We are building a web application which requires direct touch (a custom audio-map exploration app), and indicate such by using the aria application role. Currently, Safari and VoiceOver do not support enabling direct touch on such elements. Because of that, we are blocked on offering our custom interface, which is true for many other potential apps as well (games, webapps offering custom interactions, and the like).

the following is a small example. If it were possible to enable direct touch in Safari, then the three-finger-swipe upwards gesture would speak a message. Code:

https://stackblitz.com/edit/js-bk1cfm?file=index.js

Render:

https://js-bk1cfm.stackblitz.io

let me know if you need any further information.