- Bluell
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Why progressive web apps solve problems – Native apps can't in Sweden
- Development
- 9 min Read
- 19 May 2025
If you’ve ever tried to build a native app, you probably already know the pain. Native apps promise great performance and user experience, but they come with hidden challenges. It starts with high development costs and then drags on for weeks (or months) of app store approvals. You spend money on both iOS and Android versions. However, you see slow download speeds and even lower engagement. This situation can hurt your budget.
Not to mention the challenge of convincing users to download yet another app to their phones. But what if there was a smarter way? A way to deliver app-like experiences without all the headaches that come with built-in apps?
This is where progressive web apps (PWA) come into the picture.
PWAs blend the best features of websites and native apps. They provide fast and reliable experiences in the browser. Users don’t need to download anything from an app store.
Here I will go over how PWAs work, why they are growing rapidly in Sweden, and how you can get started with your own PWA, one that really solves your challenges.
Challenges with native apps
Native apps can be a drain on time and money. Even if you’re lucky enough to get approval from both app stores, your app still needs regular maintenance. It requires updates and marketing to stay alive.
Many Swedish users we have met want an app to reach customers, but quickly encounter obstacles:
- High development costs: Creating native apps involves separate app development for iOS and Android. This doubles the effort, and maintaining two code bases increases ongoing costs.
- App Store approval delays: Even after investing time and money, apps can be rejected or stuck waiting in review queues for days or weeks.
- Identification problem: App stores are overcrowded. Finding and downloading your app is a challenge in itself.
- Slow updates: Every change requires you to go through the app store again, which delays bug fixes and improvements.
Here's a quick comparison to put things into perspective:
| Features | Built-in app | Progressive Web App (PWA) |
| Development cost | High (separate iOS and Android) | Lower (simple code base) |
| Rapid rollout | Slow (App Store approval required) | Fast (distributed immediately) |
| Identification | Limited to app stores | Indexed by search engines |
| User installation | Requires download and installation | Immediate use, optional installation |
| Offline access | Yes | Yes |
| Updates | Requires updates from the App Store | Instant updates via the web |
| Performance | High | Almost built-in performance |
What is a progressive web app (PWA)?
A progressive web app (PWA) is a website that works like an app. You can install it on your device, use it offline, receive push notifications, and access it through your browser. But unlike native apps, PWAs don’t need to go through an app store and can be updated instantly.
It is fast, light and powerful.
This is what it looks like in practice:
Screenshot:
User opens a website → sees the “Install app” prompt → app launches full screen → works offline on next visit.
In Sweden, this approach is gaining momentum. According to WMTips, around 77.9% of apps used in Sweden today are PWAs – proof that users here are embracing the benefits.
5 Real Problems PWAs Can Solve for You
Here are the problems that PWA can solve for you:
1. App Store Fatigue
If users don’t want to download another app, they can “install” the app from the browser. This doesn’t require approval from Apple or Google.
2. High development costs
If you are currently building and maintaining two separate apps for iOS and Android, you are spending twice as much time, effort, and budget.
With PWA, you can use one codebase that works across devices, browsers, and operating systems. You no longer have to juggle two teams or synchronize feature updates.
3. Poor SEO and discoverability
One of the biggest problems with native apps is that they don’t appear in Google search results. This means that even if someone searches for your solution, your app will remain hidden unless they stumble upon it in the App Store.
PWAs solve this by being indexable, just like regular websites. So when someone Googles a product or service related to your business, your PWA can show up and start driving organic traffic right away.
4. Slow updates
One of the most frustrating parts of managing a native app is dealing with app store approvals. Every time you want to release a new feature, you’re stuck waiting, sometimes for days, for the update to go live.
With a PWA, that delay disappears. You can push updates instantly, just like you would on a regular website. No reviews, no queues, and your users always get the latest version the moment they open the app.
5. Offline access
Native apps usually require a heavy download upfront, and traditional websites simply stop working when you’re offline.
PWA caches the most important parts of your app, so users can still browse, fill out forms, or check data even when the connection is lost.
Why Swedish companies are already making the shift
Sweden’s digital economy requires speed, efficiency and inclusion. Market data shows a clear upward trend.
Statistics Sweden and DataDuctus write the following:
- 42% of Swedish small and medium-sized businesses are investigating alternatives to PWA.
- Businesses reported 28% lower total cost of ownership with PWA-based platforms.
- Retailers using PWAs noticed a 53% increase in mobile conversions within 3 months.
When you combine local browser support (Sweden has one of the highest Chrome usage rates in the EU) with fast 4G/5G coverage, PWAs are a natural match.
And the best part? You reach users on iOS, Android, and desktop without waiting for approvals or bloated updates.
Do you need a custom progressive web app that solves real-world problems?
If you’re ready to reduce costs, reach more users, and accelerate the launch of your app, a progressive web app might be the right solution.
At Bluell, we offer free calls to discuss your project and explore how a customized PWA can meet your needs. Our expert team delivers fast delivery, clear communication in Swedish or English, and proven strategies to help you succeed.
Book your free call today and take the first step towards smarter app development.
Closing thoughts
Progressive web apps are not just a trendy option, they are practical tools that solve the very real problems that native apps often create for you in Sweden. By choosing progressive web apps (PWAs), you can save money and speed up deployment. It also allows you to connect with customers in efficient and effective ways. Investing in a PWA can open up new opportunities for you and make your digital strategy more flexible and scalable.
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