01
New PWA builds
Progressive web apps in React and Next.js, with a web app manifest, service worker, offline caching and an install experience that feels native.
FIG 01 · PWA Development
Progressive web app development for fast, installable, offline-ready apps
PWAs in React and Next.js that install from the browser, work offline and send notifications where devices allow, from one codebase, with an honest answer on what iPhones support.
See how it works
FIG 02 · Quick answer
What is a progressive web app?
A progressive web app (PWA) is a website that installs like an app, works offline and can send notifications, from one codebase. Elgrith builds PWAs in React and Next.js with service workers, a web app manifest and caching, tells you plainly what iPhones support, and packages for Google Play when you need it.
- Codebase for phone, tablet and desktop
- 1
- Projects delivered since 2015
- 1,000+
- Clients across the USA, UK and India
- 250+
- Your source code and IP
- 100%
FIG 03 · Why it matters
One codebase, every device, with honest limits.
From MDN, the WebKit team and Chrome for Developers. PWAs are powerful, and the rules for iPhone and installability have changed in the last few years.
01
1
Codebase
MDN notes that with a PWA, “a website can run on different operating systems and device classes from a single codebase.”
Source: MDN, What is a progressive web app?(opens in a new tab)02
iOS 16.4
Web Push on iPhone
WebKit added Web Push for Home Screen web apps in iOS and iPadOS 16.4. A PWA must be added to the Home Screen before it can send notifications on iPhone.
Source: WebKit blog, Web Push for Web Apps on iOS and iPadOS(opens in a new tab)03
No SW
Needed to install in Chrome
Since Lighthouse 11, Chrome says “a service worker is no longer required for a page to be installable as a PWA”. We still add one, because offline support depends on it.
Source: Chrome for Developers, Lighthouse 11(opens in a new tab)
FIG 04 · Decide
PWA vs native app vs cross-platform
A progressive web app is a website built with service workers and a web app manifest so it can be installed, work offline and re-engage users. It is not always the right answer. Here is how a PWA compares with native and cross-platform apps.
| Progressive web app | Native app (Swift, Kotlin) | Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codebase | One, for web, Android, iPhone and desktop | One per platform | One for iOS and Android, plus a separate website |
| Distribution | The web, plus Google Play via Trusted Web Activity | App Store and Google Play | App Store and Google Play |
| Updates | Instant, on the next visit | Through store review | Through store review, with some over-the-air options |
| Device features | Good and growing; limited on iPhone | Full access | Near-full access |
| Best for | Reach, speed and a single budget | Deep device features and top performance | App-store apps on both platforms with one team |
Many products start as a PWA and add a native or React Native app later. We build all three, so the backend and APIs carry over.
Read React Native vs native (2026)FIG 05 · What you get
Our PWA development services
New builds, conversions, e-commerce PWAs and app-store packaging, from a team that also builds the backend, the APIs and native apps when you need them.
02
Convert your website into a PWA
Add installability, offline pages, caching and performance fixes to an existing React, Next.js or other modern site without a rebuild.
03
E-commerce PWAs
Fast storefronts on headless Shopify or WooCommerce, with cached catalogues and an app-like checkout on mobile.
04
Offline, sync and push notifications
Offline-first data with IndexedDB and the Cache API, sync when the connection returns, and Web Push where the device supports it.
05
App-store packaging
Your PWA packaged for Google Play with a Trusted Web Activity, and honest advice on the App Store, where wrapped websites face strict review.
06
Performance and Core Web Vitals
Real performance targets on Core Web Vitals instead of the retired Lighthouse PWA score, measured on real devices.
Deliverables
12
deliverables, in writing
Included in every build, written into your fixed quote before work starts.
FIG 06 · Use cases
Where a PWA earns its place
PWAs shine when reach, speed and one budget matter more than deep device access.
