PWA or Progressive Web Applications are quite popular among developers and merchants. However, there are still downsides to this technology too. But, some people have a lot of misunderstandings about PWA. Along with its popularity, some myths and facts are spreading worldwide.
This PWA technology is a new concept for many. It is normal to have misconceptions about this new approach to web development. In this blog post, we will bust PWA Myths and facts to understand it better. You will learn cool things about progressive web apps and how it will benefit your business.
Table of Contents
List of Top 10 Myths and Facts of PWA
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Need to be downloaded from App Store
Myth 1: Progressive apps must be downloaded from app stores, just like regular apps. However, that’s not the truth.
Facts: Progressive web apps are made to gain both web and mobile users. They can be accessed through web URLs and shared with others via links. Also, it doesnt need to be published on any app store to reach your target audience. Still, customers can enjoy all the features and functionalities to give a mobile shopping experience to customers.
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PWA and Websites are the same
Myth 2: There is not much difference between traditional websites and progressive web apps. Progressive apps show the same characteristics as websites, but that’s not true.
Facts: PWA apps have more functionality than a simple website. It easily incorporates many native features, such as offline functionality, GPS, camera, filter options, and smooth browsing. These web apps are secure for customers to use. You can add it to the home screen of the device.
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Expensive to Develop PWA
Myth 3: Developers think PWA requires a substantial amount of funds to build. It has some features to boost conversion rates. Adding more functionality can increase the budget.
Facts: However, PWAs are not expensive to build at all. Based on our experience, PWA development costs ranges from $3 – $35. It costs lesser than developing apps for Android and iOS app stores. You don’t need to develop separately for different app stores. It is a major factor why PWAs are a cost-effective solution for Magento store owners.
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Take a Long Time to Develop
Myth 4: Native apps take a long time to develop, on an average of 9 months. The same thing is with progressive mobile web apps. It may also take a longer time to develop.
Facts: But this isn’t true. You can quickly develop PWA applications with advanced PWA builder tools. The best thing about web apps, you don’t need to have advanced skills in coding. With the drag-and-drop feature, you can build your progressive web app within an hour.
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Can’t Publish on App Stores
Myth 5: There is a rumor that PWAs cannot get published in popular app stores. Developers have to convert PWA into a hybrid app to submit to marketplaces such as Google Play and Android app stores.Facts: But the real thing is PWA is present on various app platforms. Google and Microsoft app store are also investing in PWAs to create a new market for software. It can be installed using TWA (Trusted Web Activity). However, Apple still does not want to publish PWAs through its app store because of some technical restrictions.
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Can’t Monetize a PWA
Myth 6: Like other websites, you can’t monetize progressive web apps. Somewhere, it is true, but not 100%.
Facts: Progressive apps offer you various options for monetization. Compared to native apps, it can help you gain more revenue. Also, a PWA owner doesn’t have to pay commissions to the app stores for publishing it. We can index Web apps on search engines, which help you earn money. Run ads and campaigns to earn more revenue and gain more traffic.
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Can’t access hardware features
Myth 7: The biggest disadvantage is that PWAs can’t access the device’s hardware. For example i.e., users can’t operate the basic features such as camera and GPS.
Facts: With its capabilities, your Chromium-based or Android-based PWAs can access the hardware features of your device. Similar to Native mobile applications, they can support hardware features like the ability to access contacts and send SMS/MMS.
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Constrained to a Market Reach
Myth 8: PWAs are often perceived as having a much smaller audience reach. They are limited to specific markets. Native apps are safer and ensure a higher ROI (Return on Investment).
Facts: So, you may get the idea that PWAs are websites. So, they can reach much more audiences than native apps. They are SEO-friendly. Progressive mobile applications are discoverable on both app stores and search engines. This advantage makes popular brands choose them over native apps.
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Develop for Mobile Only
Myth 9: PWA can be installed on mobile devices. It has raised a misunderstanding between customers and developers. They are fast, reliable, and mobile-friendly. All these features make them the same as native apps.
Facts: Mobile-friendly doesn’t mean that they can’t work on web browsers. The real fact is that they are made as default for mobile web users. So, it runs smoothly on the browsers, regardless of operating system and devices. They ensure a better user experience than native apps.
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Need to Create from Scratch
Myth 10: Developing a progressive web application from scratch is another drawback of PWAs. This misconception leads developers to avoid this technology.
Facts: It is not like that. If you heard it, it is a complete myth. You don’t have to create PWAs from scratch every time. We can convert existing websites into PWA. It saves your time and money. You’ll get a hybrid app that offers both a mobile app and website features. All you have to do is add a service worker and manifest. JSON files to your website.
The Bottom Line
Myths can steer misinformation and misguide business owners away from PWA. It was necessary to clear misunderstandings and showcase the pros of using progressive apps to fulfill your business needs.
Hopefully, after reading this blog post, you will understand why Google and Microsoft think it is a part of the future and why they invested in it. You can check the best PWA development services to develop your first PWA website.

