Due to changes to Apple’s policies regarding native (on App Store) apps more than a year ago, and now more recently with Google Play Store, it has forced us as developers to work on a new version of the app. This new version called Progressive Web App (PWA) or simply Web App has many advatages to our users detailed below.
1. Like a Native App
PWAs look and feel just like native mobile apps but with website-like performance. PWAs have a similar effect on user experience, the same speed, responsiveness, and comprehensive capabilities of websites with database access and automatic data. For this reason, Bing, Google, and other search engines index PWA pages and find them in no time.
2. Quick and Easy To Install
PWAs are installed straight from the web browser to any device and does not use up memory space on your device. The installed app remains on the desktop or mobile device home screen and can be easily accessed from there. Also, it is not obligatory to install the PWA app to access it as it can be done via an URL as well. Due to the simplified ways to access the app, users find it flexible and reliable.
3. Enhanced Performance
The running speed of a progressive web app improves due to the fact that this app can function in an efficient manner, operate like a website, cache, and serve text, images, and other content. This type of software enhances not only the page-load speed but also user experience.
4. Working Everywhere
PWAs have the ability to work everywhere. Users, who often switch between their devices can receive cross-support anywhere. PWAs are highly responsive and they adapt to various screen sizes.
5. Operating Offline
Besides working everywhere, PWAs can operate offline. Thus, when your network connection is unstable this type of app will still work as a clock, but in offline mode. Due to the built-in service workers, the features and information of the PWA are saved and cached. This allows accessing the PWA without downloading it, especially in terms of poor connectivity. In the retail industry, the app is worth all the gold as in the case of internet crashes, it still allows viewing information users accessed previously and if the information is new – they will be redirected to a custom offline page.
6. Updating Silently
Progressive Web Apps updates are automatic. The app does not notify its user about the upcoming updates and does not require user permission to update itself. The trick is that every time a user opens or refreshes the app it updates immediately without downloading any batch changes and installing them.
7. Sending Push Notifications
Commonly to the Native applications, PWAs also use the devices push-notification feature. iOS users please read highlighted message above.
8. No App Distribution Platforms
Today, we can download apps from different distribution platforms. For instance, the App Store, Google Play, or the Microsoft Store, have their specific requirements for software stored on them. Sometimes, it becomes a burden to meet these requirements or the app can be removed without prior notice. Hence, the reason why we have decided to go in this direction.
9. More Efficient Security
PWAs use HTTPS to manage and maintain the safety of data stored within them, eliminate risks of security breaches, snooping, content tampering, and other illegal activity.
10. Next Steps
- Click on link on your mobile device or scan QR code provided by app owner
- Click Allow on popup
- Click on upload link
- Scroll down and click on Add to Home Screen
- Click on Add top right
- Click on app
- Click Allow on popup
- Click on Accept for Cookies
- Click on 4 squares top right
- Click on bell
top right
- Turn on Notifications by clicking button
- Click Allow on popup to accept push notifications
Content credit to Inoxoft