Clarification on embedding HTML 5 content within an application

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Created Oct ’19

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Hi all,

I'm writing to you since I would like to have a clarification / confirmation on embedding HTML 5 content within an iOS application.

Reading the following post https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=09062019b, I don't have clear if Apple will accept anymore those kinds of apps (emphasis mine):

In order to provide users with the secure and curated experience that they expect on the App Store, we have always specified that apps must be self-contained bundles. This means that the core features and functionality of the app must be contained within the binary of the software, rather than made possible by referring users outside of the approved app, including through the use of HTML5. Apps that provide core features and functionality dynamically with web technology like HTML5 are best delivered to everyone in Safari, rather than through the curated App Store.

In particular, my goal here is to understand if including through the use of HTML5 refers to the first part of the sentence or not. If the first applies, I would read it as:

HTML 5 must be embedded within the application in order to pass application review. Hence, Cordova applications will not suffer of this constraint.

Reading this post https://forums.developer.apple.com/thread/117933 I think the above is true but since I'm not mother tongue, I could have understood it in a wrong way.

Waiting for a reply. I thank you for your attention.

All the best,

Lorenzo

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Answer 1

PBK OP

Oct ’19

>I would read it as:

HTML 5 must be embedded within the application in order to pass application review. Hence, Cordova applications will not suffer of this constraint.

I think that is almost correct - but you read a double negative as a positive. Better would be:

HTML 5 must be embedded within the application in order to not fail application review. Hence, Cordova applications will not suffer of this constraint.

But you still need to deal with the next sentence:

Apps that provide core features and functionality dynamically with web technology like HTML5 are best delivered to everyone in Safari, rather than through the curated App Store.

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Answer 2

lorenzob OP

Oct ’19

Hi PBK,

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful.

I have a doubt on this sentence (empashis mine):

Apps that provide core features AND functionality dynamically with web technology like HTML5 are best delivered to everyone in Safari, rather than through the curated App Store.

The fact is you have an application written in Cordova, for example, the core features part will apply but not the functionality dynamically one (that I read as: HTML 5, and web pages in general, lets you modify the code without another submission, you can't do that). The content will still be embedded within the bundle of the app. Furthermore, the AND should consider the union of the two, not their disjunction.

What do you think? Do you know if there is some sort of communication channel with Apple where is possible to ask for this kind of questions. The fact is that reviewer could interpret the guidelines as I do reading throught it.

All the best, Lorenzo

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Answer 3

PBK OP

Oct ’19

I know of no way of engaging Apple in the discussion. Cordova would know if they have had any 'Cordova' apps approved. I think they have had many. You are correct; "Apps that provide A and B with C" does not include an "App that provides B with something other than C". But ask the question - is your app better delivered in Safari or as an app? Include that answer in notes to App Review.

By the way "are best delivered" should be "are better delivered".

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