Ask HN: What's the status of the web vs. mobile app debate?

#1

Post by olivier-tille » Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 5:53 AM UTC

It's 2023 and web app capabilities are increasing at high speed.

Have any major companies or organizations moved to a web app only model yet ? (meaning not packaging an app for any app store)

What's the current reasoning behind explicitly made choices ?

Have you found any good resources on that subject recently ?

Re: Ask HN: What's the status of the web vs. mobile app debate?

#2

Post by not_your_vase » Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 5:56 AM UTC

Webapp doesn't need approval from appstores. You publish it and update it anytime you want, with any kind of content. Mobile apps need the blessing from both Apple App-Pope and the Google App-Anti-Pope. If your application can fully function as a webapp, there are hardly any incentives I can think of to make it a mobile app.

Re: Ask HN: What's the status of the web vs. mobile app debate?

#3

Post by tamimio » Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 7:34 AM UTC

Webapps subscriptions are usually cheaper since Apple/Google don’t take a cut.

Re: Ask HN: What's the status of the web vs. mobile app debate?

#4

Post by beardyw » Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 8:09 AM UTC

There's no secret sauce in web apps. Everything is on view and easily copyable. That may be a disincentive to some. On the other hand they are simple to build.

Re: Ask HN: What's the status of the web vs. mobile app debate?

#5

Post by beardyw » Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 8:58 AM UTC

beardyw wrote: post #4

There's no secret sauce in web apps. Everything is on view and easily copyable. That may be a disincentive to some. On the other hand they are simple to build.

... and not all browsers support them.

Re: Ask HN: What's the status of the web vs. mobile app debate?

#6

Post by john_the_writer » Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 10:26 AM UTC

beardyw wrote: post #4

There's no secret sauce in web apps. Everything is on view and easily copyable. That may be a disincentive to some. On the other hand they are simple to build.

Not actually all that different than android apps. These are very easy to look at. The back end is where the real power of most websites sit. Same with most apps. The "client" is typically a small bit.