Are Progressive Web Apps Dead?

Challenges with PWAs in production and Apple's plan to phase them out.

Navigating the PWA Challenge: An Update and Our Path Forward

The Shift in Apple's Stance on PWAs

Apple's unexpected decision to scale back support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on iOS devices has caught many by surprise–I really mean that that was unexpected.

The new policy particularly impacts the ability to install PWAs directly from the browser, as features like manifest.json will no longer support customization of orientation and view mode. Consequently, PWAs will default to opening in a browser, a stark departure from the standalone app experience.

👉 The state for PWA of being First-Class-Citizen will be removed soon.

So, let’s talk this week about how I solve this for our own PWA products and the two current approaches we run synchronously to mitigate the situation:

1. Make the core functionality of the WebApp work in normal browser mode

2. Start the backup/fallback approach for putting the app into the capacitor and bring it into the App Store. 😕

Point to is a fallback, but we must consider every solution since it's about business.

So stay tuned on LinkedIn; I will report.

The Core of PWAs Remains Intact

Despite this setback, the essential functions of PWAs, enabled by service workers, are still operational. The primary loss is the enhanced user experience — including full-screen modes, splash screens, and push notifications — which brought PWAs closer to native app functionality. This change poses significant challenges for businesses reliant on PWAs, including ours.

And, of course, this raises the question of whether PWAs will remain a viable option in the future if Apple’s ecosystem isn’t supporting it anymore, at least in the EU.

Our Strategic Response to PWA Limitations

Reducing to What's Necessary to Run PWA in Browser on iOS and Awaiting Updates

In response to these changes, we've shifted our strategy to focus on optimizing our app for browser-based use on iOS. This involves accepting and working within the current limitations to maintain our app's functionality.

What else could we do, right?

We've embarked on a week of intensive testing to ensure our app remains usable under these new constraints despite losing a full-screen, app-like experience.

Meanwhile, Adding to Capacitor and Starting the Native Alternative Journey

Understanding the importance of adaptability, we're also exploring the transition to native app development through tools like Capacitor. This marks a new direction for us, as our previous reliance on PWAs was based on their ability to circumvent the complexities of native app stores.

The decision to consider a native app wrapper reflects our commitment to preserving and enhancing our business operations in light of Apple's changes; we aren’t happy at all about this, and we will fight to bring back full PWA capabilities if it is still available today.

Community Support and Future Outlook

The recent developments have sparked a wave of support and shared concern within the community. Many businesses and developers are grappling with the implications of these changes, underscoring the widespread impact of PWAs. This situation has highlighted the tech community's collective resilience and innovative spirit.

I want to quickly highlight Open Web Advocacy, which is, without a break, fighting for the idea of PWAs.

https://open-web-advocacy.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-web-advocacy/

Staying Committed to PWAs

🍪 Despite the challenges, our belief in the potential and importance of PWAs remains unshaken. We are determined to navigate these changes while advocating for and developing PWA-based solutions. The journey ahead may be uncertain, but our resolve to find viable paths forward is clear.

Conclusion

As we continue to adapt and explore new solutions, we remain hopeful about the future of PWAs and their role in the tech ecosystem. We're committed to sharing our journey and learning from the community as we navigate these changes together.

Thank you for your support, and let's face these challenges with optimism and determination.

#yearOfPWA #pwa2024

Adrian