What are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)?

If you use your phone to access websites frequently, you’ve probably already used a progressive web app without even realizing it. But what is a progressive web app? We explain everything.

What is a progressive web app?

A progressive web app (PWA) is a web application that leverages the latest web technologies to deliver a user experience comparable to that of a native app. They are progressive, meaning they adapt to all types of devices and browsers, offering a smooth and optimal experience.

“The latest web technologies” actually covers three specific building blocks, and naming them helps you tell whether a project is really a PWA or merely a responsive site. A service worker, a script installed in the browser that sits between the app and the network: it is what makes offline operation possible. A web app manifest, a JSON file declaring the name, icons and display mode. And HTTPS, without which the service worker is simply not allowed.

Progressive web apps are increasingly used by major companies like X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest, and even Google. If you frequently use any of these sites, you’ve likely already used a progressive web app without even knowing it.

To develop a progressive web app, you can use no-code app builders which greatly simplify the process.

What’s the difference between a progressive web app and a native app? 

The question of the difference between a progressive web app and a native app is often asked. The answer is quite simple: a PWA is a web application that uses the latest web advancements to provide a user experience similar to that of a native app. PWAs load like any other web page but benefit from additional features that allow them to behave like a true application.

Native apps, on the other hand, are developed specifically to run on a single platform, whether iOS, Android, or Windows. They must be downloaded and installed on a device and can access all of its features, such as the camera, GPS, push notifications, etc. Native apps offer a more immersive user experience than PWAs, but they are more difficult and costly to develop and deploy.

Two differences weigh more than the rest in a real decision. Hardware access first: a PWA reaches the camera, geolocation or notifications through web APIs whose coverage varies by browser and operating system, whereas a native app can reach everything the platform exposes. Distribution second: a PWA installs from the browser, with no store, which avoids review delays and commissions, the Apple Developer Program alone costing $99 a year, but also forgoes discovery by search in the App Store or Play Store. For an internal or B2B tool, having no store is an advantage; for a consumer app, it is one acquisition channel fewer.

What are the advantages of a progressive web app?

There are several advantages to developing a progressive web app. Here are a few:

Accessibility

Installation follows documented conditions, and ignoring them explains most PWAs that nobody installs. The MDN guide to installable PWAs summarises them: the site served over HTTPS, a valid manifest with a name, correctly sized icons and a display mode, and, depending on the browser, a registered service worker. Behaviour then differs by platform: on Android the browser may offer installation itself; on iOS it goes through the “Add to Home Screen” action in Safari. Without a prompt explaining that at the right moment, the install rate stays close to zero.

They are easy to deploy online. There’s no need to create a native app for each platform. And they adapt to all devices. Users don’t need to download a specific app for their phone or tablet.

Updates

Progressive web apps can be updated live on the server side. Users don’t need to download new versions of the app, updates typically happen automatically.

Security

They’re more secure. Progressive web apps are less likely to fall victim to viruses or malware because their data isn’t stored directly on devices but on secure servers.

Performance

They’re faster. Progressive web apps are generally faster than native apps because they’re less resource-intensive. Progressive web apps don’t require storage on the user’s phone or tablet.

In short, by developing a progressive web app, you can benefit from advantages in accessibility, updates, security, and performance.

Examples of progressive web apps

Many major companies have already adopted PWAs. In recent years, more and more web developers have taken an interest in this technology and are looking to create their own PWAs. Here are three examples:

Uber

Nothing beats a mobile app for ridesharing! Uber developed a PWA to allow drivers and passengers to connect and find rides with ease. Uber’s PWA is lightweight and fast, making it ideal for urban trips. Plus, it’s compatible with smartphones and tablets, enabling drivers and passengers to connect and find rides effortlessly.

Tinder

On January 21, 2019, Tinder launched its web version called Tinder Online. This version is a Progressive Web App, meaning it’s lighter and faster to load than the classic version. Tinder Online is available to users in different countries around the world.

Tinder Online is a streamlined version of the app, meaning it loads faster and uses less data. It’s a great option for users who don’t want to download the full app or who don’t have access to a high-quality network. Tinder Online is also useful for those who don’t want the app stored on their phone.

Pinterest

Pinterest was one of the first services to adopt PWAs. In 2017, the company launched its first PWA to provide users with an optimized experience, regardless of the device they’re using.

Pinterest’s progressive web app offers users a smooth and fast experience, even on the go. Additionally, it allows users to save Pinterest content to their device, enabling them to access it even when they’re offline.

By adopting PWAs, Pinterest significantly improved the user experience for its users. If you want to create an optimal user experience for your users, PWAs are a technology you should definitely consider.

At Scroll, we support you in developing your Progressive Web App

Our web app experts work daily with Bubble to develop progressive web apps. Bubble is a no-code tool that allows us to bring your PWA projects to life. To meet your needs, we’ve implemented theBubble agency.

Thanks to our perfect mastery of Bubble and our expertise in this field, we support our clients on a wide range of projects. We leverage Bubble’s power to deliver innovative, custom-built applications in record time.

Do you have a Progressive Web App project? Contact us to discuss your project!