Web Push for Web Apps on iOS and iPadOS (webkit.org)

Article summary

Apple has released iOS and iPadOS 16.4 beta 1, which includes support for Web Push and other features for Home Screen web apps. This allows web developers to send push notifications to users through the use of Push API, Notifications API, and Service Workers. Users can manage these notifications in the same way as native app notifications, including configuring Focus modes and permissions. The feature is part of a larger release with over 135 new features in WebKit.

Main themes

• Web Push on iOS and iPadOS
• Progressive Web Apps
• Notification Management
• User Experience
• Apple App Store
• Web App Security
• Native Apps vs Web Apps
• Push Notification Abuse

What commenters say

• The introduction of Web Push for web apps on iOS and iPadOS is a positive development, increasing the functionality of progressive web apps.
• The requirement to add a web app to the Home Screen before receiving notifications is seen as a good UX design choice, as it indicates user intention.
• Some commenters are concerned that this feature will lead to an increase in notification spam, as web apps are not subject to the same rules as native apps.
• Others argue that native apps can also be spammy, and that the ability to manage notifications and configure Focus modes mitigates this risk.
• There is a desire for an install prompt to make it easier for users to add web apps to their Home Screen, but this is seen as unlikely due to Apple's reluctance to promote web apps over native apps.
• The lack of control over web app notifications is a concern, as Apple cannot disable push notifications from a compromised website in the same way they can for a native app.
• Some commenters believe that Apple's actions are motivated by a desire to favor their App Store and limit the growth of progressive web apps.
• The introduction of Web Push is seen as a significant improvement for progressive web apps, but there are still limitations and challenges to be addressed.