What a PWA is
A progressive web app is built with web technology but can be installed on a phone or desktop, work offline, and send push notifications — blurring the line between website and app. Users add it straight from the browser, with no app store download.
Because one web codebase serves every device, a PWA can be a faster, lower-cost way to reach users across platforms.
- Installs from the browser — no app store needed
- Works across iOS, Android, and desktop from one codebase
- Can work offline and load fast with caching
- Supports push notifications, with some platform limits
- Updates instantly — users always get the latest version
When a PWA is the right call
A PWA is a strong fit when you want broad reach without app-store friction, faster and cheaper delivery than separate native apps, or instant updates without waiting on store review. It's popular for content, commerce, tools, and business apps where deep device-hardware access isn't the point.
The honest trade-off: PWAs have less access to some native device features, and their capabilities on iOS are more limited than on Android. We tell you if your feature list pushes you toward a native or cross-platform build instead.
- You want reach without app-store downloads or review
- Faster, lower-cost delivery than separate native apps
- Instant updates without store approval
- Content, commerce, or tool apps over hardware-heavy ones
- Note: some native features and iOS support are limited
Building a PWA with us
We build PWAs that install cleanly, load fast, work offline where it counts, and share one codebase across the devices you fully own. We're also straight about the limits — if you need a capability the web can't reach well on your target platforms, we recommend the right alternative.
For many small businesses and startups, a PWA is the pragmatic way to get an app-like experience without the cost and friction of the stores.
- Installable, fast, offline-capable web app
- One codebase across mobile and desktop
- Honest guidance on native-feature limits
- A lower-friction path to an app-like experience
- Book a free consultation to see if a PWA fits
More on app development
Frequently asked questions
How is a PWA different from a regular website?
A PWA is a website with app-like powers — it can be installed to the home screen, work offline, and send notifications. A regular site can't do those things or feel like an installed app.
Can a PWA replace a native app?
Often, yes — for content, commerce, and tool apps a PWA covers the need at lower cost. It's not ideal when you rely on deep device-hardware access or features that iOS limits for web apps; we tell you which case you're in.
Will a PWA work on iPhones?
Yes, PWAs work on iOS, but Apple supports fewer web-app capabilities than Android does, so some features can be more limited. We confirm your must-have features are supported before recommending a PWA.