For over a decade, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have promised to bridge the gap between websites and native mobile apps. First proposed by Google in 2015, PWAs brought the idea of fast, installable, app-like experiences delivered entirely through the browser. But despite significant progress, PWAs have long been caught in a tug-of-war with native apps in terms of adoption, functionality, and platform support.
Now, in 2025, PWAs have matured, supported by advancements in web APIs, improved device capabilities, and growing demand for lighter, cross-platform solutions. So, the big question is: Can PWAs finally replace native apps?
This blog explores the current state of PWAs, their benefits and limitations, what’s changed check now in 2025, and whether businesses and developers should go all-in on web-based app experiences.
What Are Progressive Web Apps?
A Progressive Web App is a web application enhanced with modern APIs to provide a native-like experience. PWAs are built using standard web technologies—HTML, CSS, JavaScript—but with added capabilities like:
Offline access via service workers
Push notifications
Home screen installation
Background sync
Access to device hardware APIs (camera, GPS, etc.)
They’re "progressive" because they enhance progressively based on the user's device and browser capabilities.
How PWAs Have Evolved by 2025
Several milestones have contributed to the rise of PWAs over the past few years. By 2025, these developments have significantly reduced the functionality gap between PWAs and native apps:
1. Cross-Browser and Cross-Platform Support
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari now offer better PWA support, including installability, push notifications, and full-screen modes.
On Android, PWAs can access more APIs and run as first-class apps through WebAPK packaging.
iOS has finally relaxed restrictions around service workers and background tasks, allowing PWAs to function more reliably on Apple devices.
2. Advanced Web APIs
Modern APIs available to PWAs now include:
Web Bluetooth and WebUSB
File System Access API
Web Share Target API
WebRTC and Web Speech
Contact Picker, Wake Lock, and Media Session APIs
This allows PWAs in 2025 to interact more deeply with devices—supporting audio, video, biometric, and even peripheral integration.
3. App Stores and Discoverability
PWAs can now be listed on:
Google Play Store (via Trusted Web Activities or TWA)
Microsoft Store
Some third-party app stores
While Apple’s App Store still prefers native apps, Safari now allows “Add to Home Screen” installation with improved UX.
PWAs vs Native Apps: 2025 Comparison
Let’s compare PWAs and native apps across key criteria as of 2025:
Feature PWAs (2025) Native Apps
Cross-platform Yes, one codebase for all devices No, requires separate code for iOS/Android
Offline support Yes (via service workers) Yes (via local storage/databases)
Performance Near-native, improving with WebAssembly Best-in-class, especially for 3D/AR/VR
Installation One-click in browser or Play Store Via app stores, with full system integration
Push notifications Yes (on Android & modern iOS Safari) Yes (robust and customizable)
Access to device APIs Good, still improving Full access
Storage size Very small footprint Large due to bundled assets/libraries
Updates Seamless, automatic via server Requires store approval
Monetization Limited in-browser, no app store fees Full in-app purchase and subscription APIs
When Are PWAs the Right Choice?
PWAs are no longer just for experimental or lightweight projects. In 2025, they are powering everything from SaaS platforms to large-scale retail apps.
Ideal Use Cases
Content-driven apps: Blogs, news, media platforms
E-commerce apps: Especially those needing quick deployment and high SEO visibility
Internal enterprise tools: Dashboard, CRMs, admin portals
Productivity tools: To-do lists, note-taking, project management
Cross-platform MVPs: Fast development with one codebase
Real-World Examples
Twitter Lite: A PWA with offline support, push notifications, and app-like UX
Starbucks: Their PWA app is lighter, faster, and works offline, serving customers in low-bandwidth areas
Flipkart Lite: India’s largest e-commerce site built a PWA that improved conversion rates and session time
These success stories show that PWAs aren’t just capable—they’re competitive.
The Limitations That Still Exist
Despite advancements, PWAs still face some hurdles in fully replacing native apps.
1. Limited iOS Integration
Although Safari now supports service workers and push notifications, there are still no badges, background sync, or full file system access. Also, PWAs on iOS don’t show up in Spotlight search or Siri suggestions.
2. App Store Monetization
PWA monetization is still largely limited to web-based payments. Developers looking for in-app purchases or subscriptions through Apple or Google billing systems need native wrappers or hybrid models.
3. Hardware-Intensive Apps
If your app requires:
3D rendering
AR/VR
Advanced motion sensors
Complex offline storage or threading
Then a native app or cross-platform framework (like Flutter or React Native) is still better suited.
4. User Perception
Some users still expect to download apps from app stores. Even in 2025, branding and trust are influenced by store visibility and native-like animations.
Hybrid Strategies: Bridging PWAs and Native
Instead of replacing native apps entirely, many companies are adopting hybrid models:
Use PWAs for desktop and web
Use TWA or Capacitor.js to wrap PWAs as native Android/iOS apps
Build native shell apps that load PWA content and handle platform-specific tasks
This provides a balance between code reuse, app store access, and hardware integration.
Are PWAs the Future?
The answer depends on your goals.
PWAs are likely to replace native apps in areas where:
Rapid deployment across platforms is critical
Performance is acceptable via modern JS/HTML/WebAssembly
SEO and web discoverability matter
Frequent updates are needed without app store gatekeeping
Native apps will remain dominant where:
Deep hardware access is required
Monetization via app stores is central to the business model
Brand positioning and UX polish are paramount
Final Thoughts: What Should You Build in 2025?
If you're launching an app in 2025, your decision should be guided by audience, features, and timeline.
Choose PWAs if:
You want the fastest time to market
You need SEO and web shareability
You’re focused on emerging markets with bandwidth constraints
Choose native apps if:
You need full integration with mobile OS features
You’re building a high-performance game, AR app, or media platform
You rely on app store monetization and distribution
Choose a hybrid or dual strategy if:
You want the best of both worlds: speed, reach, and polish
PWAs in 2025 are no longer second-class citizens. They’re fast, powerful, and capable. But replacing native apps entirely? That’s still case-by-case. The more likely future is coexistence, where PWAs are chosen for flexibility and cost-efficiency, and native apps for performance and platform reach.