- Web app manifest
- Service worker
- Cache and IndexedDB
- Web Push
Your PWA
- Android
- iPhone and iPad
- Desktop
- Google Play
Mobile storefronts
- Why a PWA
- Fast repeat visits and an app-like checkout
- Watch for
- Payment and tax flows tested on every device
Field and operations apps
- Why a PWA
- Works on patchy connections, no store install
- Watch for
- Offline data conflicts on sync
Dashboards and portals
- Why a PWA
- Installable reports for staff and clients
- Watch for
- Caching rules for sensitive data
Content and media sites
- Why a PWA
- Offline reading and fast navigation
- Watch for
- Push only after users opt in
MVPs and new products
- Why a PWA
- One codebase to test the idea everywhere
- Watch for
- Plan the native app if device features grow
Booking and loyalty apps
- Why a PWA
- Install from a link or QR code
- Watch for
- Reminders on iPhone need a Home Screen install
FIG 07 · Flagship build
Proof: a web product we designed and engineered
Kenerate AI is our flagship build, an AI image and video studio on the web that we designed and engineered. We don’t present it as a PWA; it shows the front-end and platform engineering we bring to every web app.
- 200+ AI models behind one app, one login and one credit balance
- 23+ studios and tools, with up to 4K output
- MCP & CLI: use Kenerate inside Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor and 19+ AI apps
- 1,000+ projects for 250+ clients since 2015
Tools: 23+ studios with guides for every use caseDesigned and engineered by Elgrith
- AI models in one app
- 200+
- Studios and tools
- 23+
- Maximum output
- 4K
- Guides
- 500+
FIG 08 · iPhone
What PWAs can and can’t do on iPhone (2026)
iPhone support has improved, but it still differs from Android. WebKit added Web Push for Home Screen web apps in iOS and iPadOS 16.4. We tell you plainly what works before you commit.
06principles
Install: yes, by hand
Users add the PWA to the Home Screen from Safari’s Share menu. We design an install guide into the app.
Offline: yes
Service workers and caching work in Safari, so pages and data you choose stay available offline.
Push: Home Screen apps only
Web Push works on iOS and iPadOS 16.4 or later, only once the PWA has been added to the Home Screen and the user opts in.
Background tasks: limited
Background sync is limited on iPhone, so we sync when the app is opened instead of relying on it.
App Store: restrictive
Apple’s review is strict for wrapped websites. If you need the App Store, we usually recommend a native or React Native app.
React Native appsAndroid: the fuller picture
Chrome on Android offers install prompts, push and Google Play distribution through a Trusted Web Activity.
FIG 09 · Measurement
What we measure instead of a “PWA score”
Lighthouse no longer gives a PWA score, and installability rules have changed. These are the checks that matter to your users.
| Check | Why it matters | How we check it |
|---|---|---|
| Core Web Vitals | Speed and responsiveness on real phones | Field data where available, plus lab tests on mid-range devices |
| Installability | Users can add it to their device | Manifest checked; install tested on Android, iPhone and desktop |
| Offline behaviour | The app doesn’t break without signal | Airplane-mode tests of key journeys |
| Push opt-in | Notifications only for people who want them | Opt-in flows tested on Android and iOS 16.4+ |
| Update flow | Users get new versions safely | Service worker update and cache-clearing tests |
| Accessibility | Usable for everyone | Screen reader, contrast and keyboard checks |
FIG 10 · Process · 4 steps
Plan, build, install, improve
A free call, a fixed written quote, sprints with weekly demos, then launch and support. You own the code and IP.
- Step 01
Free call
Your users, devices and goals, and an honest answer on whether a PWA, a native app or both fits.
- Step 02
Fixed written quote
Features, offline scope, push, packaging and devices to test, written into a fixed quote.
- Step 03
Sprints with weekly demos
Built in React or Next.js, with a demo on real phones every week.
- Step 04
Launch and support
Release on the web and Google Play if needed, then updates and support if agreed in scope.
FIG 11 · What you get
Everything included
Written into your fixed quote, so you know exactly what you are paying for before work starts.
12items
- Device and browser support matrix
- Written scope and fixed quote
- React or Next.js PWA
- Web app manifest and icons
- Service worker and caching strategy
- Offline pages and data sync
- Web Push where devices support it
- Install guide for iPhone users
- Google Play package via Trusted Web Activity, if needed
- Performance and accessibility report
- Documentation and handover
- Source code and IP, all yours
FIG 12 · Tech & tools
The tools behind the work
Proven, well-supported tools, chosen for your project and set up in accounts your business owns.
