What Is a PWA? A Plain-English Guide for UK Businesses
What a progressive web app is, how it installs on iPhone and Android, and when it beats an App Store app for a small business.
The short answer
A PWA (progressive web app) is a website built to behave like a phone app. People can add it to their home screen, open it full screen and get updates automatically, without downloading anything from the App Store or Google Play.
What does PWA stand for?
PWA stands for progressive web app. "Web app" means it runs in the browser, like a website. "Progressive" means it adds app-like features when the phone supports them, such as installing to the home screen and working with a weak signal.
To the person using it, a PWA looks and feels like any other app. It has its own icon, opens without the browser bar and remembers who is signed in.
How do you install a PWA?
There is no account to create with Apple or Google, no download size to worry about and no waiting for an update to be approved.
- On iPhone: open the link in Safari, tap the Share button, then "Add to Home Screen".
- On Android: open the link in Chrome and tap "Install app" when it appears, or use the menu.
- On a computer: Chrome and Edge show a small install icon in the address bar.
PWA vs native app: what is the difference?
| PWA | Native App Store app | |
|---|---|---|
| How people get it | A link or your website | App Store or Google Play |
| Updates | Instant, for everyone | Each store reviews every update |
| One build for iPhone, Android and desktop | Yes | Usually separate builds |
| Store fees and developer accounts | None | Yearly fees and store rules |
| Deep phone features (e.g. Bluetooth, background tracking) | Limited | Full access |
| Found on Google | Yes, pages can be indexed | Only the store listing |
Thinking about an app for your business?
Tell us how your business works, and Jack will reply within one working day with a fixed price.
When is a PWA the right choice?
A PWA suits most small-business apps, where the job is managing bookings, customers, jobs or requests rather than using specialist phone hardware.
- Your team needs the same tool on phones, tablets and the office computer.
- Customers or partners need to log in to see updates, upload files or make requests.
- You want changes live the same day, not after a store review.
- You would rather not pay for and manage App Store accounts.
When do you need a native app instead?
Choose an App Store app when the app depends on deep phone features, such as constant background location, Bluetooth devices or heavy offline use. It also helps if being listed in the store is part of how customers find you. For most service businesses, these are the exception rather than the rule.
A real example: LPK
LPK, a UK facilities management firm, uses an installable PWA alongside its staff back office, CRM, client portal and partner portal. The team on site opens it from the home screen like any other app, and it runs on the same system as the office.
What does a PWA cost?
At Banny Digital, a website with a focused app is £1,499, and larger custom platforms start from £2,500. Every one we build can install as a PWA at no extra cost, because it is the same build rather than a second app.
Common questions
Does a PWA work offline?
It can keep key screens available with a weak or missing signal, but most business apps need a connection to save new bookings or records.
Do PWAs work on iPhone?
Yes. Since iOS 16.4, PWAs added to the home screen on iPhone can also send notifications.
Can a PWA go in the App Store later?
Yes. A PWA can be wrapped for the stores later if that becomes useful, so starting with one does not close the door.
Thinking about an app for your business?
Tell us how your business works, and Jack will reply within one working day with a fixed price.
What to do next
- Write down the outcome you need before choosing features.
- Ask for scope, ownership and ongoing costs in writing.
- Compare the smallest useful version, not an unlimited wish list.