After years of anticipation and speculation, Apple has finally brought support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to its iOS platform. This announcement has been met with excitement and relief from developers who have long been waiting for this functionality to be available on iPhones and iPads.

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Hatched by Glasp

Aug 16, 2023

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After years of anticipation and speculation, Apple has finally brought support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) to its iOS platform. This announcement has been met with excitement and relief from developers who have long been waiting for this functionality to be available on iPhones and iPads.

For those who are unfamiliar with PWAs, they are a new type of web application that combines the best features of both native apps and traditional websites. PWAs are built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but they can be installed on a user's device and accessed from their home screen, just like a native app.

The introduction of PWAs on iOS is a significant development because, until now, Apple has been known for its strict policies and limitations when it comes to app distribution on its platform. This has often been a point of frustration for developers, as they were forced to either build native apps or settle for a limited web experience on iOS.

However, with the arrival of PWAs on iOS, developers now have a new option that allows them to create engaging and immersive experiences for users without having to go through the App Store approval process. This means that they can iterate and deploy new features more quickly, resulting in a better user experience overall.

One company that has already seen the benefits of PWAs on iOS is Netflix. In an interview, the CEO of Netflix revealed that it took them 18 months to find true product-market fit (PMF). During this time, they experimented with various ideas and features, but none of them seemed to resonate with users. It wasn't until they tested the unlikely combination of no due dates, no late fees, and a subscription model that they finally found success.

The turning point for Netflix came when users started reaching out to them, asking if they could pay for the service. This was a clear indication that they had created something that people wanted and were willing to pay for. From that moment on, Netflix knew they had found PMF.

Another company that experienced a similar revelation was GitHub. The co-founder of GitHub recalls the moment when his mother booked her first Airbnb and he realized they had something special. This anecdote highlights the importance of the "mom test" – the idea that if your own mother understands and enjoys using your product, then you're onto something good.

These success stories demonstrate that finding PMF is not always an immediate process. It can take months or even years of iteration and experimentation to get there. However, by focusing on three key elements – making a product that people want, delivering it profitably at scale, and finding and retaining customers sustainably – companies can increase their chances of finding PMF.

Now that PWAs are available on iOS, developers have a new tool at their disposal to help them in their quest for PMF. By building PWAs, they can create a seamless and immersive experience for users that combines the best of both native apps and traditional websites. This can lead to increased engagement, higher user retention, and ultimately, the elusive PMF.

Before concluding this article, let's take a moment to highlight three actionable pieces of advice for companies looking to find PMF:

  1. Iterate and experiment: Don't be afraid to try new ideas and features. It's through experimentation and iteration that you'll eventually stumble upon the winning combination that resonates with users.

  2. Listen to your users: Pay attention to what your users are saying and asking for. Their feedback can provide valuable insights and help guide your product development efforts.

  3. Keep the mom test in mind: If your product is something that your own mother would enjoy using and understand, chances are you're onto something good. Don't underestimate the power of simplicity and ease of use.

In conclusion, the arrival of PWAs on iOS is a game-changer for developers who have long been waiting for this functionality. With PWAs, they can create engaging and immersive experiences for users without having to go through the App Store approval process. By focusing on the key elements of finding PMF and following the actionable advice provided, companies can increase their chances of success in the ever-evolving world of technology and product development.

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