- React
- Next.js
- Vite
- TypeScript
- Workbox
- Service workers
- Web App Manifest
- Cache API
- IndexedDB
- Web Push
- Bubblewrap
- Trusted Web Activity
- Shopify Hydrogen
- WooCommerce
- Lighthouse
- Playwright
FIG 13 · Who it’s for
PWA development for every kind of team.
One codebase, tuned to who uses it and where.
3 audiences
Retail and e-commerce
A store that feels like an app.
Fast repeat visits, cached catalogues and a mobile checkout that keeps working on a weak signal.
- Headless Shopify or WooCommerce
- Install from a link or QR code
- Push for opted-in customers
- Core Web Vitals targets
Startups
Test the idea on every device.
One codebase reaches Android, iPhone and desktop, so your first budget goes on the product, not three apps.
- React or Next.js
- Same backend for a later native app
- Google Play listing via TWA
- Analytics from day one
UK teams
PWA development for UK organisations.
UK projects run through our London client partner, with engineering in New Delhi. We test on the devices and browsers your UK users actually have.
- London client partner
- UK English content
- UK GDPR-aware push and analytics consent
- Accessibility checks built in
FIG 14 · Working with us from the USA and UK
Built in New Delhi. Run on your hours.
Every project gets a point of contact in New York or London and an engineering team in New Delhi. Here is how today’s working days line up, live.
New York
North America
--:--ET
New Delhi team Your working day- Shared working time
- ≈ 3 hours today
- New Delhi is
- 10.5 h ahead
- Live calls, your time
- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET
London
UK & Europe
--:--UK
New Delhi team Your working day- Shared working time
- ≈ 4.5 hours today
- New Delhi is
- 5.5 h ahead
- Live calls, your time
- 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. UK
Three ways to work together
- 01
Fixed-scope project
A written scope, one fixed price and a dated plan. Suits websites, apps and MVPs.
- 02
Dedicated team
Designers and engineers on your roadmap every month, billed monthly.
- 03
White label
For US and UK agencies: our work, your brand, unbranded deliverables.
Every engagement
- Fixed quote in USD, GBP or INR after a free 30-minute call
- NDA before discovery. You own all code, designs and content
- A working demo every sprint, not status slides
- Reply within one business day, calls inside your hours
Book a call
Calls on ET or UK hours
FIG 15 · Capabilities
PWA features on Android, iPhone and desktop
What a PWA can do in 2026, by platform. Support keeps changing, so we re-check it for your project.
| Feature | Android (Chrome) | iPhone and iPad (Safari) | Desktop (Chrome, Edge) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install | Yes, with an install prompt | Yes, from the Share menu | Yes, from the address bar |
| Offline | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web Push | Yes | Home Screen apps on iOS and iPadOS 16.4+ | Yes |
| Background sync | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Store listing | Google Play via Trusted Web Activity | App Store is restrictive | Microsoft Store options |
FIG 16 · Compare
PWA development company or in-house team?
| PWA development company | In-house team | |
|---|---|---|
| Service worker and caching experience | From many builds | Often learnt on your project |
| Device testing | Android, iPhone and desktop matrix | Usually the team’s own phones |
| Backend and APIs | Same team | Separate hires |
| Path to native apps | Same team builds them | New hires |
| Best for | A launch on a fixed budget | Long-term, continuous product work |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about PWA Development with Elgrith.
It depends on the number of screens and features, how much must work offline, whether you need push notifications, payments or integrations, and whether you want a Google Play listing. After a free call you get a written scope and a fixed quote.
FIG 17 · Related
Keep exploring
Web App Development
Portals, dashboards & internal toolsReact & Next.js Development
Fast React and Next.js front endsApp Development
iOS, Android & cross-platformFlutter App Development
One codebase for iOS & AndroidReact Native App Development
Cross-platform apps in React NativeMobile App Maintenance
OS updates, fixes & monitoring
Free 30-minute call
One app. Every device. No app store required.
Tell us who your users are and what they need. After a free call you get an honest PWA-or-native recommendation, a written scope and a fixed quote.
Pick a day for your call
OpenPick a day. You'll choose a time in your own time zone on the next step.