PWA Development: One App for Every Device
A progressive web app installs from a link, works offline and runs on Android, iPhone and desktop from a single build. It's the fastest and most affordable way to put an app in your team's hands.
What Is a Progressive Web App?
A progressive web app, or PWA, is an app that's built with web technology but behaves like an app from the app store. People open a link or scan a QR code, tap "Add to Home Screen", and the app sits on their phone with its own icon, opens full screen and keeps working when there's no signal.
Because there's only one version of the app, it costs less to build and maintain. When we release an update, everyone has it the next time they open the app. Nobody has to visit an app store, and you never have a team running five different versions.
That's why most of the apps we build are PWAs, including systems used every day by reps in tens of thousands of stores.
Why Businesses Choose PWAs
Everything your team needs from an app, without the cost and delays of the app stores.
Every device, one build
Android, iPhone, tablet and desktop all run the same app.
Install from a link
Send a link or QR code. No app store accounts, approvals or waiting.
Instant updates
Fixes and new features reach everyone straight away.
Works offline
Capture data, photos and checklists with no signal. It syncs later.
Uses the phone's features
Camera, GPS location, barcode scanning and notifications.
Lower cost
One codebase to build, test and maintain instead of two.
PWA vs Native App
For most business apps a PWA does everything you need. Native apps are worth it when you need deep access to the device.
| Progressive web app (PWA) | Native app | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | One build for Android, iPhone and desktop | A separate build for Android and iPhone |
| Installing | From a link or QR code, no app store needed | Through Google Play and the App Store |
| Updates | Instant; everyone is always on the latest version | Each release goes through store review |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes |
| Device features | Camera, GPS, notifications and files | Everything, including Bluetooth and background tasks |
| Cost and time | Lower: one codebase to build and maintain | Higher: two codebases |
| Best for | Most business, field and customer apps | Apps that need deep access to the device |
Not sure which you need? We'll recommend the right option in a free consultation.
How Your Team Installs It
Rolling out a PWA to a team of five or five hundred takes minutes.
Share the link
Send it by WhatsApp, SMS or email, or print a QR code.
Open it
The app opens in the phone's browser and is ready to use straight away.
Add to Home Screen
One tap puts the app on the home screen with its own icon.
Use it anywhere
It opens full screen and keeps working offline, just like any other app.
Mobile Apps We've Built
We built these, and we still host and support them.
AbInBev
Outlet visit & audit appReps photograph shelves in each outlet. Our image recognition counts the product, so managers don't have to check every photo.
Mars
Field sales order entryReps capture orders in store and the app sends them straight into Mars' SAP system. Returns go to DHL the same way.
Formula E
Health & safety operationsSafety officers log incidents and run inductions on site, even with no signal. The operations centre sees it live.
PWA FAQs
Common questions about progressive web apps.
Do PWAs work on iPhone?
Yes. On iPhone, people open the app in Safari and tap Share, then Add to Home Screen. It then opens full screen from its own icon like any other app.
Can a PWA work without internet?
Yes. We build our PWAs to capture information offline, including photos and checklists, and to sync automatically when the device is back in signal.
Can a PWA send notifications?
Yes. PWAs can send push notifications on Android and desktop, and on iPhone once the app has been added to the home screen.
Can I still put my app in the app stores?
If you need a presence in Google Play or the App Store, talk to us. We'll recommend whether a native build is worth it for your app.
Is a PWA cheaper than a native app?
Usually, yes. There is one codebase to build and maintain instead of two, and no app store releases to manage.
Is a PWA secure?
Yes. Our PWAs run over encrypted connections with secure sign-in. We host, secure and back up every app we build.
Ready to Build Your App?
Start free with our AI App Builder, or tell us what you need and one of our engineers will get back to you.