The HTML Standard: What’s Next

While the HTML standard continues to evolve, recent developments in 2025 mark significant advancements in web technologies.

The introduction of HTML6 and CSS5 has brought about enhanced semantics, improved accessibility, and robust tools catering to modern web applications. These updates represent a substantial leap forward in web development standards.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) remain a central focus in web development. The evolution of PWAs has led to their widespread adoption across various industries, offering users fast, reliable, and engaging experiences without the need for traditional app store distribution. This trend is expected to continue, with PWAs becoming increasingly integral to digital strategies.

Here are some of the latest developments in HTML and web technologies as of 2025:

Enhanced Payment Request API

The Payment Request API has seen significant enhancements, further streamlining online transactions.

It now supports a broader range of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies and regional payment systems, providing users with more flexibility and security during the checkout process.

See also: Build a Fast and Modern Site with Next.js and Headless CMS »

Service Workers Standardization

Service workers have become a standardized part of the web platform, enabling features like offline access, background synchronization, and push notifications.

This standardization has led to more consistent implementation across browsers, enhancing the reliability of PWAs.

Native File System Access

The Native File System API now allows web applications to interact more seamlessly with the user's local file system.

This advancement enables web-based applications to read and write files directly, bridging the gap between web apps and native software, and facilitating workflows that were previously challenging to implement in web environments.

Microsoft Edge's Chromium Integration

Microsoft Edge's transition to the Chromium engine has matured, resulting in improved compatibility and performance.

This change has fostered greater collaboration between Microsoft and the broader web community, leading to accelerated adoption of new web standards and technologies.

Advancements in Immersive Web Technologies

The WebXR Device API has seen significant updates, enhancing support for virtual and augmented reality experiences directly within web browsers.

These advancements open up new possibilities for immersive applications in education, entertainment, and eCommerce.

WebAuthn for Secure Authentication

The Web Authentication API (WebAuthn) has been widely adopted, providing a more secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional password-based logins.

By enabling biometric authentication and hardware security keys, WebAuthn enhances both security and user experience on the web.

WebAssembly's Growing Role

WebAssembly continues to gain traction, allowing developers to run high-performance code written in languages like C++ and Rust directly in the browser.

This capability has expanded the potential of web applications, enabling complex tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering to be performed efficiently within the browser environment.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these advancements, challenges remain.

For instance, regulatory bodies have raised concerns about the dominance of major tech companies in the mobile browser market. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has accused Apple and Google of hindering innovation by restricting the capabilities of web technologies like PWAs on their platforms.

These developments underscore the ongoing need for an open and competitive web ecosystem.

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The web continues to evolve, offering developers and users a platform that combines the best aspects of accessibility, performance, and functionality.

With the latest advancements in HTML standards and web technologies, the line between web and native applications continues to blur, promising a future where the web serves as a universal platform for diverse and rich user experiences.

First published 6 May 2020, updated 2 April 2025.