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I dislike how Apple is evolving as an evil corporate, but they seem to have a real security and privacy concern on this issue.

agust 3y ago
Just like they had when asked to support alternative browser engines, but the DMA formally mandates it, sot they did comply and allowed them. All other OSes support web app installation from any browser, including macOS. This is a lot more secure than installing any native app. This is just Apple spreading FUD as an excuse to keep preventing web apps from competing with native apps.
fauigerzigerk 3y ago
I completely understand that companies will defend their own business interests. But the extent to which Apple has been leaning on spurious security arguments in order to do that is really starting to damage their reputation and in fact the security of their platforms. Clearly, they're just making a point here, hurting developers and users just to spite a regulator. What they are signalling to me as a developer is that mobile devices are just not a reliable platform. Better do as much as possible on the server.
- DeusExMachina 3y ago
  I usually do not like these moves from Apple. For example, I strongly dislike all the new guidelines they added to comply with the introduction of alternative payment systems. However, I'm on their side in this case. I run a business. If having a feature comply with some regulation meant implementing a whole infrastructure I don't have to serve a minority of customers, I would also abandon the feature.
  - fauigerzigerk 3y ago
    Apple isn't just any business though. They are a multi-trillion platform company. I expect them to prioritise backward compatibility over spiting regulators and over itemised profitability considerations. They could have implemented this feature securely but they chose to use the opportunity to make a point instead.
beeboobaa 3y ago
> but they seem to have a real security and privacy concern on this issue That's always how they spin their FUD. They already have an app sandbox in place for all fo their apps. Sideloaded, PWA, or not.
chrisjj 3y ago
> I dislike how Apple is evolving as an evil corporate, but they seem to have a real security and privacy concern on this issue Evil does indeed lead to real security and privacy concerns.

agust 3y ago

Just like they had when asked to support alternative browser engines, but the DMA formally mandates it, sot they did comply and allowed them. All other OSes support web app installation from any browser, including macOS. This is a lot more secure than installing any native app. This is just Apple spreading FUD as an excuse to keep preventing web apps from competing with native apps.

fauigerzigerk 3y ago

I completely understand that companies will defend their own business interests. But the extent to which Apple has been leaning on spurious security arguments in order to do that is really starting to damage their reputation and in fact the security of their platforms. Clearly, they're just making a point here, hurting developers and users just to spite a regulator. What they are signalling to me as a developer is that mobile devices are just not a reliable platform. Better do as much as possible on the server.

DeusExMachina 3y ago
I usually do not like these moves from Apple. For example, I strongly dislike all the new guidelines they added to comply with the introduction of alternative payment systems. However, I'm on their side in this case. I run a business. If having a feature comply with some regulation meant implementing a whole infrastructure I don't have to serve a minority of customers, I would also abandon the feature.
- fauigerzigerk 3y ago
  Apple isn't just any business though. They are a multi-trillion platform company. I expect them to prioritise backward compatibility over spiting regulators and over itemised profitability considerations. They could have implemented this feature securely but they chose to use the opportunity to make a point instead.

beeboobaa 3y ago

> but they seem to have a real security and privacy concern on this issue That's always how they spin their FUD. They already have an app sandbox in place for all fo their apps. Sideloaded, PWA, or not.

chrisjj 3y ago

> I dislike how Apple is evolving as an evil corporate, but they seem to have a real security and privacy concern on this issue Evil does indeed lead to real security and privacy concerns.