The digital landscape in 2025 is evolving more rapidly than it ever has before. Now, companies big and small are in search of smarter, faster and cheaper ways to create mobile experiences. The hot trend in mobile development at the moment is the so-called Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). These apps are meant to provide reliable and fast user experiences so it feels as though they’re native apps but can work across the web.
So the real question is: In 2025, are PWAs killing native apps?
In this blog from the desk of Appristine Technologies, web development agency in Pune, we help you understand PWA’s and compare with native apps to help you deciding what your business deserves.
What is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?
A Progressive Web App (PWA) is a website that works like a mobile app. Written with web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, it can also be installed on a device directly from the browser. PWAs are capable of offline usage, quick load times, push notifications and a full-screen experience factors—all without the need to download from an app store.
In other words, when you use a PWA, it brings the ease of a website and the independent feel of an app to the table. Many software product companies in Pune are grabbing the PWAs for a cost-effective substitute to native apps.
Key Features of PWAs:
- Works offline
- Available as an add-on for your browser
- Fast loading even on slow networks
- Sends push notifications
- It is safe and secure (does use HTTPS)
- Mobile ready and responsive
Progressive Web App Examples
Some big brand names they are that are slaying the use of PWAs include:
- Twitter Lite – Twitter faster, uses less data.
- Pinterest – Enhanced performance and time on site post-transition to a PWA.
- Starbucks – Order transactions can be performed regardless of network quality.
- Flipkart – Lifted click-through rates and conversions.
- Uber – Optimized for fast access on low-end devices and on slow networks.
These companies demonstrate what a powerhouse PWAs can be—even for enterprise apps.
Key Benefits of PWAs
- One App for All Devices
PWAs work on any device with a browser — which means no need for two different apps, either for Android or iOS.
- Faster Load Times
PWAs are instant because of intelligent caching even in low or no network connection.
- Offline Functionality
By using service workers, they can still browse content when offline.
- No App Store Required
Users can install the app right from your site — no approval required from Apple or Google.
- Lower Costs
It’s cheaper than native development as you have to develop and maintain only one app.
- Improved SEO
PWAs are indexable by Google, which means your business instantaneously becomes more visible on search results.
Limitations and Challenges of PWAs
However, PWAs have their cons as well:
- Limited Hardware Access
PWAs can’t take full advantage of device features such as fingerprint sensors or Bluetooth.
- iOS Limitations
Some PWA functions, including push notifications and offline support, are limited on Apple devices.
- Browser Dependency
PWAs will always have to depend on the capacities of the browser, which can differ from one device to another.
- Not in App Stores
If you’re looking to reach users that predominantly install apps through app stores, PWAs could be more elusive.
What Are Native Apps?
Native Apps that are specifically written for a platform (Android or iOS). These apps get downloaded in app stores and have complete access to the device’s hardware and software.
Native apps are coded in the languages made for each platform (Java/Kotlin for Android, Swift for iOS). They provide high performance, complete device functionality, a clean UX, and polished aesthetics.
Native apps are still the choice for some software engineer companies in Pune that work on projects that requires high performance and one that have advanced features.
Native App Examples
WhatsApp – Best for seamless in-the-moment messaging and media sharing.
Instagram - Sophisticated camera features, photo editing tools and filters best developed with native code.
Spotify – Fantastic offline experience and very fast audio streaming.
Finance Apps - Strong security and maintain full device functionality.
Mobile Games – Games such as PUBG need top performance that only a native app could provide.
Key Benefits of Native Apps
- Best Performance
Apps that are native runs more smoothly and rapidly as they are ingrained in their platform.
- Access to All Features
They have access to specific device functions, such as GPS, camera, microphone and push notifications.
- Better User Experience
Designs and mechanics are adapted for each platform that are familiar to users.
- Advanced Notifications
Support for background syncing, geolocation alerts and more.
- Stronger Security
They native app also sits behind OS-level protections and employs advanced encryption techniques.
Drawbacks of Native Apps
- Expensive Development
You’ve got distinct codebases for iOS and Android, so it takes longer and costs more.
- More Time-Consuming
Each platform you build the app one increases development by a factor of 2.
- App Store Rules
You must follow strict guidelines and wait for app stores to approve them.
- Takes Up Space
Users have to install the app, which takes up space on their device.
PWA vs Native Apps: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Progressive Web Apps (PWA) | Native Apps |
| Platform | Works on all devices via browser | Built for specific OS (Android/iOS) |
| Installation | From browser | From app stores |
| Performance | Good, browser-based | Excellent, hardware optimized |
| Offline Use | Limited | Full offline support |
| Cost | Lower (one app) | Higher (two separate apps) |
| Notifications | Limited, especially on iOS | Full capabilities |
| Device Features | Limited | Full access |
| Discoverability | SEO-friendly | App store-based |
| Security | HTTPS-based | OS-level security |
| Maintenance | Easy (single codebase) | Complex (multiple codebases) |
When Do You Choose PWAs v/s Native Apps?
Go with a PWA if:
- You want to create a single app that works across all devices.
- You want to get started quickly and inexpensively.
- You do not use heavy hardware, such as GPS or camera.
- You care about SEO and search traffic to your business.
- You want a flexible, web-based offering.
Most of the companies that work on enterprise application development in Pune have also begun with a PWA to gauge the market and develop a native application at a later point.
Go with a Native App if:
- Your app needs to access hardware on the device.
- You’re developing a complex or high-performance app.
- You want robust offline functionality.
- Your livelihood relies on being discovered in the app
- Security is paramount, particularly for banking or health care apps.
The Reality in 2025: Coexistence Over Replacement
Three years later, PWAs aren't around to kill native apps entirely — but they have reshaped how companies think about building them. With today’s browser capabilities and improved device support, PWAs are better than ever.
Still, native apps aren’t going away. They still dominate in gaming, secure communications and hardware-level interactions.
The smart move today? Utilize both where applicable. A PWA can position your web content with your audience and a native app can provide a premium experience for mobile-first users.
Do you need a professional team of app developers?
Whether it’s a high speed PWA or a high-performance native app, getting the right fit begins with having the right people in the room.
We, at Appristine Technologies, provide a complete solution for all your mobile and web development needs. We are one of the trusted app developers in Pune that develop both the modern progressive web apps and native apps for startups, SMEs and enterprise.
We are not just a software engineer company in Pune – we are your technology partner who will help you bring your product to life, reach the market, and be successful so you can outdo those cyber dogs!
Wanna start your app journey?
Get in touch with Appristine to create something amazing together
Conclusion
PWAs are changing the way we build for web & mobile in 2025. They are quick, inexpensive, and versatile — ideal for many business use cases. But for high performance, device-level discovery and security best-in-class, native apps are still the best way to go.
The future is not picking one over the other — it is picking the right one for the right problem.
If you're a startup aiming to get to the market quickly, or a corporation planning to develop a new solution that will support millions of users, Appristine Technologies, one of the best website development company in Pune, is here to help you to succeed with lightning-fast mobile apps.
Contact Us
- Email: sales@appristine.com
- Phone: +91 9529 041 400
- Address: Floor No. 2, Office No. 101, 201, 206 Spot 18 Mall, Wakad - Bhosari BRTS Rd, Wakad Junction, Pimple Saudagar, Pune, Maharashtra, India, 411017
- Website: www.appristine.com
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