The global market for progressive web apps will likely exceed $10 billion, with a growth rate of almost 32% spanning eight years. You might wonder what a progressive web app really is. These apps use common web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create an experience that matches native apps.
Let's explore what PWA means in this piece, get into the core features of progressive web apps, and break down the development process.
It's perfect for developers starting their first PWA project or business owners who want to plan ahead for 2025.
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
Progressive web apps blend web and native app technologies to create an experience that feels like a traditional app while running through a web browser. These apps use standard web technologies—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—and deliver features that were once limited to platform-specific apps.
What does PWA stand for?
PWA stands for "Progressive Web App." The term describes applications that make use of both web-based and native mobile technologies to create app-like experiences without downloads from an app store. Designer Frances Berriman and Google Chrome engineer Alex Russell coined this term in 2015 to describe a new generation of apps that take advantage of modern browser capabilities.
Differences Between PWAs and Native Apps of Using PWAs in 2025
PWAs in 2025 are different from native apps in several key ways. These apps work through browsers yet behave like installed applications, making them available on any device with a modern browser. Native apps are built for one specific platform using tools like Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android.
PWAs also bring major cost advantages by cutting development expenses up to 70%. Developers only need to maintain one codebase instead of creating separate versions for different platforms.
The size difference is remarkable Starbucks' PWA is just 233 KB, which makes it 99.84% smaller than their native iOS app. Companies like Konga have seen a 92% reduction in data usage for first loads after switching to PWA technology.
Native apps perform better for resource-heavy tasks, but PWAs shine in speed, offline functionality, and cross-device compatibility. These apps update quietly in the background, so users don't need to install updates manually.
Core Features That Make PWAs Unique
Progressive web apps have five key capabilities that set them apart from traditional web applications. These features blend together to create an experience that matches native apps while keeping web accessibility intact.
Offline access using service workers
Service workers function as network proxies between browsers and servers. They can intercept network requests even without an internet connection. These JavaScript files run independently in the background from web pages, so PWAs work well with slow connections or completely offline. Service workers cache important resources locally and show cached content instead of browser error pages when offline.
Installable on home screen
Users can install PWAs right on their devices next to their native applications. The installation adds an app icon to the device's home screen, start menu, or dock based on the operating system. PWAs launch in standalone windows without browser elements once installed, which creates an immersive experience.
Push notifications for user engagement
PWAs can send timely updates through the Push API and Notifications API even when users aren't using the app. Developers can bring users back with new content or reminders that show up through the device's native notification system. These notifications work just like native app alerts outside browser windows.
Fast loading with caching strategies
PWAs use different caching methods to deliver great performance. Cache-first strategies serve content from local storage when possible, which cuts load times significantly. Google's data shows good caching can improve load times by approximately 50% for people who return to the site. Adding service workers can reduce content display time by 70% after navigation.
Responsive design across devices
PWAs naturally adjust to any screen size, orientation, or device capability. This flexibility matters because people use applications on devices of all types, from smartphones to desktop computers. Mobile-first design principles help PWAs deliver consistent experiences whatever device people use to access the content.
How Progressive Web Apps Work Under the Hood?
Technical components work together behind every PWA to create a smooth experience. These mechanisms show how progressive web apps deliver their unique capabilities.
Service worker lifecycle: register, install, activate
Service workers function as proxy servers between browsers and networks to enable offline functionality. The browser registers the service worker through JavaScript code. The installation phase starts next and caches essential resources. The service worker takes control of the web page during the activation stage. This happens after all previous service worker-controlled pages close or when skipWaiting() runs.
Web app manifest: defining app metadata
A JSON file called the web app manifest provides key information about the PWA. This file has details like name, icons, theme colors, and start URL. The file defines the app's appearance once "installed" on a user's device and lets it launch in standalone windows.
HTTPS requirement for secure delivery
Service workers can intercept network requests and modify responses, so PWAs must use HTTPS. This security measure keeps malicious actors from tampering with these processes and ensures encrypted communications.
