Progressive Web Apps | Milo’s Basics

PWAs offer an app-like experience directly from a web browser.

They don’t require installation from an app store and run on all devices from a single codebase. Moreover, this software can work offline and support push notifications. The best part is that they have their icons for home screens or taskbars.

After downloading PWAs directly onto the user’s home screen, they launch like native apps – opening in a standalone window instead of a browser tab.

Moreover, this type of software allows developers to provide a custom user interface (UI) to invite users to install the PWA on the home screen.

PWAs are secure (HTTPS endpoints), and responsive (user-friendly designed). They also launch automatically upon opening associated file types and run when a user signs in.

In short: PWAs offer experiences previously reserved purely for native iOS or Android apps. Additionally, they are also simpler and less costly to make.

PWA’s Benefits in Business:

Businesses that implement PWAs often see:

• Increased conversions – Faster load times and a frictionless experience result in higher conversion rates,
• Reduced development costs – A single PWA can replace both a website and a mobile app, cutting development and maintenance costs,
• Better online visibility – PWAs are indexed by search engines, increasing organic traffic compared to native apps that require separate ASO (App Store Optimization),
• Lowered bounce rates – Speed and offline access help retain users who would otherwise leave due to slow-loading pages.

1. They’re relatively simple to build

PWAs are developed with the help of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They can be hosted on web servers and run in web browser engines. They can be indexed by search engines and shared via web links. Additionally, PWAs have a lower development cost compared to native apps.

2. They offer cross-platform compatibility.

PWAs run seamlessly on any device with a web browser (mobile, tablet, or desktop) without requiring separate iOS, Android, and web codebases.

3. No app store dependencies

Unlike native apps, PWAs don’t require app store approval, enabling faster updates and easier user adoption. It is worth noting that PWAs can be submitted to app stores.

4. They provide offline functionality.

Thanks to service workers, PWAs can work even without an internet connection, ensuring a smooth user experience.

5. They enhance overall performance.

PWAs use caching and background updates to deliver fast load times and improve responsiveness. PWAs can perform background updates and access hardware features, even when not actively running. A single codebase can be shared between a website, mobile app, and desktop app across operating systems.

6. Better user engagement

Features like push notifications and home screen installation make PWAs feel like native apps, driving higher user retention. Adapt to screen size, orientation, and input method and can use advanced web APIs.

Advanced PWA Features and APIs Examples:

• Web App Manifest – Used to describe a PWA, customize its appearance, and integrate it more deeply into the operating system.
• Badging API – Allows displaying a badge on the app icon for notifications.
• Notifications API – Sends notifications displayed at the operating system level.
• Web Share API – Shares content to other apps selected by the user.
• Window Controls Overlay API – For PWAs on desktop, it enables hiding the default window title bar.

Despite their benefits, PWAs come with some challenges.

Limited iOS support remains a major hurdle, as Apple imposes restrictions on features like push notifications and offline capabilities, whereas Android fully supports these functionalities.

Additionally, PWAs have restricted hardware access compared to native apps, meaning they cannot leverage advanced device features such as Bluetooth, NFC, and specialized sensors, which can be a limitation for businesses needing deep hardware integration.

Lastly, while PWAs are optimized for speed, their performance may still fall short of fully optimized native applications, particularly in resource-intensive scenarios like high-end gaming, augmented reality (AR), or virtual reality (VR), where native apps can provide a more seamless and efficient experience.

Summary:

For companies looking to enhance digital presence and user engagement while reducing costs, PWAs offer a compelling solution. They bridge the gap between web and mobile apps, providing a fast, reliable, and engaging experience without the complexity of maintaining separate platforms. However, businesses should evaluate their use cases carefully, considering PWA limitations on iOS and hardware access before deciding.

Still unsure if PWAs are right for your business? Schedule a free consultation with our experts today!

Sources:

1. Leveraging Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) | Vijay Panwar ~ Panasonic Corporation
2. The Washington Post Case Study | Web.dev
3. Trivago Case Study | Think with Google