Native Apps vs PWA Apps

The topic of native apps and PWAs is still alive. In recent years, this topic has received a lot of attention due to the similarity in both technologies.

What is a native app for iOS and Android

However, it should be kept in mind that these are completely two different technologies, because in simple terms, PWA is able to adapt to any device, while a native apps are developed for Android devices and iOS separately. A native app is developed for a specific operating system. You can compare the two apps because a PWA is supposed to work exactly like a native app, but due to the fact that it doesn’t have to be created for a specific system it is more flexible.

What are PWA applications

A PWA is a website with additional features that make it display properly on any system and different screens. Most of the current websites are just designed in the PWA model. PWA is not a specific technology, just a collection of web APIs that are centered around this concept. The important thing is that it is fully responsive and reliable. It is worth noting that PWA applications are able to work even with a very poor connection or offline mode. To achieve all this, you need to use the mechanisms of Service Worker, i.e. scripts run by the browser, which allow the website to operate without any interaction with users. Such a solution makes it possible for the website to work even after it is closed. An important role in PWA is also played by Web App Manifest, thanks to which a user can add an application to the main screen.

What are the differences between native and PWA applications

PWA apps can be updated relatively frequently and quickly. This allows them to test different solutions, which makes it much easier to customize the user interface. In addition, the cost of such customization is lower than in the case of native applications. Deciding on native applications you have to invest in a few specially dedicated tools. You should also keep in mind that all native applications are created for one operating system, namely Android or iOS. When it comes to simple apps it is definitely better to go for Progressive Web Apps as they are much cheaper and easier to install. Even an inexperienced user should be able to handle it, while in case of native apps the situation is not so good. You don’t need to search for a particular app in the App Store or Google Play, as you only need to open a particular page and then save it to the main screen. This way, you can get a much lower entry threshold, which is especially important for small apps created for promotional campaigns. People creating PWAs are then not dependent on app stores in any way. On the one hand, this is an advantage, but on the other it has a significant impact on the credibility of such an application. It is worth noting that in both Google Play and App Store there is an opportunity to add rankings, ratings and comments, thanks to which a potential user can learn a little about the application. Depriving him of such an opportunity will certainly be to his disadvantage. To be in the App Store a product must meet specific conditions, so the very presence there is already a kind of prestigious distinction. In some industries security and reliability are especially important, for example in banking and finance.

Trends in the development of mobile applications

Mobile applications are developing systematically and they are driven by the trends that prevail on the market. Mobile payments and gateways have been in great demand lately. It is worth noting that nowadays most websites are created based on PWA, because it is simply more profitable. E-commerce, travel and hotel reservations, and many other things are now based on mobile transactions, so it is important that everything runs smoothly and securely.