rd party app stores, so Apple will still make money through this route. https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/26/24051823/apple-third-party-app-stores-50-cent-fee