Native vs PWA: Which Mobile App Type Is Better for Shopify?

Mobile commerce is not just the future, it is the present. More than 70% of Shopify traffic comes from mobile devices, and shoppers expect seamless experiences whether they are browsing or buying. For Shopify merchants, the debate is no longer about whether mobile matters, but which type of mobile experience will actually drive conversions: native apps or progressive web apps (PWAs).

Each option has clear strengths and weaknesses. Native apps deliver performance and credibility but require more investment. PWAs are easier to adopt, more affordable, and SEO-friendly but have some limitations. Choosing the wrong one can lead to wasted development spend, poor adoption, or lost revenue.

In this guide, we will break down both approaches in detail, compare them side by side, and show you how leading Shopify brands are using them in 2025. If you are still unsure whether your store even needs a mobile app, read our guide on why your Shopify store needs a mobile app

What Is a Native App?

A native app is software built for a specific operating system, typically Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Kotlin or Java for Android. You download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, install it, and it lives on your device.

Strengths of Native Apps for Shopify

• Performance: Native apps are compiled for the device, which means smoother scrolling, animations, and interactions.

• Deep device integration: Features like geofencing, NFC payments, push notifications, GPS, and cross-app communication are fully supported.

• Brand trust: Being listed in app stores gives your brand credibility. Customers often equate a store-listed app with professionalism.

• Monetization options: You can offer in-app purchases, subscriptions, or premium features directly through app store systems.

• Security: App store reviews, certificate pinning, and tighter sandboxing make native apps more resistant to common attacks.

Apple provides detailed guidelines on publishing native apps in the App Store.

Weaknesses of Native Apps

• Higher cost: You need separate development for iOS and Android or a cross-platform tool like React Native or Flutter. Updates also require ongoing effort.

• Approval delays: Every update must go through Apple and Google’s review processes.

• Install friction: Most users download very few new apps. Convincing someone to download and install your app is often harder than getting them to browse your mobile site.

What Is a Progressive Web App (PWA)?

A progressive web app (PWA) is a website enhanced with modern web technologies like service workers, HTTPS, and web app manifests to deliver app-like experiences. Users can save it to their home screen with a single tap, bypassing app stores altogether.

Strengths of PWAs for Shopify

• Speed: Service workers allow for aggressive caching, so PWAs often load instantly, even on slower connections.

• Discoverability: PWAs are indexed by Google and can rank just like any other website, bringing in organic traffic.

• Frictionless adoption: Users do not need to download from an app store. “Add to Home Screen” makes it a one-step process.

• Lower development cost: One codebase works across devices and browsers.

• Instant updates: No app store approval cycles. Fix a bug or push a feature and it is live immediately.

To explore app capabilities in more detail, see our blog on top Shopify mobile app features

Weaknesses of PWAs

• Limited device access: iOS still restricts features like push notifications and offline access. Advanced features like NFC or deep geofencing are not fully available.

• Perception: Some users do not consider PWAs “real apps” because they are not downloaded from app stores.

• Security reliance: While HTTPS makes them secure, they lack the extra gatekeeping and trust signals that app stores enforce.

Why Native vs PWA Matters for Shopify Stores A Comparison

This table shows the tradeoffs clearly: native apps are about power and perception, while PWAs are about speed and reach.

When to Choose a Native App for Shopify

A native app makes sense if:

• You are a medium to large Shopify brand with the budget to support both iOS and Android builds.

• You want deep integration with device features like geofencing, NFC, AR, or biometric authentication.

• Brand credibility matters and being in app stores signals legitimacy.

• You are planning in-app monetization strategies or subscription models.

• You need stronger security and compliance for handling sensitive customer data.

When to Choose a PWA for Shopify

A PWA makes sense if:

• You are a small to mid-sized store looking for affordable mobile optimization.

• SEO and organic discoverability are critical to your growth strategy.

• You want the lowest friction for users with no downloads required.

• Your store requires frequent updates, and you do not want to wait for app store approvals.

• You want a fast global reach, especially in regions with slow networks.

According to Google Developers on PWAs, these apps are designed to be reliable, fast, and engaging across devices.

The Omnichannel Approach: Why Many Brands Use Both

Forward-thinking Shopify brands are blending the two approaches. Here is how:

• PWA for reach and acquisition: New visitors find your store on Google, browse quickly, and save it to their home screen.

• Native app for loyalty and retention: Your most engaged customers download the native app for push notifications, personalized recommendations, and advanced loyalty features.

Shopify app builders like Shopney, SimiCart, Magestore, and Magenest support this hybrid approach. They help merchants build both PWAs and native apps to cover all use cases.

Case Studies That Prove It Works

Real-world data speaks louder than theory:

• Pinterest PWA: Increased engagement by 60% and ad revenue by 44%.

• Twitter Lite PWA: Reduced data use by 70% and boosted session length.

• Starbucks PWA: Doubled daily active users with an offline-first approach.

• AliExpress PWA: 82% increase in conversion rates on iOS.

• Uber PWA: Built a 50KB app that works flawlessly even on 2G.

• WhatsApp Native App: Shows the unmatched engagement power of push notifications.

For Shopify merchants, these examples highlight what is possible with each strategy.

Developer Perspective: 2025 Tech Stacks

• PWAs: Built with React, Angular, Vue and supported by tools like Workbox and Google Lighthouse.

• Native Apps: Moving toward SwiftUI for iOS and Kotlin Multiplatform for Android, with cross-platform tools like Flutter still popular.

This matters because choosing a stack influences cost, hiring, and scalability.

Security and Compliance Considerations

• Native apps: Can use certificate pinning, biometric authentication, and app sandboxing. App stores also act as an extra filter against malicious actors.

• PWAs: Must rely on HTTPS, TLS, and developer best practices. While secure, they do not have store-level gatekeeping.

If your Shopify store handles sensitive data such as payments, subscriptions, or loyalty points, this may influence your choice.

Discoverability: SEO vs ASO

• Native apps rely on ASO (App Store Optimization): keywords, descriptions, reviews, and screenshots influence discoverability.

• PWAs benefit from SEO: they rank in Google, can use structured data, and benefit from content marketing strategies.

For Shopify stores that already lean on search traffic, PWA discoverability is a major advantage.

FAQs

Is a PWA better than a native app for Shopify?
Not universally. For cost and reach, yes. For advanced features and brand trust, native wins.

Can PWAs work on iOS?
Yes, but push notifications and offline support are limited compared to Android.

Which is more secure?
Native apps offer advanced protections, but a PWA with HTTPS is still safe.

Will PWAs replace native apps?
Unlikely. Both will co-exist, serving different purposes in an omnichannel strategy.

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. For most small to mid-sized Shopify stores, a PWA is the fastest and most affordable way to boost mobile conversions. For larger brands or those needing advanced features, a native app is worth the investment.

The smartest strategy is to use both. A PWA helps you acquire new customers through SEO and low friction, while a native app deepens engagement with loyal buyers through push notifications and advanced personalization.

If you want to future-proof your Shopify store’s mobile strategy, consider starting with a PWA and layering in a native app as your brand grows.