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Anyone planning an app quickly faces a fundamental technical question: should it be a progressive web app that runs in the browser, or a native app from the App Store and Google Play? The answer affects cost, features and how you reach your users. This article explains the differences and helps you choose.
The terms in brief
Progressive web app (PWA): a web application that uses modern web technologies to behave like an app. Users can add it to their home screen from the browser. It then launches without an address bar, can cache content for offline use and, depending on the platform, receive push notifications. Its technical foundations include a web app manifest (a file describing name, icon and display) and a service worker (a script that runs in the background and, for example, caches content).
Native app: an application built specifically for one operating system and installed via the App Store or Google Play. Traditionally this means Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android.
Cross-platform app: a middle way. Frameworks such as Flutter or React Native produce a shared codebase from which apps for iOS and Android are built. To users, they behave like native apps and are also distributed via the stores.
The key differences
| Criterion | PWA | Native or cross-platform app |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution | via a link, no store | via App Store and Google Play |
| Installation | optional, via the browser | download from the store |
| Updates | immediately on next visit | via store updates, after review at Apple |
| Device features | limited, depending on browser and platform | extensive access |
| Push notifications | possible; on iOS only after adding to the home screen | fully supported |
| Discoverability | via search engines | via store search and search engines |
| Store fees | none | developer accounts and possibly commissions |
| Development effort | usually lower | higher, depending on scope |
Where PWAs shine
A PWA is essentially a very good website. That brings clear advantages:
- One codebase for all devices: desktop, tablet and smartphone are served by the same application.
- No detour via the store: users open a link and can get started immediately. This lowers the barrier to entry, especially for applications used only occasionally.
- Fast updates: new versions are available instantly, with no review process and nothing for users to update.
- Findable on Google: content in a PWA can appear in search engines like regular web pages.
Typical use cases are customer portals, booking and ordering flows, internal tools for staff, forms and applications where quick availability matters more than deep device integration.
Keep in mind, however, that how well a PWA works depends on the browser. Test early on the devices your audience actually uses, especially iPhones with Safari.
Where native apps have the edge
Native and cross-platform apps come into their own when you use the device intensively or your users open the app every day:
- Device features: Bluetooth, NFC, background location, health data or certain camera features are only partly available in browsers, or not at all, especially on iOS.
- Push notifications: since iOS and iPadOS 16.4, web apps can also receive push notifications, but only if users have added them to the home screen first. Native apps do not need this step.
- Performance and interaction: complex animations, large data volumes or extensive offline features usually run more smoothly natively.
- Store presence: some audiences expect to find an app in the store. Ratings and store search can add reach.
- Paid digital content: if you want to bill subscriptions directly through Apple or Google, you need a store app.
Beware of "wrapped" websites
An obvious idea is to wrap the existing website in an app shell and publish it in the store. Apple takes a critical view: under its App Review Guidelines (guideline 4.2), an app must offer features, content and an interface that go beyond a repackaged website. Pure web wrappers without added value are frequently rejected.
So if you want to be in the store, the app should offer genuine app features. If not, a well-built PWA is often the more honest and less expensive solution.
Cross-platform as a middle way
For many SMEs, Flutter or React Native is a good compromise. You get real store apps with access to device features without having to develop and maintain two completely separate applications. Flutter can also generate a web version, and React Native can be combined with web technology. Native code is added for individual platform-specific features where needed.
Decision guide: questions for your project
- How often do your users use the application? Daily use points towards an app, occasional use towards a PWA.
- Which device features do you really need? Check for each feature whether it is available in the browser on iOS and Android.
- How important are push notifications? If they are central and many users have iPhones, a store app is usually more reliable.
- How do you reach your users? Do they come via your website, via email, or do they search in the store?
- How quickly do changes need to go live? With frequent changes, a PWA saves review time.
- What budget is available for development and maintenance? A PWA is usually cheaper; a store app adds maintenance and fees.
If you are unsure, a PWA is a good first step. It lets you test demand and add a store app later, reusing the backend and integrations.
Advice and implementation
Simplify Data, based in Kiel, Germany, develops web apps and mobile apps with Flutter and React Native for companies in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and remotely across Germany. Based on your requirements, we assess with you which approach fits technically and commercially. Learn more on our app development page.