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On December 1, 2024, Apple officially announced changes to its App Store policy, allowing Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in the iGaming (gambling) category within the European Union. This decision, driven by the Digital Markets Act (DMA), is critical. Analysts predict a 40% increase in mobile traffic for iGaming operators 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. Web apps developed using PWA technologies can now be wrapped and published as standalone entities in the App Store. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for new studios.
Key aspects of the changes:
- Expedited Moderation: The review process for iGaming PWAs will be simplified, as most of the logic is hosted on an external server.
- Unified Codebase: Developers can use a single PWA codebase for distribution via the web and the App Store.
- DMA Requirements: The policy change is a direct result of pressure from EU regulators demanding alternative distribution methods.
- Focus on Newcomers: New studios can enter the EU market faster, avoiding the complexities of native development (Swift/Kotlin).
Reactions and Comments: Opinions of the iGaming Community
Apple’s decision has sparked a wave of approval among independent developers and major iGaming holdings. They see this as an opportunity for seamless access to millions of iOS users. This change is expected to reduce mobile client development and support costs by 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, not the bureaucracy of the App Store,” said Andrey Kostin, Lead iGaming Platform Architect 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 PWAs, 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 under particular scrutiny due to regulatory risks. App Store policy required all gambling apps to be native and use built-in mechanisms that allow Apple to monitor quality and security.
| Date | Event | Impact on PWAs |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | DMA (Digital Markets Act) Entry into Force | Increasing Pressure on Apple to Open the Ecosystem |
| November 2024 | Brief Talks Between Apple and the EU Commission | Preparing Changes to App Store Policy |
| December 1, 2024 | Announcement of App Store Policy Changes Store | iGaming PWA Permission 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 authorization of alternative app stores and, as a result, the loosening of controls on development methods like PWAs.
Implications and Predictions: What’s Next for 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 expand this permission to other major markets outside the EU, such as the UK and Canada.
- Standardization: It is now vital for new developers to master the specifics of PWAs, including Web Manifest, Service Workers, and responsive design.
- Commission Reduction: PWAs hosted as “external” apps can theoretically bypass Apple’s standard 30% commission or utilize new payment mechanisms provided by the DMA, significantly increasing margins.
Early 2025 will reveal how quickly iGaming operators can adapt their web solutions to the new App Store requirements. Clearly, PWAs are no longer just an alternative, but a key element of mobile strategy. Georgy Smirnov, an independent IT analyst, predicts: “By mid-2025, up to 65% of new iGaming apps for iOS in Europe will be based on PWAs.”
Author: Ivan Petrov, 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).
