Mobile app or web app: what's the difference for your project

Two approaches, two different promises

A native app is installed from a store (App Store, Google Play) and has access to a device's deeper capabilities: push notifications, camera, sensors. A web app runs in a browser, requires no installation, and updates instantly for every user with no store validation step.

Usage determines the right choice

For a tool used daily, with a need for notifications or offline functionality, native generally remains the better option. For a tool used occasionally, or aimed at a broad audience that may not want to install yet another app, a well-designed web app reduces the friction of access.

Different cost and maintenance implications

A native app generally requires separate development and maintenance for iOS and Android, as well as store validation delays with every update. A single web app runs on every device and updates immediately, at the cost of more limited access to a device's native features.

The PWA, a middle ground worth considering

A Progressive Web App combines some of the advantages of both worlds: installable straight from the browser without going through a store, capable of working offline and sending notifications to some extent, while still remaining a single codebase to maintain. It suits many projects that don't need the full range of native capabilities.