Developers can easily optimize their user experience with PWAs. Users can access mobile applications by seamlessly linking to web pages from their browsers. This has resulted in increased engagement and session time.
But, there are still a few developers who choose to build a native app because of its many advantages over any PWA. Each developer's situation is different. It all depends on the app's function. App developers must consider the pros and cons of each type of application. This ensures you're spending resources on the best solution for your app users and will improve your app's overall performance.
We will discuss the differences between native apps and PWAs, and provide insight into why progressive web app development is superior to native app development. Let's first look at Native apps and PWAs and their benefits.
What Is A Progressive Web Application?
A progressive web app includes a responsive website and a mobile application. Even though PWAs look similar to websites, they can be viewed on mobile devices. You can leave them out and add them to your home screen as an app. Modern JavaScript frameworks make it possible to develop PWAs. These frameworks can be installed immediately and offer a natural experience for mobile devices.
Google created the PWA technology in 2015 to improve mobile web browsing. It offers the following benefits:
- Increases Conversions & Retention: Web applications load faster, provide instant information and can improve users' time spent on them by up to 40%, according to industry estimates.
- Encourages Offline Use: PWAs are compatible with unstable connections and offline users, thanks to the preaching. The website loads quickly and stays up.
Google's mobile-first indexing policy allows progressive web apps to be created using a single codebase. This will enable companies to rank higher in search results. PWAs are easy to use and don't require any installation. This environment is equally beneficial for customers and businesses.
Brands use PWAs as a standard tool. AliExpress, Forbes, and Starbucks are the key players. But that's not all. There are many successful PWA apps all around the globe. It is optimized for mobile and can take advantage of features like the camera. PWA can be accessed from many browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. The name progressive refers to the fact that they can download it from any browser.
The Benefits Of PWA
- This allows you to save both time and money because it is only one product. Native app development is a challenge that requires two effects: one for Android and one for iOS.
- You don't have to apply for the Stores if you can access PWA via any web browser.
- Users can only download a portion of PWA content before they can use it. They can access the entire content of PWA much faster by simply entering a URL.
- Because it doesn't require downloads, it uses only a tiny portion of the phone's memory.
- Users can share a PWA with a short URL that contains ten characters if they like it.
What Is A Native App?
Native mobile apps have been around since the advent of smartphones. You can download a native app for both iOS and Android from the app store. These apps are designed to make the most of specific mobile device hardware and provide a fun user interface.
Native apps perform faster because they are optimized for specific OSs. They can also make use of the hardware's capabilities better. For both the iOS and Android platforms, native app development is done separately. This means it will take more effort, time, and money.
The app has been around for a long period of time. It can be used twice. It is designed twice: once for iOS and again for Android. It is compatible with all types of devices. Users can download the app and all its content from the Stores, Apple Store, and Google Play Store.
The Benefits Of Native App
- Native apps offer a safer and more reliable way to access information.
- Even though installing on the user's home screen takes a while, it performs better than PWA. It offers smoother, faster and more enjoyable navigation.
- It can communicate with other native applications. It lets users connect easily with Facebook, Twitter, and other native applications.
- It offers far more features than PWAs. For example, geo-fencing sends push notifications whenever the user nears a geo-located point.
- It provides a better user experience and more interface options, such as increased customization and games.
Native apps can still be helpful for developers. However, PWA development companies have many advantages over them.
Loading Speed
PWSs use service workers to manage requests and caching. They also store all shell data. The app shell loads much faster than native apps. The app shell loads quickly, even when the user isn't connected. Once they are connected, however, the user will have access to new information. It is essential to develop a PWA rather than native app development because loading speeds can significantly impact engagement and retention.
Better User Experience
Progressive web apps offer a single experience because they use the same browser and have the app installed on each device. This eliminates the need for users to learn multiple user interfaces, which can frustrate users who use the native app and mobile web.
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Storage
Native applications use more storage space. This is an advantage for users with limited storage space. PWAs allow users to access all the app's functionality without worrying about storage space or download time.
Lower Development Cost
A PWA that works on multiple platforms and uses different systems can be created very cheaply. This dramatically reduces the workload of the PWA development company. React Native app developers would need to devote time to building native apps for iOS and Android.
PWA and Native Apps From The Developer's Perspective
The Different Languages Used For Different Purposes
Native apps are designed to run on mobile phones, while PWAs run in a browser. Native apps are written in the respective programming languages (Java for Android and Objective-C for iOS), while PWAs use HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
PWA Development Costs Are Lower
A Progressive Web App Costs Less Than A Native Application: If you choose to develop a native application, you must learn a new language and create a different version for every platform. You will need to have at least two versions of the app for iOS and Android and resources to update and maintain each version. This can take a long time and cost a lot, depending on the complexity and purpose of the app.
A Progressive Web App Is Easier To Create And Update: One codebase can be used for multiple platforms, not only the two most popular. You can use Google Lighthouse to configure your existing website instead of creating an app. You only need to create one version of an app with a responsive design. It will look the same on all devices.
