The difference is that Apple has rules about what can going into App notifications, and if developers don't follow the rules they can kick the app out of the App Store. (Not saying they couldn't be better about this, but it's at least an option even if it's not perfect.) But they'll have no control over what notifications from web pages you've put on your home screen show. It will make notifications a worse experience for users all around.
Apple has rules surrounding using push notifications for marketing uses, yes. They haven’t enforced them for a decade. Apple’s own apps are guilty of blatant rule violations. Not to say that there’s any expectation that Apple would follow their own rules. Rather that the company doesn’t see the value in following them. So. In the hypothetical universe where they still cared, sure. But we aren’t in that universe.
> The difference is that Apple has rules about what can going into App notifications,
They aren't very effective, then. I'd love to have a way to let (e.g.) food delivery apps tell me when my food is arriving, without letting them spam me 30 times a week with "special offers".
> 2.5.3 Apps that transmit viruses, files, computer code, or programs that may harm or disrupt the normal operation of the operating system and/or hardware features, including Push Notifications and Game Center, will be rejected. Egregious violations and repeat behavior will result in removal from the Apple Developer Program.
> 2.5.16 App Clips, widgets, extensions, and notifications should be related to the content and functionality of your app.
> 2.5.18 Display advertising should be limited to your main app binary, and should not be included in extensions, App Clips, widgets, notifications, keyboards, watchOS apps, etc.
> 3.2.2 Unacceptable: (ii) Monetizing built-in capabilities provided by the hardware or operating system, such as Push Notifications, the camera, or the gyroscope; or Apple services, such as Apple Music access or iCloud storage.
> 4.5.3 Do not use Apple Services to spam, phish, or send unsolicited messages to customers, including Game Center, Push Notifications, etc.
> 4.5.4 Push Notifications must not be required for the app to function, and should not be used to send sensitive personal or confidential information. Push Notifications should not be used for promotions or direct marketing purposes unless customers have explicitly opted in to receive them via consent language displayed in your app’s UI, and you provide a method in your app for a user to opt out from receiving such messages. Abuse of these services may result in revocation of your privileges.
