What is a PWA?
A PWA (Progressive Web App) is a web application that runs in the browser and can be installed on the phone like an app. It is added to the home screen, has its own icon, opens full screen and some of its screens can work without internet. You do not download it from a store; it installs from a single link.
Advantages of a PWA
- One software, two phones. The same app runs on Android and iPhone, with no second development cost.
- No store approval to wait for. An update reaches everyone the moment you make it.
- Faster and cheaper. It usually goes live sooner and with a lower budget.
- Shared with a link. Sending your staff or customers a link is enough.
When is a PWA not enough?
- If the app has to appear in the stores (brand awareness, being found by store search).
- If you need advanced hardware features, such as continuous background location tracking or Bluetooth devices.
- If your workflow needs notifications on iPhone; notifications and background work are limited on iPhone.
A practical way to decide
First ask: who will use the app, and for what? If it is an internal tool where your staff enter orders, check stock or track jobs, a PWA is often enough. If you want to reach a wide audience through the stores, a real app is considered.
For many businesses the right path is to start with a PWA and move to a store app if the need arises. We can assess together which suits you.