It's 2007, the iPhone was just released, Steve Jobs made the prediction that a decentralized app store running progressive web apps would be the future of phones...So What Happened?
While Progressive Web Apps or PWAs have made a big dent in development of apps, the reality is Apple and Google are making too much money off their app stores to fully open up phones to allow PWAs to take over the landscape the way Steve Jobs envisioned it in 2007, check it out:
There's been some great companies that have leveraged PWAs to help reach their users more seamlessly. Tinder, Pinterest, Spotify, BettorEdge, and Starbucks are all great examples of effective PWAs.
- Spotify's PWA saw paid conversion rate increase from 26% to 46%
- Starbucks had 99.8% smaller app size makings it faster and a user favorite. They saw their daily orders double on their PwA
- BettorEdge was able to create a sports betting platform with millions traded each month as PWA made it faster and easier for sports fans to get started.
With these great examples of companies winning with Progressive Web Apps, let's dive into the Benefits and Drawbacks of PWAs.
Benefits of Progressive Web Apps
Cost-Effective Development and Easy Maintenance
A primary benefits of PWAs is their cost-effectiveness. Instead of developing separate native apps for iOS, Android, and the web, developers can write a single codebase that works across multiple platforms. This reduces both development time and costs, as well as simplifying maintenance.
No App Store Fees: This is a big one. Since PWAs run in a browser, there's no need to go through app stores, avoiding store submission processes and app store commission fees.
Easier Updates: Updating a PWA is simpler since changes can be made server-side, and users always access the latest version. There’s no need for users to download updates manually.
Improved Performance and Speed
PWAs can deliver fast load times and smooth performance even on slower networks, thanks to their use of service workers, caching, and other optimization techniques. By preloading resources and caching data, PWAs can load content almost instantly, improving the user experience—especially in areas with unreliable or slow internet connections.
Offline Functionality: Service workers allow PWAs to continue working offline or in low-connectivity environments. This makes them ideal for users who may not always have access to a stable internet connection.
Instant Loading: PWAs can preload the app shell and content, leading to faster load times.
App-Like User Experience
PWAs can closely mimic the look and feel of native mobile apps. They can be installed on a device's home screen, allowing for quick access without needing to visit the website every time. PWAs can also support full-screen modes, push notifications, and smooth animations, providing a more immersive and engaging user experience.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
A PWA runs in the browser, meaning it can be used on almost any device with a modern web browser, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This cross-platform compatibility helps developers reach a wider audience without the need for platform-specific versions of their apps.
Better Discoverability
Since PWAs are essentially websites, they are discoverable through search engines, making it easier for users to find them via links and SEO compared to native apps that require searching through app stores. This improves organic traffic and can lead to higher user acquisition rates.
Security PWAs are served over HTTPS, ensuring a secure connection between the user and the server. This also prevents attackers from intercepting or manipulating content. The security benefits are similar to those of traditional websites, but with the added advantage of app-like capabilities.
Drawbacks of Progressive Web Apps
Let it be known the majority of drawbacks of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) could be solved if Apple invested the slightest of interest/tech into PWAs.
Limited Native Device
Features While PWAs have made significant strides in mimicking native apps, they still have limitations in terms of accessing certain device features. For example, PWAs may not have access to features like advanced camera controls, Bluetooth, or deep integration with the operating system, which are available to native apps.
Platform Restrictions:
Some device features, such as biometric authentication (e.g., Touch ID or Face ID), native contacts access, or advanced push notifications, may not be available or may not work as seamlessly in a PWA.
Limited Offline Support: While service workers enable offline functionality, PWAs still rely on an internet connection for certain features and may not provide the same seamless offline experience as native apps.
Inconsistent Support Across Browsers
Although most modern browsers support the core technologies behind PWAs, there can still be inconsistencies in how they are implemented across different browsers or platforms. For instance, some older versions of Safari on iOS or older Android versions may not support certain PWA features like service workers or push notifications.
App Store Limitations
Despite the convenience of avoiding app store submission processes, PWAs do miss out on some of the advantages of being in the app store ecosystem. For example:
Discovery Issues:
Without being listed in app stores, PWAs can miss out on the discoverability that comes with app store listings, such as top charts, reviews, and recommendations. This also can cause confusion amongst potential users in finding your app.
User Trust: Some users may still prefer downloading apps from established app stores due to security concerns, leading to a potential lack of trust in PWAs.
Limited Monetization Options
While it’s possible to monetize PWAs through ads, subscriptions, or in-app purchases, the lack of an official app store presence can make it harder to implement certain monetization strategies that are common in native apps, such as in-app purchases or subscriptions through the app store.
Performance and User Expectations
PWAs generally offer a good performance, but they still can’t match the raw power and responsiveness of a well-optimized native app. For highly resource-intensive applications (such as high-end games or complex video editing tools), native apps may still be the better choice.
Limited Push Notification Support on iOS
While PWAs can send push notifications on Android and other platforms, iOS support for this feature is limited and has been a significant pain point for many developers. This can be a dealbreaker for businesses that rely on push notifications for user engagement on iPhones.
If you want to check out a great example of a Progressive Web App that shows the benefits and complexity allowed by Progressive Web Apps, jump on in at BettorEdge with an app that allows for you to bet against your friends at the best prices possible across sports like NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, UFC, and more!
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