Distribution: PWA is The Best For Convenience
Native apps require you to develop separate versions for each platform and submit them to the different App Stores. Apple's App Store is the most popular. Android's Play Store is second, followed by Amazon's App Store and Windows Store. You must meet certain requirements to be published in each of these stores. You may even be required to pay to register for a developer's account.
PWA, on the other hand, bypasses App Store's cumbersome requirements. Users only need a web browser and URL. Many PWA capabilities are compatible with well-known browsers including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. Getting your app in front of a wide audience is easier. You can deploy updates quickly without waiting for approval. PWA is more convenient for both you and your users.
Web Stores may not be all bad news. These requirements stop low-quality apps from being published. An app will increase your credibility and make users feel more confident to download your app instead of a URL. The Web Stores are also a great way to promote your business. Being featured in an App Store will give you an immediate boost.
Discoverability: ASO and SEO for PWA
Search engines cannot index and list native app pages. Your app can be found on the app store website or through the app. App Store Optimization can improve app discoverability. There are many factors that influence app discoverability.
ASO involves keyword research, writing a good title and meta description and taking good screenshots. It may also involve reaching out to third parties for reviews and downloads. These factors add time and costs to bringing your app to market. PWA is a website that performs and engages better than normal/responsive pages. This raises the position of your website in search results.
You can take some extra steps to ensure that your PWA is SEO-friendly:
- Use the same SEO structure as your website.
- Avoid duplicate content by using rel=canonical on multiple URLs;
- Googlebot will not index URLs that contain "#".
Google Search Console is a good tool to check if Googlebot crawls your site properly.
Native Apps Have More Security Options
PWAs have a higher level of security than standard web apps because they must run over HTTPS. These protocols are designed to ensure that the exchanges between client and server remain unaltered. Customers can enter their personal information and credit card numbers safely without worrying about them being stolen.
Native apps offer more security features than PWA. Multi-Factor authentication can be used if your app requires logging in. For even more secure communications, you can use Certificate Pinning. Users are also more likely to trust a URL than an app since the App Store security requirements must be met before it can be published.
Read More: Why should you consider PWA for your next project?
PWA and Native Apps From The Perspective Of The User
PWA Is Easy To Install Without Downloading
An average mobile user installs zero apps a month. This is partly because installing and using the app requires a level of commitment. The user must find the app and confirm their desire to install it. Then, the user must wait for download and installation. After granting certain permissions to the app, users may use it once or twice before deleting it. Uninstalling an app is usually a final decision, and users may not return.
A Progressive Web App Does Not Require An App Store Or Any Installation: Visitors can bookmark the app and add it to their home screen with just a few clicks. The PWA will appear on their home screen, within the app directory, send notifications and integrate with system settings.
A Progressive Web App Takes Up Less Space Than An App: Visitors can share and access the app using just a URL. When launched, the app will always display the latest version, so there's no need to update it.
Performance: Both Apps Are Good, But The Native App Is Better
PWAs load much faster compared to responsive sites or mobile sites. Service workers are the core of any PWA. These scripts run in the background, separate from the website. Service workers allow you to manage offline requests, cache and prefetch certain resources, sync with remote servers, and much more. After adding your app to the Home Screen, you can use it in offline conditions or even when there is no network.
PWAs run in a web browser, so there is more latency and battery consumption. Native apps can be integrated with the operating system. It can use the device hardware for more calculations and to provide a better customer experience. Native apps are more powerful and faster.
Native Apps Can Do More Than PWAs
While PWA is catching up to native apps, there are limitations on what PWA can do compared with a native application.
- Push Notifications: Push notification increases the likelihood that users will engage with and return to your brand. You can either build this function yourself or integrate it with a third party in a native application. PWA has push notifications, thanks to the API support of service workers. It is not the exact same across all platforms.
- Geofencing: Geofencing enables programmers to create digital boundaries in actual space. Apps can be triggered to perform actions when a user enters the boundary. Geo-fencing is a great way to engage your users when combined with push notifications. This feature is only available on native apps.
- Mobile Payment: In PWA, the interaction with NFC chips or other digital payment hardware may vary on different platforms.
- Interacting With Other Apps: Native apps can interact with other apps by calling them to make calls, login to calendars, add events, checkout and more.
- Other Smart Functions: PWA can't access phone features such as proximity sensors, ambient light detectors, or smart locks.
PWA Vs Native App For Business - Which Do You Prefer?
Both native and progressive web apps have their advantages and drawbacks. Which should you choose for your company? This article will help you choose between a PWA or a native app.
Market Timing
PWAs can be a wise choice if you need to get started quickly or gain momentum early. Specialist development teams are required to release iOS and Android apps. App Store reviews can sometimes take longer than anticipated by dedicated team.
However, it is easier to develop and release progressive web apps. A PWA is a website. You can quickly design and launch a PWA to acquire market and user data. It doesn't take long for native apps to be approved by the App Store or Google Play Store.
