I am developing a Progressive Web App using Next.js and testing on iOS Safari version 26.2.
When I add the app to the home screen from the landing page /, the app runs correctly in standalone mode and no Safari browser controls are visible during navigation.
However, if I navigate to /dashboard, tap Add to Home Screen, and then navigate to /messenger, the Safari UI controls briefly appear at the top and bottom of the screen.
This behavior only occurs when the app is installed from /dashboard. Installing it from the root route does not trigger the issue.
What I have verified
• The app is installed via Add to Home Screen
• display: standalone is set in the web app manifest
• Navigation uses Next.js client-side routing
• The issue only occurs on iOS Safari 26.2
Question
Why does Safari show browser controls after navigation when the PWA is installed from a non-root route, and how can I ensure the app consistently stays in standalone mode regardless of the install route?
