According to Windows Report | Error-free Tech Life, Google is testing a new Web Install API that could fundamentally change how users install Progressive Web Apps across different browsers. The feature is being developed with Microsoft Edge engineers as part of their ongoing Chromium collaboration and allows websites to install PWAs directly from web pages rather than relying on browser prompts or app stores. The API currently works in desktop versions of Chrome and Edge version 139 or higher, with Android support planned for later. Users can try the experimental feature by enabling the “Web App Installation API” flag in their browser settings, though Firefox and Safari haven’t yet implemented support despite ongoing discussions in web standards groups.
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How this actually changes things
Here’s the thing about Progressive Web Apps – they’ve been around for years, but the installation process has always been clunky. You’d visit a site, maybe see a little install icon in your address bar, and hope you noticed it. This new API basically lets any website become an app installer. Think about app directories or software catalogs being able to include actual install buttons that work across browsers.
But don’t worry about websites secretly installing stuff without your permission. The browser always asks for confirmation before anything gets installed, and websites can’t push unsafe or unlisted content. It’s basically the same security model we’re used to, just with more flexibility about where the installation can originate from.
Why this could be a big deal
Look, app stores have become these walled gardens where companies take their cut and control what gets distributed. This approach could seriously reduce dependence on traditional app stores. Imagine being able to install a web app directly from a developer’s site, or from an independent app directory that doesn’t take 30% of the revenue.
And here’s what’s interesting – Google and Microsoft are working together on this as a web standard, not just a Chrome feature. That’s pretty significant when you consider these companies compete in so many other areas. They’re basically saying “hey, let’s make the web platform better for everyone.”
The elephant in the room
So what about Apple and Mozilla? Right now, Firefox and Safari haven’t implemented this, though Google says they’re part of ongoing discussions in web standards groups. That’s the tricky part with web standards – everyone needs to play along for it to truly work everywhere.
I’m curious how Apple will react to this. They’ve been pretty protective of their App Store ecosystem, and this could potentially bypass it for certain types of applications. Will they implement it in Safari? Or will we end up with another web standard that only works in Chromium-based browsers?
Want to test it out?
If you’re running Chrome or Edge version 139 or higher, you can enable the “Web App Installation API” flag in your browser settings to try this feature. There are also some demo pages available if you want to see it in action – check out Microsoft’s demo or this test page to see how it works.
The technical details are all available on GitHub if you’re into that sort of thing, and there’s ongoing discussion in the Chromium developer group. This could genuinely make web apps more discoverable and easier to install. But the real test will be whether it becomes a true cross-browser standard or just another Chrome-centric feature.
