Service · PWAs
Progressive Web App (PWA) Development
App-like UX that installs from the browser, works offline, and sends push notifications — without the App Store submission process.
When you need app-like UX without the full native build
- You need app-like UX — install to home screen, offline access, push notifications — but don't want to wait 6–8 weeks for App Store review and manage a separate codebase.
- Your audience is split between platforms and you need something that works on every device without separate iOS and Android builds.
- Native apps are the right long-term answer, but you need something working now while the full build is in planning.
What a PWA build includes
- Installable from the browser — users tap "Add to Home Screen" on any device, no App Store required.
- Works offline using Service Worker caching — core functionality available even without a signal.
- Web Push Notifications on Android (and increasingly on iOS — support added in iOS 16.4+).
- Shares your website's URL structure — no separate app link, no separate codebase to maintain.
- Lighthouse PWA audit score of 90+ included.
- Upgrade path: PWA content and API can feed a native app later without being thrown away.
How it works
1
Audit
Assess current site for PWA readiness.
2
Service Worker
Caching strategy per content type — critical offline, non-critical stale-while-revalidate.
3
Manifest + icons
Installable, home screen icon, splash screen.
4
Push setup
VAPID keys, notification permission flow, first notification tested.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PWA as good as a native app?
For the right use cases — yes. Content-heavy apps (menus, directories, news, documentation), apps where offline read access matters, and apps where you want to avoid the App Store process are all well-served by a PWA. PWAs don't match native apps for camera access, GPS background tracking, Bluetooth, or deep OS integrations — for those, a native or React Native build is the right choice.
Does a PWA work on iPhone?
Yes, with some limitations. iOS added full Service Worker support in iOS 11.3 and Web Push notification support in iOS 16.4 (March 2023). The install mechanism on iOS is "Add to Home Screen" from Safari rather than an App Store install. The experience is nearly identical to Android for most use cases.
Will Google or Apple ever ban PWAs?
Unlikely for Android — Google actively promotes PWAs and the Chrome team is the primary driver of the PWA specification. For iOS, Apple has historically limited PWA capabilities (the Web Push support was added after significant developer pressure), and future restrictions are always possible. For long-term platform independence, a PWA is the right supplement to a native app, not necessarily the replacement.
How much does a PWA cost compared to a native app?
A PWA added to an existing website is typically $1,500–$2,500 — mostly Service Worker caching strategy, manifest, and push notification infrastructure. A native iOS + Android app is $4,500+. The PWA is significantly faster and cheaper, which makes it the right first step for businesses that want app-like features before committing to a full native build.