(Progressive Web Apps)
One codebase.
Web, desktop,
and mobile.
WebAnts builds progressive web apps (PWAs) that work offline, install on any device, and send push notifications, without the cost and complexity of separate native apps for iOS and Android.
(What a PWA gives you)
Six capabilities your
website currently lacks.
Offline-first
Service workers cache assets and data so your app works with zero connectivity. Background sync queues actions made offline and replays them when reconnected.
Installable
Web App Manifest configuration lets users install directly from the browser, no App Store friction. Appears on the home screen with your icon, splash screen, and standalone UI.
Push Notifications
Re-engage users with timely, relevant push notifications via the Web Push API, without requiring a native app download or App Store approval.
Near-native Performance
Service worker pre-caching, background fetch, and IndexedDB local storage deliver sub-second interactions even on 3G connections.
Trusted Web Activity
Wrap your PWA in a Trusted Web Activity (TWA) to publish to the Google Play Store, full app-store distribution without maintaining a separate codebase.
Automatic Updates
Service worker update strategies push new versions silently in the background. Users always have the latest app without manual App Store updates.
(Services)
Everything from
architecture to app store.
01
PWA Architecture & Planning
Service worker strategy, caching topology, offline data model, and sync architecture planned before build, so offline behaviour works correctly from day one.
02
Service Worker Development
Custom service workers using Workbox, cache strategies (stale-while-revalidate, cache-first, network-only), background sync, periodic background sync, and graceful degradation.
03
Offline Data & Background Sync
IndexedDB local storage with Dexie.js, optimistic UI updates, and background sync queues for form submissions, file uploads, and API calls made while offline.
04
Web Push Notifications
Push notification server setup (VAPID keys), permission request flows, notification payloads, action buttons, and analytics, with unsubscribe flows to maintain opt-in quality.
05
App Installation UX
Optimised Web App Manifest, smart install prompts (triggered on meaningful engagement, not immediately), and app-like navigation patterns that feel native on iOS and Android.
06
Performance Optimisation
Lighthouse PWA audit to 100 score, HTTPS, service worker, installability, and all performance criteria met. Core Web Vitals verified before and after build.
07
TWA & Play Store Submission
Trusted Web Activity setup, Digital Asset Links verification, Play Store listing creation, screenshots, and submission, your PWA in the Google Play Store.
08
PWA Audits & Retrofits
Audit an existing web app for PWA compliance and retrofit service workers, manifest, and offline capability to a site that wasn't originally built with PWA in mind.
From idea to live site in four steps.
Milestone payments — you see progress weekly and own every deliverable the moment it's completed.
Discovery Call & Flat Quote
Every project starts with a free 30-minute call — no pitch deck, no jargon. We ask the right questions about your goals, your audience and your budget, then deliver a written flat-fee proposal within 24 hours. You know the full cost before we touch a single wireframe.
- Free 30-minute strategy call
- Digital brief and business goal analysis
- Written flat-fee quote within 24 hours
- No hourly rates, no scope creep surprises
- Platform and technology recommendation included
(FAQ)
Progressive web apps,
demystified.
What is a progressive web app?
A progressive web app (PWA) is a web application built with modern browser APIs to deliver app-like experiences, offline access, push notifications, home screen installation, and fast performance, without requiring a native app download. PWAs run in the browser but can be installed on any device, work offline, and receive push notifications like a native iOS or Android app.
Can a PWA replace a native mobile app?
For many use cases, yes. If your app needs offline access, push notifications, and home screen installation, a PWA covers those requirements for a fraction of the cost and maintenance burden of separate iOS and Android codebases. PWAs cannot access all native device APIs (Bluetooth, NFC, advanced camera controls), for those, native or React Native is still required. We advise honestly based on your specific feature requirements.
Does Apple support PWAs on iPhone?
Yes, with limitations. iOS Safari supports service workers, Web App Manifests, and home screen installation. Push notifications on iOS require iOS 16.4+ and the user must install the PWA to their home screen first. Some PWA features (Background Sync, some notification types) are not yet supported on iOS Safari. We test across iOS and Android and clearly document any per-platform differences.
Can we publish a PWA to the App Store?
You can publish a PWA to the Google Play Store using Trusted Web Activity (TWA), a wrapper that lets the Play Store distribute your PWA as a listed app. Apple's App Store requires a native wrapper (WKWebView) which is technically a hybrid app, not a pure PWA distribution. We handle TWA setup and Play Store submission as a standard PWA deliverable.
How much does PWA development cost?
Retrofitting PWA features (service worker, manifest, offline cache) to an existing web app typically costs £3,000–£8,000. A new PWA built from scratch with offline sync, push notifications, and TWA typically costs £10,000–£25,000. Complex offline-first apps with background sync and rich push cost £20,000–£50,000+. Flat written quote after a free discovery call.
How is a PWA different from a regular website?
A regular website requires an internet connection, can't be installed on a home screen, and can't send push notifications. A PWA adds a service worker (for offline access and caching), a Web App Manifest (for installability), and HTTPS (required for both). The underlying technology is the same, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, but the browser APIs used elevate it to near-native capability.
(Start here)
Free 30-min call.
Flat quote.
No prepayment.
Tell us what you need. We’ll come to the call prepared, with a view on approach, tech, and timeline before we even speak.
Client stories
4.9★ across Google, Clutch & Upwork. 100+ projects. 14 countries.
“WebAnts built something better than I'd ever imagined — shipped faster than any agency I've worked with.”
LaTisha Ebanks North Pointe Marketing
Dr. Nadish Ravindran
Founder · Elite Scholars
“The team were methodical, fast and honest. Exactly what we needed. No surprises, just results.”
Guillaume Etlin Bro Bread
“We ranked #1 in three London postcodes within 90 days of launching with WebAnts. The ROI has been remarkable.”
Ahmed Hassan Papa Doner
Rachel Piccoli
Founder & CEO · Humming Bliss Acres
“WebAnts delivered our marketing site faster than any agency we'd worked with before. Clean build, great communication throughout.”
Patrick Bishop ReRoute Americas
“Incredible attention to detail. The site launched under budget and our leads doubled in the first month.”
Tom Walker Access Super
“WebAnts built something better than I'd ever imagined — shipped faster than any agency I've worked with.”
LaTisha Ebanks North Pointe Marketing
Dr. Nadish Ravindran
Founder · Elite Scholars
“Incredible attention to detail. The site launched under budget and our leads doubled in the first month.”
Tom Walker Access Super
“The team were methodical, fast and honest. Exactly what we needed. No surprises, just results.”
Guillaume Etlin Bro Bread
“We ranked #1 in three London postcodes within 90 days of launching with WebAnts. The ROI has been remarkable.”
Ahmed Hassan Papa Doner
“WebAnts delivered our marketing site faster than any agency we'd worked with before. Clean build, great communication throughout.”
Patrick Bishop ReRoute Americas
Rachel Piccoli
Founder & CEO · Humming Bliss Acres
Verified ratings
WebAnts is a London progressive web app (PWA) development agency. We build offline-first web apps with service workers, push notifications, home screen installation, and Play Store distribution via Trusted Web Activity. Based in London, serving clients across the UK and worldwide. 4.9★ rated on Google and Clutch.