@RWB, I've already tried to pull @ido's attention to that iOS problem, but haven't heard back of him yet (or anybody else). It's not really anything to do with Particle, so @ido might not be able to fix it, it seems to be an iOS thing, which we just need to understand to be able to work around IMHO, but I don't use any Apple devices, so I'll not be of any help there.
One member suggested that setting a static IP (e.g. 192.168.0.2) on the mobile devices does help, but that's no good for ease of use either.
About modifying the web page, yes that's quite possible.
Easy changes like colors, fonts and stuff can easily be done in the CSS portion.
I've taken all the hardcoded variables out into files, placed them in the relative locations in a folder and edited the page.
Having an SD card with your Photon to store the files on will even allow for adding images which won't need to be BMP since the rendering will be done in the target browser. The Photon only needs to hand out the file, so keep them small 
If @BulldogLowell is taking that on, having SD card support added would be a big bonus 
