The Conclusion of WWDC2023 Keynote: Apple's Unexpected Emphasis on Websites and Web Apps on macOS
With the recent conclusion of the highly anticipated WWDC2023 keynote, the internet is abuzz with discussions about Apple's latest Mac computers, chips, and the innovative Vision Pro.
However, amidst all the excitement surrounding these groundbreaking advancements, there's one aspect that seems to have slipped under the radar: Apple's renewed focus on websites and web apps for macOS.
Although I haven't had the opportunity to experience it firsthand, the concept certainly piques my interest.
Apple had previously introduced web apps on iOS, which garnered significant attention and widespread adoption. However, at some point, Apple seemed to lose momentum and halted progress in this domain. Developers were left in a state of limbo as Apple imposed restrictions on web app functionality and even obscured the "Add to home screen" button.
Now, with their latest push for macOS, Apple is taking a different approach — one that promises seamless integration without the need for any special configurations or implementations on the part of website owners.
On the surface, this approach appears promising, as it eliminates the need for website owners to implement custom solutions to ensure compatibility.
However, on the other hand, it raises concerns about relinquishing control over website layout and user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).
Naturally, I'm filled with curiosity about this development and eager to explore it further.
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter.
Does this announcement resonate with you?
Do you find the idea appealing, or does it evoke feelings of apprehension and discontent?
Picture by Firmbee.com at Unsplash
Top comments (4)
Apple has wants to keep their 30% app store cut rolling in. The only problem is that regulators and legislative powers started to notice their rent-seeking, anti-competitive behavior. Anything that Apple does regarding web apps as first-class citizens on their ecosystem is but a fig leaf, they need to strike the balance between demonstrating an pro forma alternative to their distribution monopoly on their platforms, but keeping this unattractive and incompatible enough to just not get any serious traction as a proper alternative.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Yes, might be the reason. At least for iOS this is the reason for it in my opinion.
Also, because the macOS-App-Store never reached the popularity and value of iOS-App-Store, they can do this step here more safely.
They simply can’t close macOS like they did it with iOS.
Maybe, it’s one step, to push the (paid-) eco-system on macOS as well. And maybe, some other steps will follow.
Similar like they did on iOS.
Maybe, it’s only a piece of a bigger strategy here.
🤷♂️
There is also some other article here from @cstayyab, where you can find some general background about web apps and thoughts:
Apple's Non-Standard Approach to WebApps: A Step Back from PWA Standardization
While it may be a welcome initiative, I think this move serves to find a useful way to show that it does not intend to monopolize App distributions through the proprietary store alone.