Telegram criticizes Apple for limiting web app features in iOS

Telegram founder Pavel Durov again criticized Apple in his public channel on the platform. This time, Durov claimed that Apple is limiting web developers on iOS by deliberately limiting the features of web applications, which certainly affects the web version of Telegram.

While Telegram is available on the App Store, the platform has experienced some issues during Apple’s review process in the past due to Telegram’s public channels, which have no content restrictions. To get around some of these limitations, Telegram also offers a full web version with almost all the features available in the mobile version, except that it is also limited to iOS.

Telegram’s CEO noted that many developers are complaining that “Safari is killing the Internet” due to its limitations. Durov also draws attention to an article published by web developers Telegram in April listing 10 issues regarding the iOS version of Safari, which lacks features such as push notifications, VP8 and VP9 codecs, high refresh rates, and visual artifacts.

According to Durov, the reason Apple is crippling web apps is to force users to download apps from the App Store so the company can collect a commission from developers.

We suspect that Apple may deliberately harm its web apps to force users to download more native apps, for which Apple may charge a 30% fee.

Apple under investigation over WebKit restrictions

Unlike macOS, iOS doesn’t allow developers to choose a different web engine for their apps. Instead, every application that needs a web implementation must use Apple’s WebKit. And it’s no surprise that Apple really limits the capabilities of web apps compared to native apps.

Last week, the UK government concluded after a year-long study that Apple is “limiting the ability of competing browsers to differ from Safari.” The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) believes that these restrictions “hinder” the web app experience on iPhones and iPads.

While a decision has yet to be made, the UK government is currently considering launching another antitrust investigation against Apple. Of course, it’s worth noting that iOS 16 removes some of these limitations as it now includes push notifications from the web.

Telegram Premium

Most recently, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov confirmed that the platform will have a premium paid subscription that will unlock more options for Telegram users. Until the price is known, the subscription will be available on iOS, which means that Telegram will most likely have to pay an App Store fee.

Thus, having a full web version of Telegram available for iOS is important not only for the company in terms of functionality, but also for getting around Apple’s fees.

Via: Technoblog

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