Page type: Blog :: Post

Author: The Last One

Published on: 01/25/2026

Post: Progressive Web App (PWA) – a modern alternative to native applications

Category: General

Index: Redirect

Word count: 692

Reading time: 4 min

Difficulty:

Tags: progressive web app • pwa • pwa app • web app • pwa benefits • modern web applications • mobile app • pwa ios • pwa android • pwa install • pwa performance • secure web app • manifest

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# Progressive Web App (PWA) – a modern alternative to native applications

Progressive Web App (PWA) is a modern technology that combines the advantages of a traditional website and a mobile application. It allows a website to be transformed into an application that users can “install” on their device, use in full-screen mode, have its own icon, and in many cases use even offline.

PWA is precisely the approach we have chosen at olaao in order to offer users the maximum possible functionality while maintaining a minimal fee.

Why do we offer PWA in olaao only in the paid version?

PWA support is not just about creating an icon or a few files. A high-quality PWA requires:

- a properly configured application manifest

- a secure HTTPS environment

- performance and cache optimization

- long-term maintenance and updates

For this reason, PWA in olaao is available in the paid version for 1 USD per month. This fee allows us to ensure a stable, secure, and long-term sustainable solution without introducing advertisements or limiting functionality.

Why is it not realistic to offer a native application?

Many people ask why they do not receive a “classic” mobile application from the App Store or Google Play for their page. The answer is simple.

The development and operation of native applications involves:

- two separate applications (Android and iOS)

- constant changes and updates of operating systems

- regular approval processes in app stores

- higher costs for development, testing, and maintenance

The philosophy of olaao is to offer maximum possibilities for free or for a minimal fee. Maintaining native applications for two different ecosystems at a price of 1 USD per month is not sustainable in the long term if the solution is to remain high-quality and stable.

Another factor is the number of applications. With a high number of applications, we would not be able to guarantee that the App Store or Google Play would approve your application, even if it were technically correct.

PWA is therefore a reasonable compromise that makes it possible to offer most of the benefits of a mobile application without extreme costs.

How PWA installation works on Android:

On Android devices, PWA works very naturally. If a page is prepared as a PWA:

- the system automatically offers the option to install it

- the application behaves like a standard mobile application

- it appears on the home screen and in the application list

For users, the entire process is simple and intuitive.

How PWA works on iOS and why it is different

On Apple devices (iPhone, iPad), the situation is different. Due to iOS system restrictions:

- automatic PWA installation is not available

- the user must manually choose “Add to Home Screen” in the Safari browser

- the application then behaves similarly to Android

This limitation is not a technical decision made by olaao, but a restriction of the iOS system itself, which applies to all PWA applications without exception.

Why is PWA the best path for the average user?

The goal of olaao is to offer users maximum possibilities at minimal cost. PWA allows us to:

- keep the price low

- provide a modern user experience

- avoid advertisements and hidden fees

- ensure the long-term sustainability of the platform

PWA is not a compromise born of necessity, but a deliberately chosen solution that makes sense both technically and economically.

How to set up PWA in your administration panel

1. An active olaao subscription is required.

2. In the Settings → PWA section, upload the application icon. We recommend uploading an icon with a transparent background. The system will then automatically add a black background. The icon should have a minimum resolution of 512×512 px.

3. Enter the application name and the short name. The short name is displayed under the application icon on the home screen or in the application list, while the full name is displayed when the application is launched.

4. Activate the PWA and save the changes.

olaao will automatically generate and configure all required dependencies in the background to ensure proper PWA functionality on mobile devices.

# Note

In the Appearance → Menu → General section, you can show or hide the PWA and move the PWA installer into the menu. This discreet approach allows visitors to browse your page without unnecessary distractions.

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