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December 1, 2024 corporation Apple officially announced changes to its App Store policy, allowing the placement of Progressive Web Apps (PWA) in the category iGaming (gambling) on the territory European UnionThis decision, which follows the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), is of critical importance. Analysts predict iGaming operators' mobile traffic grew by 40% in the region in the first quarter of 2025, completely changing development strategies for newcomers to the CIS market.
Event Details: What's Changed for iGaming PWAs?
Apple's new policy took effect on December 1, 2024, and applies exclusively to the 27 EU member states. Previously, the App Store blocked PWAs, requiring developers to create full-fledged native apps. Now, web apps developed using PWA technologies can be wrapped and listed as standalone apps in the App Store catalog. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for new studios.
Key aspects of the changes:
- Accelerated moderation: The verification process for iGaming PWA apps will be simplified since most of the logic is hosted on an external server.
- Single code: Developers can use a single PWA codebase for distribution across the web and the App Store.
- DMA Requirements: The policy change was a direct result of pressure from EU regulators to provide alternative distribution methods.
- Focus on newbies: New studios can enter the EU market faster by avoiding the complexities of native development (Swift/Kotlin).
Reactions and Comments: Opinions from the iGaming Community
Apple's decision has sparked a wave of approval among independent developers and major iGaming holdings. They see it as an opportunity for unimpeded access to millions of iOS users. This change is expected to reduce the cost of developing and supporting mobile clients. 25–30%.
"This is a huge victory for small and medium-sized developers from the CIS targeting Western markets. Creating a native app is an expensive and time-consuming process. Now they can focus on the quality of their PWAs, rather than the bureaucracy of the App Store," he said. Andrey Kostin, Lead Architect of iGaming Platforms at TechSolutions Group.
Apple did not comment directly on this decision, citing only the need to comply with new EU legislation. Company representatives emphasized that all PWA apps, including iGaming apps, must strictly comply with local gambling laws and provide responsible gaming features.
Context and Background: Why were iGaming PWAs blocked?
For a long time, Apple maintained a strict policy prohibiting apps with functionality that duplicated the web version (so-called "wrappers" or "thin clients") from being published in the App Store. The iGaming category has always been a particular focus due to regulatory risks. App Store policy required all gambling apps to be native and utilize built-in mechanisms that allow Apple to monitor quality and security.
| Date | Event | Impact on PWA |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | Entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) | Increased pressure on Apple to open up its ecosystem |
| November 2024 | Apple and the EU Commission's secret talks | Preparing Changes to App Store Policy |
| December 1, 2024 | Announcement of App Store Policy Changes | Permission for iGaming PWA in the EU |
The Digital Marketplace Act (DMA) aims to break the monopoly of "gatekeepers" like Apple and Google. This has led to the opening of many functions, including the creation of alternative app stores and, as a result, the loosening of controls over development methods like PWAs.
Consequences and forecasts: What will happen next in the market?
Experts expect this change to be a powerful catalyst for the entire iGaming market, especially for studios just starting out. PWA technology, thanks to its cross-platform and cost-effectiveness, will become the primary development vector for new projects.
- Globalization: In the future, Apple is expected to extend this approval to other major markets outside the EU, such as the UK and Canada.
- Standardization: It's now vital for new developers to master PWA specifics, including Web Manifest, Service Workers, and responsive design.
- Fee reduction: PWAs hosted as "external" apps could theoretically bypass Apple's standard 30% commission or utilize new payment mechanisms provided by the DMA, which would significantly increase margins.
Early 2025 will reveal how quickly iGaming operators can adapt their web solutions to the new App Store requirements. Clearly, PWAs are now more than just an alternative, but a key element of a mobile strategy. Georgy Smirnov, independent IT analyst, predicts: “By mid-2025, up to 65% new iGaming apps for iOS in Europe will be based on PWAs."
Author: Ivan Petrov, a mobile solutions developer with 5 years of experience in iGaming.
Sources: Apple's official statement to developers (Developer Portal, 12/01/2024), Digital Markets Act (DMA).
