Progressive Web App (PWA) was expected to be the next big thing a few decades ago. However, it hasn’t earned the traction as predicted by the new tech updates. Big companies like Microsoft and Google are using Progressive Web Development and are not giving up on it soon.
We will explore what PWA is and how it can benefit your business. Stick with us till the end of this blog.
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are the kind of applications that are built by using web technologies. These can be installed and run on all types of devices from one codebase. It gives native-like experiences to your users on supporting devices. These applications can also run in web browsers and adapt to the capabilities supported by every device.
In other words, it is a web app that can operate both mobile apps and web pages on any device. It is the best solution for the low conversion rate and poor UX.
Technically speaking, PWAs are written in CSS, JavaScript, and HTML. These work like regular web pages. These can be searchable in internet browsers and identical to the functionalities provided by mobile apps. These apps work online, use the features of user devices, and send push notifications. Interestingly, Progressive Web Apps can be uploaded to widely-used masterpieces like Google Play and AppStore.
PWA Benefits
Native-like experience
PWAs work just like other apps when installed. For instance:
- These have their own application icons that can be added to a taskbar or the device’s home screen.
- PWAs can run when the user signs in and launch automatically when an associated file type is opened.
- These can be submitted to application stores like Microsoft Store.
Advanced capabilities
Progressive Web Apps also have access to advanced capabilities such as:
- These can support push notifications.
- PWAs can continue working offline.
- PWAs can have access to hardware features and can perform periodic updates.
Web-related benefits
Eventually, PWAs can run in web browsers like other regular websites. PWAs have these advantages:
- These can be launched and shared from a standard web link.
- PWAs can be indexed by search engines.
- These apps are safe for users because of HTTPS endpoint usage and other safeguards.
- PWAs adapt to the users’ screen orientation or size and input method.
- PWAs can use advanced web APIs such as WebUSB, WebBluetooth, WebAuthn, WebPayment, or WebAssembly.
Lower development cost
Progressive Web Apps have lower cross-platform development costs than compiled apps requiring a separate codebase for each platform. With a PWA, you can use a single codebase that is shared between your website, desktop app, and mobile app.
Cross-device compatibility
PWAs are built using CSS, HTML, and JavaScript code hosted on web services. Also, these run in web browser engines. These apps can be easily used directly in a web browser or can be installed from an app store.
The user experience of Progressive Web Apps scales up or down with device capabilities. Specifically, on Windows with Microsoft Edge, you can build engrossing experiences that deeply integrate with the operating system. If you prefer web technologies, it will ensure that your app is compatible with other operating systems, browsers, and devices.
Difference between Progressive Web Apps and Native Mobile Apps
Native apps have ruled for a period but we are moving on to a unified experience on every device and platform. Progressive Web Apps are lightweight and mobile-friendly compared to native apps. PWAs provide interactivity at the same level as compared to native apps.
The leading players such as Pinterest, Twitter, and Alibaba have already embraced PWAs and implemented them on their sites.
| PWA (Progressive Web App) | Native-app | |
| Lower development and maintenance costsOnly one app for all devicesUpdates are automatically, there is no need to push updates through app storesPush notifications are availableYou can easily find PWA pages on GoogleHome-screen save option available | Vs | More expensive to maintain and developSeparate apps for different operating systemsRequires systematic updatesPush notifications are availableNo SEO benefitsNeeds to be found and then downloaded from App Store |
Progressive Web Apps Examples
Using PWA technologies is a great way to make your app discoverable, safe, linkable, and easy to install. Many businesses have paved the success with PWAs. Trivago experienced an increase of 150% for people who added its PWA to the home screen. The increased engagement led to a 97% increase in lockouts to hotel offers.
The Starbucks PWA increased active users twice daily. Moreover, the orders on the desktop are nearly the same rate as phone. Tinder cut load times from 11.91 seconds to 4.68 seconds with their Progressive Web Apps. The app is 90% smaller than the regular compiled Android app.
Lastly,
We witness the potential of Progressive Web Apps quite promising despite not reaching the expected adaptability today. However, major players like Google and Microsoft continue to explore and invest in PWAs.
PWAs are a blend of app and web functionalities providing users with promising experiences across different devices. These apps have a native-like experience, offline functionality, and push notifications. Progressive Web App is now paving its way in the UAE as well. UAE is taking many major steps in advancement and adapting to new technology is its top priority.
We at Arkaan Tech, provide the best IT, web, app, and software development services in UAE. We have satisfied our clients by providing the best bespoke web and software solutions. If you want to know more about web development services in UAE, and Progressive web app development, contact us today.
