But first, what exactly are Progressive Web Apps?
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are web applications that use modern web capabilities to deliver an app-like experience to users. They are often described as the bridge between web and native mobile experiences, combining offline functionality, push notifications, and fast load times, without requiring installation from an app store.
Progressive Web Apps gained traction in the late 2010s, with major players like Twitter, Starbucks, and Pinterest adopting them. In 2025, the technology matured significantly across:
- Browser support: PWAs are now fully supported across all major browsers, including Safari, which was previously a laggard.
- Deeper device integration: PWAs can access some native device features, such as biometric authentication and Bluetooth, though support depends on the browser and platform.
- App store resistance: With growing dissatisfaction around app store fees and policies, PWAs offer a way to distribute apps independently.
- Cross-platform efficiency: One codebase can serve both desktop and mobile users, reducing development and maintenance overhead.
As Progressive Web Apps continue to evolve, the question remains: are they still the future of digital experiences?
In short, yes, they certainly have their place at the table … or should that be tablet. Users expect seamless experiences across devices, and businesses are under pressure to deliver high-performance apps without ballooning costs. With increasing scrutiny on app store policies, data privacy, and user retention, progressive web apps offer a compelling alternative. Their ability to bypass app stores, reduce friction, and deliver fast, reliable experiences makes them highly relevant today.
The rise of the Progressive Web App market
PWAs have moved from niche innovation to mainstream adoption. According to recent industry reports, the global PWA market is projected to exceed $15 billion by 2025, driven by surging adoption across sectors.
Major tech summits hosted by Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung have showcased how PWAs are now capable of handling complex tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and secure data management.
In the real-world, the use cases are endless, and businesses are adopting them across almost all industries. Take these, for example:
Retail and eCommerce: Alibaba and Flipkart have used PWAs to improve mobile conversion rates and reduce bounce rates. Flipkart’s PWA, led to a 70% increase in conversions and tripled time spent on site.
Also, Starbucks launched a PWA that allowed users to browse the menu, customise orders, and add items to their cart offline, resulting in the doubling of daily active users.
Media and entertainment: Spotify and Pinterest have embraced PWAs to deliver fast, immersive experiences. Spotify’s PWA loads faster than its native app and consumes less data, making it ideal for users in bandwidth-constrained regions.
Finance and healthcare: PWAs are increasingly used in fintech and healthcare for secure, responsive interfaces. With new APIs like the Origin Private File System (OPFS), PWAs can now handle sensitive client-side data securely, enabling use in apps for patient portals, insurance claims, and mobile banking.
Education and training: Online learning platforms are adopting PWAs to ensure availability across devices and geographies. PWAs allow students to download content and continue learning offline, which is crucial in areas with unstable internet.
These use cases are important, as they provide key lessons about Progressive Web Apps, including:
- Performance matters: PWAs consistently outperform traditional mobile websites in speed and engagement.
- Cost efficiency: Businesses save significantly by maintaining a single codebase for web and mobile.
- Global accessibility: PWAs are ideal for emerging markets where users rely on low-end devices and limited connectivity.
- Improved engagement: Push notifications and offline access boost retention.
Key challenges and considerations
Despite their many advantages, Progressive Web Apps still face limitations, including:
- Limited access to device features: Native apps still outperform PWAs in areas like background processing and advanced hardware integration.
- User expectations: Some users prefer the familiarity and perceived reliability of native apps.
- Discoverability: PWAs lack the visibility that app stores provide unless packaged as installable apps.
Strategic implications for businesses
For businesses, PWAs offer a strategic middle ground:
- Faster deployment: No app store approval delays.
- Global reach: Ideal for emerging markets with low bandwidth.
- Agility: Easier to iterate and update than native apps.
However, companies must assess their user base, required features, and long-term goals before committing to a PWA-first strategy. For businesses, especially those in retail, media, and services, PWAs can offer a strategic advantage:
- Cost efficiency: Build once, deploy everywhere.
- Faster time to market: No app store approval delays.
- Improved engagement: Push notifications and offline access boost retention.
- Global reach: Ideal for emerging markets with limited connectivity.
Industries that rely on frequent updates, customer interaction, and broad accessibility - like fintech, education, and healthcare - can benefit immensely from PWAs. However, businesses must weigh the trade-offs and consider hybrid approaches where necessary.
So, are PWAs still the future?
PWAs are not a universal solution, but they remain a powerful tool in the digital arsenal. PWAs aren’t here to replace native apps; they’re here to complement them, offering flexibility, speed, and accessibility where it matters most. For many businesses, especially those prioritising reach and efficiency, PWAs are still very much part of the future and for the right product, in the right market, PWAs are still a future-proof bet, one that could save time, money, and headaches while keeping users happy.
