News

The recent release of Svader, a tool for creating GPU-rendered Svelte components, has sparked discussions about browser compatibility and the future of web graphics, with multiple users reporting issues on iOS devices.iOS Compatibility ConcernsA significant number of users have reported that Svader's examples are not functioning properly on iOS devices. Users across different versions of Safari and even Chrome on iOS are experiencing blank screens, with one user noting that all examples are white or black pages on iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 18.1.1. The issue appears to stem from WebKit limitations, as highlighted by community members who pointed out that all iOS browsers use WebKit as their backend due to Apple's restrictions.Chrome on iOS also uses WebKit as backend, as iOS restrictions don't allow other engines. Same goes for Firefox, Brave, etc...Known Issues:Non-functional on Safari iOS 18.1.1Blank pages on iPhone 15 ProDark Reader extension compatibility issuesIncreased GPU usage (10-15%) on certain demosBrowser Compatibility:WebGL: Supported across modern browsersWebGPU: Limited to experimental browser supportiOS: All browsers use WebKit backendBrowser Extension InterferenceDark Reader users have reported compatibility issues with Svader's more complex experiments. While simpler demonstrations like square color gradients remain functional, more sophisticated examples break completely when the extension is active. This highlights the challenges of building WebGL applications that maintain compatibility with popular browser extensions.The HTML/CSS vs. Graphics DebateThe community has engaged in a thoughtful debate about the appropriate use cases for shader-based graphics versus traditional HTML/CSS. While some developers advocate for expanded use of graphic navigation in complex websites, others caution about accessibility concerns and resource usage. Critics point out that shader-based UI elements may face challenges with font rendering, accessibility compliance, and increased development complexity.Performance ConsiderationsUsers have noted varying performance impacts when running Svader components. One user reported GPU usage increases of 10-15% when viewing certain demos compared to static pages, highlighting the need to consider resource consumption when implementing shader-based solutions.Future DevelopmentThe developer has acknowledged the iOS compatibility issues and indicated plans to investigate the problems. The community has suggested using Epiphany/GNOME Web as a testing proxy for WebKit-based browsers, offering a potential pathway for improving cross-browser compatibility.In conclusion, while Svader shows promise for creating engaging GPU-accelerated components, the current implementation faces challenges with iOS compatibility and browser extension interactions. These issues highlight the broader complexities of developing cross-platform WebGL applications and the ongoing discussion about the appropriate balance between traditional web technologies and modern graphics capabilities.Reference: Svader: Create GPU-rendered Svelte components