What is Magento 2 PWA (Progressive Web Apps)?

• Key Takeaways: What you’ll uncover in this article

• What is Magento PWA?

• Why do Ecommerce Platforms like Magento Enable PWA Creation?

• Benefits of Magento 2 PWA

• How to Integrate Progressive Web App - PWA Storefront in Magento 2?

• What are the Challenges of using Magento Progressive Web Application?

• Which Methods are used to Develop a Magento PWA Site?

• Popular Magento PWA Studio Solutions

• Alternatives PWA Solutions for Native App Experience

• What are the Magento PWA Development Costs?

• Magento PWA or Native App?

• Summary

Key Takeaways: What you’ll uncover in this article

• Learn about the world of Magento 2 PWA: the key to mobile-friendly ecommerce success.
• Discover why platforms like Magento open source and Adobe Commerce embrace PWA for a seamless shopping experience.
• Unveil the perks of Magento PWA: lightning-fast load times, enhanced UX, and more.
• Master the essential PWA components. It includes service workers, web app manifest, and app shell architecture.
• Explore diverse PWA development options. Extensions, frameworks, and themes tailored to your needs.
• Compare top Magento progressive web app solutions: Magento PWA Studio, Scandi PWA, and their pros and cons.
• Get the scoop on Magento PWA development costs and factors influencing the price tag.
• Differences between Magento 2 PWA and native apps.

What is Magento PWA?

Magento PWA (progressive web app) combines the best aspects of traditional websites and native mobile apps. It provides a seamless user experience. You get rapid loading, offline access, and the ability to send push notifications.

Magento 2 PWAs are designed to work across various devices. It gives businesses a cost-effective way to improve many Magento stores.

One Case study example of Magento 2 PWA is Ali Express:

Progressive Web App benefits for Business (AliExpress Case)

• Performance: AliExpress 74% increase in time spent per session across all browsers
• Conversion Rate: AliExpress increases the conversion rate for new users by 104%
• Engagement: AliExpress increased page visits by 200% after upgrading to PWA

Eleganza Magento PWA Case Study

Let’s look at Eleganza, a renowned high-end fashion retailer in the Netherlands. It recognized the need to enhance its mobile shopping experience, as 90% of its customers access the online storefront through mobile devices.

Eleganza transitioned to Magento 2.x and embraced Progressive Web App (PWA) to transform its mobile presence. The new Magento PWA storefront has significantly improved user experience, positioning the brand at the forefront of the market and ensuring long-term success.

Examine the illustration in the Eleganza Magento PWA (progressive web apps) case study -

• Responsive site optimized for mobile apps users.
• Menu, cart, and account areas are easily accessible at the top right corner.
• Icon-based sections for a cleaner look.
• Conveniently placed search bar.
• "First view" screen with essential data.
• Well-designed category and product pages with user-friendly UX and UI.
• Simple filters and easily scrollable gallery images.
• Thumb-reachable interface for seamless navigation.

Why do Ecommerce Platforms like Magento Enable PWA Creation?

Ecommerce platforms like Magento prioritize PWA creation to stay competitive. It helps cater to the evolving needs of online businesses.

It ensures that the users can benefit from the best features of both native applications and websites.

One of the main reasons behind this focus is the rapid growth of mobile commerce. More than 73% of all ecommerce sales are made using mobile phones. With more people shopping on their mobile device, it has become crucial to optimize their websites for mobile users.

PWAs offer an optimal solution, as they deliver a native app experience on mobile devices.

Progressive web apps also helps the Magento store owner improve the store’s search engine rankings. It is designed to be fast-loading and mobile-friendly, which are essential factors considered by search engines when ranking websites.

Benefits of Magento 2 PWA

• Improved user experience: PWA offers a seamless browsing experience, similar to a native applications.

• Faster loading times: With PWA, your storefront loads quickly, leading to better customer satisfaction and higher conversion rates.

• Works on various devices: Prpgressive web apps is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.

• Supports push notifications: You can send push notifications to your customers, keeping them engaged with your store.

• Lightweight: PWAs consume less storage space compared to native app. It makes them a more convenient option for users who visit the store.

• Add-to-Home-Screen: PWAs eliminate the need to install apps from marketplaces. It allows users to access the storefront directly from their browser. They can even save the link on their home screen.

• App-like experience: Native app like experience with exceptional speed and UX features

• Cost-effective: PWA development is typically less expensive than creating separate native app for Android and iOS.

