What is a PWA (progressive web app)?
A progressive web app, or PWA, is a website built with standard web technology that uses additional browser features to behave more like an installed app. A PWA can be added to the home screen, launch full-screen, cache content to work offline, and, on supported platforms, send push notifications, narrowing the gap between a web page and a native app.
How a PWA works
Two pieces make a website a PWA. A web app manifest is a small file that describes the app's name, icon, and how it should launch, which lets the browser offer to install it to the home screen and open it without the usual browser bar. A service worker is a script that runs in the background and can intercept network requests, caching files so the app loads quickly and keeps working when the connection drops. Together these turn an ordinary site into something that looks and starts like an app while still running on web technology.
What a PWA can and cannot do
A PWA reaches users instantly through a URL, updates the moment you deploy, and runs from one codebase across platforms, which are the classic strengths of the web. Its limits come from the browser. A PWA has less access to device hardware and system features than a native app, and the gap is wider on iOS, where Apple grants PWAs fewer capabilities than other platforms do. Performance is bound by the browser engine, and some native integrations are simply unavailable.
PWAs and the App Store
A PWA installs from the browser, not the App Store, so it is not subject to App Store review by default. If you want it in the App Store, you can wrap it in a native shell, but Apple may reject a submission that is essentially a website in a wrapper with little native functionality. A PWA is a strong choice when broad reach and instant updates matter more than deep device access. When the goal is a real App Store presence and a native feel, a native app is the better fit. AppFlight is built only for native iOS and generates Swift and SwiftUI rather than wrapping a web page.
FAQ
Can a PWA be listed on the App Store?
A PWA installs from the browser, not the App Store. You can wrap it in a native shell to submit it, but Apple may reject submissions that are mostly a website in a wrapper with little native functionality.
What can a PWA do that a normal website cannot?
A PWA can be installed to the home screen, launch full-screen without browser chrome, cache content to work offline, and on supported platforms send push notifications, using service workers and a web app manifest.
Are PWAs as capable as native apps on iOS?
No. On iOS, PWAs have less access to device features and tighter limits than native apps. For deep hardware use, performance, or a polished native feel, a native Swift app is more capable.