Webapps have again received a more important role within the system of apps. Not only do they work better, they can now also send push notifications. Websites can then send notifications without ‘physical’ apps.
It was already possible to place websites on the home screen of your iPhone or iPad. However, this was no more than a shortcut to the page, but since iOS/iPados 16.4 they have had a more important role. This way you can use a website as a kind of app without having to install it.
WebApps in short
WebApps are applications that are accessible via a web browser. Unlike traditional mobile applications, web apps are not installed on the user’s device. As a result, they are not dependent on the operating system on which they are executed. Instead, web apps are hosted on a server and made accessible via the internet.
WebApps can vary from simple pages with information to complex applications with advanced functionality, such as social networks, online games and business applications.
Extensions of APIs
The development of web apps requires knowledge of web technologies such as HTML, CSS and Javascript, as well as server-side scripting languages ​​such as PHP, Ruby or Python. There are many frameworks and tools available to facilitate the development process and to expand the functionality of web apps.
Together with iOS 16.4 and iPados 16.4, Apple has Webkit extended. This is the framework that developers can use to make web apps for Safari, iPhone and iPad. For example, Apple has added new 135 new possibilities and APIs (Application Programming Interface) including; Push API, Notifications API, Badging API, Screen Wake Lock API and Webcodecs API.
An API is a set of definitions, protocols and tools that are used to allow software applications to communicate with each other. With the help of an API, different applications can exchange information and share functionalities without the user having to understand the different systems or needs direct access to the code.
Push notifications for websites
The most important new option for Safari is sending notifications directly from the browser, something that has been possible for a long time under macOS. Yet it is not that you will immediately receive notifications of all the websites you visit. For example, you have to do two things: accept notifications and add the website as a web app to your iPhone or iPad.
Only when you have installed the web app can the website send your notifications. You will then see a badge with missed notifications at the WebApp icon and you can manage the reporting via the notifications settings.
Place web apps on the home screen
As a user you cannot make a web app, the website owner will have to do this for you. Once it is available, you can place it on your home screen. This is as follows:
- Open the website in Safari
- Tap the part button
- Choose ‘Put on the home screen’
- Confirm with ‘Add’
The web application is then placed on the home screen of your device between the other apps. If you tap the icon of the website, it will be opened in a browser environment.
Most web apps will then be displayed screen or single. This means that the webpage is opened without browser functions. This way you do not see an address or search bar, part menu or bookmarks. If you see this, then it is only a shortcut and not yet a full web app. In that case the website cannot send you notifications.
Advantages and disadvantages of web apps
Apple’s adjustments are extremely extensive and it will ensure that you can use websites and functions on your device without having to physically download and install an application. This offers many advantages, but also disadvantages.
As a user you no longer have to download the app and that can save storage space. Furthermore, web apps are more current because the manager can immediately update them, without the intervention of Apple. Web applications will probably also appear from websites that are not tolerated by Apple. As a result, there is no review process, and Apple can carry out less control on the content that you see via these web apps. WebApps do not contain any in-app purchases, but a website can of course charge costs through their platform.
Other innovations for web apps
- Keep screen active
- Keeping cache (temporary storage) for offline use
- Adjust content based on screen orientation (lying or standing)
- Support for Focus
- Have scripts performed in the background
- Adapted icon for web apps
- View all innovations
Finally, you can not only create a web app via Safari, but also via Chrome and other browsers it has been possible since 16.4 to place the website on the home screen. This will then open the web app in this browser and not via Safari. In addition, you can also use web apps on a Mac from MacOS Sonoma.