Platform-specific applications specific to android/apple/ windows etc, are known for being incredibly rich and reliable. They’re ever-present, on home screens, docks, and taskbars. They work regardless of network connection. They launch in their own standalone experience. They can read and write files from the local file system, access hardware connected via USB, serial or Bluetooth, and even interact with data stored on your device, like contacts and calendar events. In these applications, you can do things like take pictures, see playing songs listed on the home screen, or control song playback while in another app.
Platform specific applications also have drawbacks in terms of needing installation, updates at the user device and are typically less responsive, secure and portable than PWAs.
On the other hand, Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are built and enhanced with modern APIs to deliver enhanced capabilities, reliability, and install ability while reaching anyone, anywhere, on any device with a single codebase. PWAs are accessed using URLs, which means they can be indexed by search engines. Progressive Web Apps can be designed to look and feel exactly like existing websites or mobile apps, or they can be designed differently, so that users know that they are browsing the PWA. PWAs can also be seamlessly integrated into existing website/app structure and designs. It all comes down to flexibility, which PWA excel in.
PWAs has lead to many companies not worrying about building their own custom apps, but shift to the ideology of what a responsive web app can offer. What’s more, users shy away from buggy apps, especially if they have to download them through an app store. Ultimately, PWAs may kill off the need for most non-core apps.
