What is a Progressive Web App?
Following the launch of LRSN’s new website and app, we thought it was time - well, Amias thought it was time - to discuss Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in a little more detail.
First, let’s just touch on apps in general. When you think of an app, you’ll probably head to the App Store to download a new one. Right?
And when you do so, that app is purpose-built to suit the specific platform (e.g. Android, iOS, Windows, etc) that you’re using. To have an app built for use across multiple platforms, you’ll have to build multiple versions of the same thing. Meaning you’ll need to develop an app for iOS, Android, Windows… you get the drift.
The difference with a PWA is that it can be built once and used on multiple devices, as, really, it is just a website. Browsers have come a long way, and an upgrade, which was rolled out in 2016, was app-like websites. With the correct required information, you can turn any website into a PWA, which can then, with wide PWA support, get installed on any device, taking the form of an app, sitting on your device home screen.
So, how does someone install a PWA?
Built into any browser is a notification to allow the user to download a PWA. A developer can also build their own buttons to enable the download, meaning you can advertise your app on your website (as long as it’s got the same URL).
Additionally, you’re able to get PWAs added to the App Store with the right permissions, which blurs the line between what a PWA is and what a regular App is, improving the overall experience for a user.
Did you know some of the most-used Apps are actually PWAs?
- Tik Tok
- Starbucks
- Spotify
- Uber
What does this mean for you?
If you have an app requirement for your business, and you don’t have bottomless pockets to create your own bespoke app, a cheaper alternative (which can do just as much as a regular app) is to commission a PWA to be built.
NB: As of 2024, PWA support on iOS has been limited. The PWA framework is built to allow the user to select which browser will host the application. Apple wanted to ensure Safari was the only browser to support PWAs on iOS. Naturally.
