Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) have transformed how users interact with web-based applications, allowing for rich, app-like experiences directly through the browser. Despite their numerous advantages, one significant drawback has been their limited discoverability on app stores. Enter Trusted Web Activities (TWA), an exciting solution that allows developers to package PWAs into native Android apps, making them available on the Google Play Store. This article serves as a quickstart guide to deploying your PWA as a TWA, all while facilitating compliance and accessibility to Android users.
What is Trusted Web Activity (TWA)?
A Trusted Web Activity is essentially a method of running a website in full-screen mode within an Android package. Unlike traditional hybrid apps that use a web view, TWAs offer a seamless experience that fully supports PWAs and allows developers to harness the capabilities of modern web applications, such as local storage and OAuth.
Advantages of Using TWAs
- Seamless Integration: PWAs packaged as TWAs mirror the original app functionalities without needing extra plugins or modifications.
- Automatic Updates: The PWA content is always up-to-date, meaning any changes made to the web app direct reflect in the Android version.
- Easy Deployment: Developers familiar with building PWAs can quickly follow the straightforward steps to release their apps on the Play Store.
Limitations of TWAs
- Platform Specific: Currently, TWAs are specific to the Google Play Store, meaning Apple users are left out of this solution.
- Limited Access to Device Features: While TWAs allow for a broad scope of PWA functionalities, they do not support native device features since they do not provide a plugin ecosystem.
- Compliance with Google Policies: Developers must adhere to Google’s policies for app deployment, which can complicate things, particularly if your app includes payment systems that typically require in-app purchases.