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Apps have been a core component of the smartphone experience since the very beginning.
They’ve only gotten better over the years, but so have web browsers.
You probably don’t need as many native apps as you think—web apps are great.
Joe Fedewa / How-To Geek
What Is a Web App?
There’s a difference between a web app and a mobile website.
Many websites have versions specifically for mobile browsers, but they aren’t necessarily web apps.
A website has mostly static content, whereas a web app is designed more for user interaction.
A web app opens in its own instance, separate from the web internet tool it’s running on.
That’s why it feels closer to a native app.
The web app works inside a web client, meaning there’s nothing extra to download.
Web apps are also super easy to update.
Typically, the updates are rolled out without you even noticing.
Simply launching the web app will load the most recent version.
Since web apps run in the online window, they’re great for maximizing the storage on your phone.
Native apps take up more space and download files as you use them.
Web apps are mostly cloud-based, so they don’t rely on as many files on your actual equipment.
Easy Sign In
Speaking of the web client, that leads to another advantage of web apps.
I don’t need to rely on a system-wide autofill service.
All of my information is already saved in the internet tool.
Signing in is a breeze since I already use the website on my synced desktop net net app.
Notifications Have Gotten Better
One area where native apps have traditionally had an advantage is notifications.
The good news isweb apps have drastically improved notifications now.
you might use a web app without worrying about missing notifications.
Some websites will notify you that they can be installed as web apps.
Simply tap the message, and you’ll be able to “Install” it on your home screen.
Tap the share button in Safari to bring up the menu.
Scroll down and tap “Add to Home Screen.”
Rename the shortcut if you’d like, then tap “Add” in the top-right corner.
Websites that are not web apps will simply open a new tab in Safari.
In Chrome, tap the three-dot icon found in the top-right corner.
If the website is a web app, you’ll see the option to “Install” it.
This will add the web app to your app drawer along with all the other apps on your phone.
That’s all there is to it.
Web apps have gotten so much better over the years.
It’s simply an easier, more lightweight experience.
Give it a try if you haven’t yet.
