PWAs for Business: a Leaner Alternative to Native Apps

Many businesses want "an app". But once they realise that a native app for iOS and Android often requires a serious budget and several months of work, the conversation changes. In many cases, the smarter option is already available: a Progressive Web App (PWA).

What is a PWA (and why you should want one)

It is a website on steroids. From the browser, it "installs" itself on the customer's phone. The icon appears on home, it opens full screen without the address bar, and works like an app.

The key advantage? You develop only one and it works on iPhone, Android, and Desktop, reducing development and maintenance costs significantly in many cases (often up to 70%). Additionally, since iOS 16.4, Apple supports push notifications for PWAs installed on iPhones (when enabled from the browser).

Why Smart Companies Choose PWAs

1. Bypass Apple and Google

No waiting for Store approval. No 30% commissions on in-app payments. You own the distribution channel. You update the site, and the app updates instantly on everyone's phones.

2. Works Offline (or almost)

Is your agent in a warehouse with no signal and needs to see the price list? With a PWA they can do it. Data is saved locally. It is a revolution for sales forces or product catalogs.

3. Push Notifications

Want to alert customers of a flash sale? You can send push notifications directly to their phones (yes, even on iOS now). It is among the most direct marketing channels, much more immediate than emails that end up in spam.

4. Extreme Lightness

A normal app weighs 100-200MB. A PWA weighs a few KB. Customers install it gladly because it doesn't take up space and downloads in a second, even with 3G.