Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) vs. Native Mobile Health Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) use cutting-edge web technologies to offer a user experience akin to that of native apps. They are designed to work on any device with a web browser, providing accessibility across multiple platforms without requiring separate development efforts. PWAs can be accessed through URLs and offer features like offline functionality and push notifications, making them a versatile option for developing health apps.

1. COMPARING
PROGRESSIVE WEB APPS
AND
NATIVE MOBILE APPS
FOR
HEALTH APPS

2. User Experience and Performance
When it comes to user experience and performance,
native mobile apps often hold the edge. Native apps
are optimized for the specific platform they are
designed for, resulting in faster loading times and
smoother interactions.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), while improving in
performance, may not always match the efficiency of
native mobile apps. PWAs are designed to work across
different platforms, which can sometimes lead to
variations in performance.

3. PWAs offer significant advantages in terms
of accessibility. Since they are accessed
through web browsers, they can be used on
virtually any device with internet
connectivity.
Health apps developed as native apps can store data
locally and synchronize it seamlessly when
connectivity is restored, making them ideal for
applications requiring extensive offline
functionality.
Accessibility and Offline Capabilities

4. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) generally
involve lower costs due to a single
codebase that works across all
platforms.
Native mobile apps, however, require
separate development efforts for iOS
and Android platforms, which can
significantly increase both costs and
development time.
Development Costs and Timeframes

5. With PWAs, maintenance and updates are
simplified thanks to their single codebase
management. Updates can be rolled out instantly
without requiring user intervention, ensuring that
all users have access to the latest features and
improvements.
Native mobile apps require updates to be submitted to
app stores, where they must undergo review processes.
This can lead to delays in getting updates to users and
potential version fragmentation.
Maintenance and Updates

6. Native mobile apps excel in integrating with
device features such as GPS, camera, and
sensors. This deep integration is particularly
beneficial for health apps that need to leverage
these functionalities for tasks like tracking
physical activity or monitoring health metrics.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have limited access
to some of these advanced device features due to
browser restrictions. Although recent
advancements have improved PWA capabilities,
they still may not fully match the integration level
offered by native mobile apps.
Integration with Device Features

7. Security and privacy are critical in health app
development. Native mobile apps can
implement robust security measures and
leverage platform-specific encryption
protocols to protect sensitive health data.
PWAs use HTTPS and service workers for secure data
transmission, but they may face additional security
challenges due to their web-based nature. Ensuring that
PWAs meet the necessary security standards is crucial
for health apps dealing with sensitive patient
information.
Security and Privacy

8. User Engagement and App Store Presence
Native mobile apps benefit from being
listed in app stores, which enhances
visibility and credibility. Users are more
likely to trust and engage with health
apps that have a presence in reputable
app stores.
PWAs, while not listed in app stores, can
still engage users through web
notifications and home screen icons.
Although they may not have the same
level of visibility, PWAs provide a
convenient and accessible option for
users.

9. OUR CONTACT
Email Adress
[email protected]
Website
www.emorphis.health
Ready to enhance your health app? Contact us to
discover whether Progressive Web Apps or Native
Mobile Apps are right for your needs!