App shell model for fast initial load
The app shell architecture separates core UI elements from dynamic content. This model caches the minimum HTML, CSS, and JavaScript needed for the user interface. Users see content right away on repeat visits—even offline. The interface loads quickly while additional data loads in the background.
Requirements to Get Started with PWA Development
Building a PWA requires three key technical components that serve as the foundation for any progressive web app.
Your site needs HTTPS to work correctly. This security layer keeps user data safe and makes critical PWA features like service workers possible. Without this secure connection, PWA features won't work—unless you're doing local development with localhost.
A web app manifest file (manifest.json) defines your app's appearance after installation. This JSON file needs these basic elements:
A name or short name
Icons (must include 192px and 512px versions)
Start URL
Display property set to fullscreen, standalone, minimal-ui, or window-controls-overlay
No prefer_related_applications property (or set to false)
Service workers add offline capabilities through resource caching. These JavaScript files operate independently from the main browser thread.
Developers should have these tools ready:
Visual Studio Code to edit source files
Node.js as your local web server
Strong knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript basics plays a vital role. Understanding these technologies helps create apps that work naturally across platforms and devices.
PWA Builder and Lighthouse tools make development easier by creating needed files and checking PWA standards compliance.
How to Build a PWA?
Building a progressive web app transforms a simple website into an app-like experience. Here's a seven-step approach to make it happen:
Step 1 - Plan your app
You need to decide if a simple PWA with core features meets your needs or if you want advanced functionality. Write down your app's main goal and list specific requirements based on what users want.
Step 2 - Designing the User Interface
Start with an app shell—the basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript needed for your layout. Mobile-first design principles should guide your work to make your interface adapt naturally to any screen size.
Step 3 - Developing the Front-End
Modern frameworks like React or Angular help build interactive interfaces. Your focus should be on creating interfaces that work well on all devices.
Step 4 - Implementing Service Workers
Service workers enable offline functionality through asset caching. Yes, it is true that users can access your PWA without an internet connection when you set this up right.
Step 5 - Adding Push Notifications
The Web Push API helps boost user engagement. Your app should ask for permissions at the right time and handle push events through service workers.
Step 6 - Optimizing Performance
Your app needs fewer HTTP requests and optimized images to load faster. Research shows that making your app just 0.1 seconds faster can boost conversion rates by 10%.
Step 7 - Testing and Debugging
Lighthouse helps review performance and PWA compliance. Your app should work perfectly across different devices.
The Kumo team can help if you face complex PWA development challenges.
Conclusion
Progressive Web Apps mark a radical alteration in how businesses build their mobile presence. This piece explores how PWAs bridge the gap between regular websites and native applications. They also provide affordable solutions. PWAs are a great way to get value, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that want to reach mobile users without spending big on platform-specific apps.
PWAs rest on a solid technical base - service workers, web app manifests, and HTTPS security. This framework powers key features like offline use, home screen installation, and push notifications. These features help businesses keep users connected even when network conditions aren't ideal.
Our seven-step development process shows you how to turn your web presence into an app-like experience. The technical requirements might look challenging at first. Yet the business benefits make PWAs worth a serious look - you'll see better engagement, improved retention, and lower development costs.
The expert team at Kumo can help revolutionize your digital presence if you need professional guidance.
Looking toward 2025, PWAs will without doubt keep gaining ground. More businesses see their potential to deliver native-like experiences without traditional barriers. The future of web and mobile integration points toward progressive improvement. PWAs aren't just a trend - they represent a fundamental change in building digital experiences that serve users across all platforms and devices.
FAQ
Major companies across the globe now use progressive web apps to tackle their business challenges.
What is an example of a progressive web app?
Twitter Lite is a progressive web app that offers fast, offline-capable, app-like experience across devices.
What is the purpose of PWA?
PWAs provide app-like functionality in browsers, combining speed, offline access, push notifications, and cross-platform usability without installs.