Over the weekend, we noted that one of the new features in the second beta of iOS 5 released to developers on Friday was the addition of native-style momentum scrolling for web apps, a key feature that will enable web app developers to easily make their apps feel much more like regular iOS applications.

ios 5 web app scroll
Daring Fireball now points to this demo from @cpojer showing off how the new CSS property can be implemented on a web app. While the demo will only function properly for those with iOS 5 Beta 2 installed, it does show the momentum scrolling and an implementation of the "pull to refresh" functionality that has become increasingly common on native iOS apps.

Top Rated Comments

NAG Avatar
191 months ago
I thought web apps ceased to exist since the App Store.

Because obviously Apple is evil and hates the open web. (i.e. don't believe everything Google and Adobe say)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NAG Avatar
191 months ago
I just hate the thought of having to have an internet connection to even open an app, as I have an iPod Touch which 90% of the time can't connect to the net. If it can, then I'm probably at home and I might as well use my computer anyway. What's even worse is that it runs in the browser, and it doesn't make use of native things (well, momentum scrolling can now be native, but what about the rest?).

There is support for offline web apps. They don't have to be connected all the time. I agree that native apps are better for iOS. Still, it is nice that web apps have one more tool to make themselves feel better (not necessarily like a native app).
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baryon Avatar
191 months ago
Because obviously Apple is evil and hates the open web. (i.e. don't believe everything Google and Adobe say)
I just hate the thought of having to have an internet connection to even open an app, as I have an iPod Touch which 90% of the time can't connect to the net. If it can, then I'm probably at home and I might as well use my computer anyway. What's even worse is that it runs in the browser, and it doesn't make use of native things (well, momentum scrolling can now be native, but what about the rest?).
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NAG Avatar
191 months ago
This is probably one of the main advantages that native apps had over web apps from a user experience perspective. Some web apps tried to emulate it but it never felt quite right (better than the dead scrolling you get otherwise, though). Nice to see the feature be integrated into the OS.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone 16 apple intelligence

Apple Aiming to Release 'Breakthrough' New iPhone Accessory

Wednesday February 18, 2026 12:43 pm PST by
Apple is looking for a "breakthrough" with its push into wearable AI devices, including an "AirTag-sized pendant," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the pendant is reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin, but it would be an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product. The pendant would feature an "always-on" camera and a microphone for Siri voice...
Apple Watch 15 Tips Every Owner Needs to Know Feature

Apple Watch: 15 Tips Every Owner Needs to Know

Thursday February 19, 2026 7:38 am PST by
Apple Watch is now eleven generations in, and packed with useful features that are easy to miss at first glance. To help you get more out of your new device, we've rounded up 15 practical tips you might not have discovered yet, including a few that long-time users often overlook. Bounce Between Two Apps On your Apple Watch, double-press the Digital Crown to see a deck of all currently...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

10 Reasons to Wait for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:12 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth...
iphone 17 pro green

iPhone 17 Pro Max Curiously Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:13 am PST by
New trade-in data indicates that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the single most traded-in smartphone. According to a new report from SellCell, Apple's latest flagship iPhone has quickly risen to the top of the independent trade-in market, accounting for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings just months after release. The analysis is based on SellCell...
Multicolored Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature

Low-Cost MacBook Expected on March 4 in These Colors

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple will announce its rumored low-cost MacBook at its event on March 4, with the device coming in a selection of bold color options, according to a known leaker. Earlier this week, Apple announced a "special Apple Experience" for the media in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Posting on Weibo, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" said that the...