You're at chilling at your local Starbucks, craving for a vanilla latte, but your device is dealing with terrible connection. But you are still able to browse the menu and customize your order. Surprised? You don't have to because all the credit goes to Progressive Web Applications or PWAs.
Companies such as AliExpress, Starbucks are already booming in the market through this technology. The market of PWA is about to reach $5.23 billion by 2025, there's clearly something special happening here. Let's discover why PWAs are revolutionizing digital experience and what are the challenge we may face.
The Pros of Progressive Web Applications
Cross-Platform Compatibility
PWAs can work everywhere. Whether your users prefer Android, iOS, Windows, or macOS, they can run seamlessly through any browser.
Lower Development and Maintenance Costs
One codebase that is compatible with all the devices. This means less time in coding, less resources required, ultimately leading to lower costs. These apps make financial sense for streamlined development.
App-like Performance and Offline Compatibility
PWAs work and feel same like native apps, all thanks to smart technology called service workers. Thy load really quick and keep working even your internet cuts out. This performance edge keeps users happy and engaged.
Improved User Engagement and Retention
PWAs come with all the engaging features you love. Push notifications that actually matter and easy installation right to their home screen. These little touches make a huge difference in keeping people coming back and staying longer.
SEO and Discoverability
Unlike hidden native apps, PWAs show up in search results, giving you that extra visibility boost you've been looking for.
The Cons of Progressive Web Applications
Limited Access to Device Features
PWAs hit a wall when it comes to accessing certain device capabilities like Bluetooth connectivity, advanced sensors, or background location tracking that remain largely off limits. This creates genuine challenges for developers building more sophisticated applications that need deep hardware integration.
Inconsistent Browser and OS Support
While PWA support keeps improving, you'll still encounter frustrating inconsistencies across different browsers and operating systems. Some features work perfectly on one platform but struggle or fail completely on another, especially with older systems.
UX and UI Limitations
PWAs do their best to replicate native app experiences, but there's still a noticeable gap. Animations might feel slightly less smooth, gestures could respond differently, and the overall interface may lack that polished, platform-specific feel users expect.
Perceptions and App Store Absence
Many users instinctively head straight to app stores when looking for new applications. Since PWAs often bypass traditional app marketplaces, you might miss connecting with these discovery-focused users entirely.
Conclusion
With over 4.9 billion smartphone users in 2025 and online engagement increasingly shifting to mobile, PWAs are positioned to capture massive user bases and is transforming the field of application development. Stats show a 70% increase in session length and up to 104% higher conversion rates for businesses leveraging PWA technology. Their winning formula? They bridge the gap between native and web, democratizing access and offering compelling speed, reliability, and reach. But as with any innovation, limitations exist.
Top comments (0)