Apple often adds experimental features in Safari before they are finally added to the browser. This is also the case in iOS 15.4, according to an analysis by Maximiliano Firtman. In an in-depth blog post, he explains what features Apple has added, including support for website push notifications.
iOS 15.4 gets website push notifications
In the list of experimental Safari features, two new switches have been found in iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4: Build-In Web Notifications and Push API. These are two elements that make it possible for websites to send push notifications, just like apps do. This has been supported for a long time on the Mac. Websites can then ask you if they can send you push messages, for example news websites. iCulture also supports push notifications via the browser in Safari.
The fact that the two switches have now been added in iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4 opens doors for websites. Not only can news websites send push messages, but also so-called web apps. Think of services such as xCloud and Google Stadia, two game streaming services that work via the browser. At the moment it is still about experimental functions. Also, the two options don't seem to work right now, but that could change later during the betas. In any case, Apple is working to make it possible.
Speaking of web apps, progressive web apps are also getting an improvement in iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4. If you add such web apps to your home screen, they now always get a good icon. Previously, the administrator had to add separate code for this, but that is no longer necessary.
Read our overview of all new features in iOS 15.4.
AR and VR headsets via browser
Another feature that has been added (but not yet enabled or functional) is WebXR. That is an API through which VR and AR headsets can be used in the browser. However, there are no headsets available that work with this on the iPhone or iPad. But the addition does not seem entirely coincidental. According to sources, Apple has been working on its own mixed-reality headset for years, so the addition of this API is therefore not entirely illogical. Apple's mixed reality headset is slated to be released sometime late this year, although it could all be delayed.