Progressive web apps: what they are and when to build one
A progressive web app is a website built so that it can be installed on a phone's home screen, open without an address bar, and keep working on a poor connection. It is one codebase for every device. It suits content, catalogues, booking and internal tools; it is a weaker fit where an app depends heavily on device features.
What makes a website a PWA
Three things, all of them web standards:
- It is served securely over HTTPS.
- It has a web app manifest: a small file that tells the device the app's name, icon and how it should open.
- It has a service worker: a script that sits between the app and the network, so pages and data can be stored on the device and shown when the connection is slow or absent.
With those in place, a browser can offer to install the site, and it opens like an app.
Where a PWA fits, and where it does not
| Good fit | Poor fit |
|---|---|
| Catalogues, menus, content and news | Games and graphics-heavy apps |
| Booking, ordering and enquiry flows | Apps built around background location or Bluetooth devices |
| Field and internal tools used on poor connections | Products that must be found by browsing an app store |
| Stores whose buyers are on low-cost Android phones | Apps relying on features one platform restricts on the web |
The honest position is that a PWA is not a replacement for every app. It is the right first build when reach and cost matter more than deep device integration, and it can sit alongside a native app later.
Choosing between a website, a PWA and an app
Start with website vs app vs PWA, then the detailed PWA vs native app comparison. If the answer is a PWA, the PWA development page explains how WavX builds one.
PWA service
Troubleshooting and terms
PWA guides
- PWAs on iPhone: What Works and What Does Not (October 2026)As of October 2026 a PWA on iPhone can be installed to the Home Screen, work offline and send push notifications, but only after the user adds it by hand. There is still no install prompt, no background sync and no Bluetooth, NFC or USB. A dated support table with sources.
- Service Workers and Caching Strategies, Explained with CodeA service worker sits between your pages and the network and decides, request by request, whether to answer from a cache or from the server. This guide covers the five caching strategies, one complete example file, how updates reach users, and what must never be cached.
- Website vs App vs PWA: What Should You Build in 2026?Confused between a website, a native app, and a PWA? This clear 2026 guide explains the difference, the real costs, and a simple framework so new business owners know exactly what to build first.
- PWA vs Native App: Which Should Your Business Build in 2026?This guide breaks down the trade‑offs between progressive web apps and native mobile apps so Indian founders can pick the right technology for 2026.
- Web App vs Mobile App vs PWA: Which Should You Build First?Choosing between a web app, mobile app, or Progressive Web App (PWA) is the first critical decision for any startup. Here is the ultimate framework to guide your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PWA cheaper than a native app?
Usually, because there is one codebase and no separate iOS and Android builds. The saving shrinks if the app needs many device features. The PWA cost guide below sets out the planning ranges.
Can a PWA be listed in the app stores?
It can be wrapped and submitted, with conditions each store sets. If store presence is the main goal, compare that route with a cross-platform app before deciding.
Does a PWA work on iPhones?
Yes, with differences from Android in what is supported. The guide on PWAs on iPhone below lists them from Apple's and WebKit's documentation.
Related
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