Our clients often recommend PWA as a great option in the early stages of a project's development process. This is a cost-effective way to start your project and get initial feedback from consumers. Because every business is unique, it's sometimes a good idea to immediately start developing native apps. Everything depends on how you make your digital stuff.
Development Cost
It can be costly to develop native apps because you have to create them separately if you need native features. Java and Kotlin can be used to develop native Android apps. To develop iOS apps, Objective-C or Swift is used. There are two tech stacks. This means there are more developers but also a higher price.
Maintenance can be costly due to separate codebases. Startups in their early stages should be aware of the high cost involved. Because they desire honest feedback and traction, startups in the early stages must be mindful of the high costs involved. Because they can be used across all mobile platforms, PWAs are simpler to create and less expensive to maintain.
Read More: What's The Next Big Thing in Mobile - PWA or Native App?
Cross-Platform Access
You can't create native apps for Android or iOS if you want to reach more people through cross-platform development by business owners. You must develop apps for each platform to reach more people and provide a better mobile experience. This will require more time and resources.
Progressive web apps are responsive regardless of platform. Users can now access them faster and more efficiently. Because of their broad appeal, PWAs offer an excellent opportunity to increase engagement rates.
After switching from platform-specific experiences, Hulu saw a 27% rise in its return visitors.
- Nikkei's organic traffic grew by 3x, and the daily users grew by 50% after the launch PWAs
- Forbes engagement rates rose by 100% after the launch of its PWA
What Should You Choose? Native App or PWA?
PWA and native apps both have advantages and disadvantages. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each option, as well as how they will fit into your vision for your app when choosing between them.
Consider PWA When:
- PWA is the perfect solution for a new business. It doesn't require downloads and allows you to interact with your users via push notifications.
- PWA is less expensive and takes less time to create and publish.
- PWA can help you improve your brand's visibility and search engine optimization. It is similar to any other website and can reach a large audience.
Consider A Native Application If:
- If you want to establish credibility for your brand, publish apps in app stores. Native apps are more secure and have greater reliability.
- You want to use advanced smartphone features. Whether your product requires strong computing power or whether sensor/detection and geofencing are crucial to UX.
Apps Native Or Progressive: What Are The Criteria For Deciding?
It is difficult to say which app type is better based on the pros and cons of PWAs vs native apps. It is important that both types of development can produce a product that is usable by end users. Your goals, user requirements and needs will determine the native development approach you choose. Let us highlight some of the key criteria you should consider in the planning phase before making a final choice.
Functionality
Consider carefully the features your app should include to ensure a great user experience. Will you need to include all features in your app, or are they simple enough?
Budget
It is important to allocate your budget correctly and estimate it accurately. Are you going to need additional specialists? What will the complexity of the functionality be? Has your planning taken into consideration the possibility of post-release support? Ensure you have sufficient investment for each stage of development.
Development Timeframes
Do you have the patience to wait a half year for your native app to be released on the App Store? You may have a strict deadline and cannot wait that long.
Marketing strategy
Do you plan to monetize it? What channels will you be using to promote your app? What is the easiest way for users to access your app? To avoid failure in your marketing strategy, analyze your industry, competition and potential audience.
Business Objectives
Define the results you want to achieve. Do you want to raise brand awareness, keep customers, reach out to new audiences or something else? Consider your expectations and the differences between native apps and progressive web apps.
If you want an app that is simple to use but does not require much time or money investment, consider a PWA. Imagine you are the owner of a chain of coffee shops or restaurants. You would like to offer your customers the opportunity to book a table or receive promo codes. A PWA would be the best choice in this situation, as it can be built and launched quickly. A progressive web application can also improve SEO and brand awareness.
Native apps are the best way to gain credibility by offering more advanced features, greater security, and access to smartphone functions. Your users can make in-app purchases and transactions, send photos to friends, use video calls and more with a native application.
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Conclusion
Two types of mobile apps are trendy. There are two types of mobile apps: native apps and progressive web apps. Each has its advantages. PWAs offer a better user experience than native apps in terms of cost, development time, storage space and loading speed. Progressive web apps are better than Native mobile app development because of this.
Both the native app and PWA can deliver seamless experiences to users who have different strengths and weaknesses. Both are here and will remain, so the decision between the two should be based on your project's goals and resources.
At CISIN, we help merchants create eCommerce solutions that cover both PWA mobile apps and Magento storefront. Our centralized solution allows retailers to reach more customers while providing a better shopping environment. PWA POS can be used to expand offline. Our Magento POS is real-time and lightning-fast. It's also app-like. You can schedule a free consultation if you want an omnichannel Magento solution. Together, we can create a system for your business.
Progressive web apps offer a similar experience to native apps at a much lower price. Your decision is what's best for you, but we can provide expert mobile development and consulting services. We'll happily share our experience with you and help you choose the best app for your business.
