Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are web applications that utilize modern web technologies to deliver a native app-like experience on the web. PWAs are responsive, fast, and reliable, offering offline capabilities, push notifications, and the ability to be added to the home screen on mobile devices. PWAs combine the reach of the web with the functionality and performance of native apps, improving user engagement and accessibility.

PWAs offer a compelling middle path for SaaS companies that want mobile app functionality without the cost and complexity of building and maintaining native iOS and Android apps. PWAs can be added to the home screen, work offline, send push notifications, and feel native — at a fraction of the development cost. For B2B SaaS products where a full native app isn't justified, a PWA delivers 80% of the native experience with 20% of the effort.

Starbucks built a PWA that works offline and is only 233KB — compared to their native iOS app at 148MB. The PWA works on any device, doesn't require an App Store download, and loads almost instantly even on slow connections, making it more accessible to customers with older phones or limited data.