How to Integrate Progressive Web App - PWA Storefront in Magento 2?

Requirements for Magento2 PWA

• Service Worker Cache: They enable offline access, push notifications, and faster loading times.
• Web App Manifest: The JSON file defines how the PWA should behave when installed on a device.
• App Shell Architecture: It provides a skeleton for your PWA, ensuring a smooth user experience.
• HTTPS: Your PWA must be hosted on a secure Magento server.

Selection of PWA Solution

The initial step in integrating PWA for Magento 2 is selecting a Progressive web app solution. You can opt for a third-party solution for the Adobe Commerce and Magento 2 PWA Studio.

It offers seamless development, deployment, and management of your PWA storefront in Magento 2.

Integrating PWA into Magento 2

The final step is the integration of PWA into Magento 2. It involves creating a PWA project, configuring it, and deploying it to your website.

While the process can be challenging, the PWA for Magento 2 Studio streamlines it, making it manageable.

Check the Guide: How to Install PWA Studio in Magento 2.4.

What are the Challenges of using Magento Progressive Web Application?

• Developing Magento PWA may be time-consuming but cost-effective in the long run.
• Access to hardware features is limited compared to native apps.
• Progressive web app have limitations in accessing GPS, camera, contact list, calendar, and mobile conversions.
• Push notifications may not work on iOS devices.
• Cached files may disappear without an internet connection.

Which Methods are used to Develop a Magento PWA Site?

1. Magento 2 PWA Extensions: Install various extensions to enhance your store's functionality and responsiveness.

2. Magento 2 PWA Frameworks: Use frameworks like React.js, Vue.js, or Angular.js to create a custom PWA from scratch.

3. Magento PWA Theme: Convert your Magento store into a PWA using pre-designed themes and coding tools.

Popular Magento PWA Studio Solutions

1. Magento PWA Studio: An official Magento toolkit for developers, offering pre-made components and front-end architecture.

2. Scandi PWA: An open-source, ready-to-use PWA Magento 2 theme. It provides various functionalities and components for developers to customize.

Alternatives PWA Solutions for Native App Experience

Want more alternatives for developing a PWA storefront? Here are five popular providers for Magento 2 PWA studio project:

1. Vue Storefront: An open-source framework that uses Vue.js for building user interfaces. It may be difficult to develop and maintain since the theme lacks documentation. It also doesn't guarantee compatibility with future Magento updates.

2. CedCommerce: An ecommerce platform that uses ReactJS, GraphQL, and PWA Studio. It constantly upgrades to provide a better user experience.

3. SimiCart: A free service with a responsive PWA theme. It offers to speed up loading time, boost SEO and provide an app-like experience. It's based on Magento PWA Studio.

4. Tigren PWA: A Magento 2 PWA theme that provides all the necessary features for high-quality Magento storefront functions. It's based on Magento PWA Studio, ensuring compatibility with future Magento upgrades.

5. GoMage: A Magento 2 PWA theme with a drag-and-drop builder. You can easily customize your store. It integrates with Google Analytics and offers features for online promotions.

These PWA solutions support push notifications and can be installed on both Android and iOS devices. They provide an app-like experience and can work in offline mode.

What are the Magento PWA Development Costs?

The cost of developing a Magento PWA varies based on your requirements. It also depends on the development agency you choose.

On average, the hourly rate ranges from $25 to $70. The total development time can range from 1,000 to 2,000 hours.

Magento PWA or Native App?

In this section, let's compare Magento 2 PWA with native apps to help you make an informed decision for your ecommerce platform.

Feature	Magento 2 PWA	Native Apps
Operating System Support	iOS and Android	Specific to OS (iOS/Android)
Installation	Add to home screen	Download from app store
Updates	Automatic	Manual (via app store)
Flexibility & Sharing	High	Limited
Offline Access	Yes	Depends on the native apps
Development & Maintenance Cost	Lower	Higher (separate apps for iOS and Android)

Magento 2 PWA offers a more cost-effective, flexible, and accessible solution compared to native apps. Embrace this technology to enhance your mobile commerce and stay ahead in the competitive market.

Summary

Magento 2 PWA delivers various benefits, including an app-like experience, fast loading times, and cross-device compatibility at an affordable cost. Explore different development approaches and solutions, and consider expert advice for your Magento stores.

Don't miss the chance to enhance your mobile commerce with Magento 2 PWA. Stay informed with our Magento news blog!