Progressive Web Apps vs. Native Apps: App-solutely the right choice

‍In today's digital landscape, businesses and developers face a pivotal choice: build a Progressive Web App (PWA) or a native mobile app? While both have their merits, PWAs offer unique advantages that make them an appealing option for many projects. Let's explore what PWAs are, their benefits, and when opting for a native app might be the better route.

What Are Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)?

PWAs are essentially websites designed to function like native mobile apps. They run in a user's browser, eliminating the need for a traditional app store download. Despite this, they offer app-like experiences, including offline access, push notifications, and the ability to be added to a device's home screen. Companies like Starbucks, Uber, and Twitter have embraced PWAs to enhance user engagement without the overhead of native app development. (adjust.com)

Advantages of Building a PWA

1. Cost-Effective Development
   Developing separate native apps for iOS and Android can be resource-intensive. PWAs, however, use a single codebase that works across all devices and platforms, streamlining the development process and reducing costs. (blog.techliance.com)
2. Seamless Updates
   Unlike native apps that require users to download updates, PWAs update automatically. This ensures that all users have access to the latest features and security enhancements without any manual intervention.
3. Offline Accessibility
   Thanks to caching through service workers, PWAs can function offline or in areas with poor connectivity. This ensures users have continuous access to content, enhancing the user experience. (en.wikipedia.org)
4. Improved Performance
   PWAs are designed to load quickly, providing a smooth user experience even on slower networks. This speed can lead to higher user engagement and retention.
5. Enhanced User Engagement
   PWAs can send push notifications, keeping users informed and engaged. For instance, Twitter reported a 65% increase in user engagement after implementing their PWA. (lansa.com)
6. No App Store Hassles
   Distributing a native app requires adherence to app store guidelines, which can be time-consuming and restrictive. PWAs bypass this by being accessible directly through the browser, simplifying distribution and updates. Additionally, PWAs help businesses avoid costly fees associated with app stores, which typically take a percentage of revenue from in-app purchases and subscriptions.

When to Choose a Native App

While PWAs offer numerous benefits, there are scenarios where native apps are more suitable:

• Deep Hardware Integration
  If your application requires extensive interaction with device hardware—such as access to sensors, Bluetooth, or advanced camera functions—a native app provides the necessary capabilities.
• Advanced Graphics and Performance
  For applications like high-end games or intensive graphic design tools, native apps can leverage device resources more effectively, ensuring optimal performance.
• Limited Internet Connectivity
  While PWAs offer offline capabilities, native apps can provide more robust offline functionality, making them ideal for environments with consistent connectivity challenges.

Our Experience

Here at APAX Software, we’ve been building mobile experiences since before the dawn of the iPhone (Blackberry and Palm, anyone?). We’ve approached the challenge from about every angle, from native iOS and Android apps, hybrid app development (Appcelerator, React Native), mobile-optimized websites, and full PWAs. We work closely with our clients to assess the unique needs of their project and guide them to the best solution. ‍

The Keeneland Race Day app is one of our most-downloaded apps, having been in service since 2013. As it supports Keeneland’s premium horse racing event experience, it’s important to have a device-native look and feel, easy discoverability in the app stores, and offline caching for busy days at the track. As a free app with no in-app-purchases, store fees don’t pose a burden to the client. It’s also been in service since before cross-platform apps and PWAs became popular and possible, so this app is built natively for iOS and Android.‍

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The QuickFlips app, by contrast, is a great candidate for PWAs. While it’s a mobile-first experience, some of its users actually use it from a desktop environment. This is easy to accomplish with PWAs, and while it’s possible with native apps, it’s much less intuitive. QuickFlips has a newly-launched brand with retro theming, which fit nicely within the design capabilities of PWAs. It’s targeted at a niche audience of video game resellers, and its owner (Phoenix Resale) has direct access to much of this audience through its successful YouTube channel, reducing the need for app store for marketing. Additionally, as the app’s business model has included premium subscriptions and transactions, minimizing the revenue sharing to 3rd parties (like Apple and Google) was key to the success of this small (but growing) business. While hardware access can be a challenge for PWAs, our team was able to implement an advanced barcode scanning feature for QuickFlips, proving (even to us) the high potential for PWAs.

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Conclusion

Progressive Web Apps present a compelling alternative to native apps, especially for businesses looking to reach a broad audience without significant investment. They offer the look and feel of native apps with the convenience of web technologies. However, it's essential to assess the specific needs of your project. If your application demands deep hardware integration or must operate flawlessly in offline scenarios, a native app might be the better choice. Ultimately, understanding the strengths and limitations of both PWAs and native apps will guide you to the best decision for your project.