Apple is one of the world’s biggest and most successful companies. This position has been achieved in a large part through innovation. It is a company that has always looked for ways to meet the needs of its customers and has been very successful in doing so.
Apple is currently making improvements to web apps to enhance the user experience and make web applications more functional and accessible on Apple devices. Web apps have not always been as seamless or easy to use as native apps, which are downloaded and installed directly onto the device.
However, with the increasing popularity of web-based applications, Apple has recognised the need to improve its functionality.
New Features for Home Screen Web Apps in Safari 16.4
Apple is reportedly making significant improvements to Safari's support for web apps on iPhones. These changes could potentially make web applications work more like native apps on iOS devices, offering a more seamless and user-friendly experience for users.
This development could be particularly exciting for digital mobile app developers who wish to offer apps and services on Apple's mobile platforms outside of the App Store.
In Safari 16.4 for iPad OS 16.4 and iOS 16.4, Apple has introduced over 135 features, including exciting new enhancements like Import Maps, Media Queries, and more.
Arguably the most significant improvements are focused on Home Screen web apps. While iPhones have been able to add a website icon to their home screen since the device's inception, these icons became Home Screen web apps, allowing users to summon the service with a tap and operate it separately from Safari.
Apple insisted all third-party apps on the device must be web apps during the first year of the iPhone’s existence. This changed with the birth of the App Store. Now, with the new Web Push support feature being added to Home Screen web apps, developers will be able to send push notifications to users via Push API, Notifications API, and Service Workers. This will enable web apps to send personalised notifications to users concerning their services, such as when a new feature has been added or new products are made available.
What does this mean for app development?
The improvements being made by Apple to web apps have the potential to significantly impact app development. Mobile app development companies will be able to deliver more complex app interactions to users outside of the App Store. It also means that developers have more options for delivering their services to users outside of the App Store, which could have implications for the future of app development on iOS.
Cutting-edge mobile app development from InTeck
At InTeck, we keep up to date with industry changes ensuring that our clients can take full advantage of new innovations. Whether you need a simple mobile app or a complex enterprise-level application, we can provide the expertise and support you need to bring your ideas to life.
Call 0800 3685220 or email info@inteckltd.co.uk to find out more.