Jen SimmonsSep 30, 2025

I’m surprised I haven’t heard more responses from web developers about the change to Safari on iOS and iPadOS regarding web apps. Now every website can be a web app (saved to the Home Screen and opened as a stand-alone app) — not just sites that have been configured a certain way by the developers.

It’s a big difference for users. Every site gets the same experience. No more mysterious sometimes-it-works-one-way, sometimes-another.

Read more: https://webkit.org/blog/17333/webkit-features-in-safari-26-0/#every-site-can-be-a-web-app-on-ios-and-ipados

brandoOct 1, 2025
Show threadOpen Web Advocacy

@jensimmons The reason is, this feature makes no meaningful difference to the viability or uptake of web apps compared to native apps. For web apps to be successful you and your team need to develop install flows as easy as installing native apps (install banners, same number of steps, nice UI etc) but we all know that's never going to happen because of AppStore revenue.

The erosion of the mobile web lies at apple's feet.

Oct 1, 2025 at 5:30amWeb
Show threadOpen Web AdvocacyOct 1, 2025
@jensimmons I know you personally care about the future of the web, so happy to set up a meet to explain exactly what would actually move the needle but I doubt corporate would allow it.