Can PWAs send Push Notifications? How PWAs and Native Apps Compare

If you’re trying to build an app for your business, chances are you’ve come across two common paths: Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and native apps.

And if push notifications are part of your user engagement strategy (they should be!), understanding how each platform handles them is critical.

We break down the pros and cons of push notifications in PWAs vs native apps, so small businesses, startups, and first-time app builders can make smart, informed decisions.

Why Push Notifications Matter for Your App

Before choosing a platform, let’s cover why push notifications are a must-have in any modern mobile app strategy:

• User Retention: Timely notifications bring users back
  
• Customer Engagement: Personalized alerts = better interaction
  
• Sales & Conversions: Re-engagement drives revenue
  
• Operations: Real-time logistics and service updates keep customers happy
  

Whether you're running a small e-commerce shop, local service, or a niche content app, push notifications help you stay connected and top-of-mind.

Native Apps: Best Push Notification Support for iOS & Android

If your app idea needs reliable, real-time user communication, native app development is the gold standard.

iOS (Apple Push Notification Service)

• Requires user opt-in
  
• Supports badge updates, custom sounds, and rich content
  
• Works in the background or when the app isn’t open
  
• Can send silent push for background data updates
  

Android (Firebase Cloud Messaging)

• Easier opt-in flow
  
• Highly customizable
  
• Works well even when the app isn’t active
  
• Full support for deep links, images, and more
  

Why Native Apps Work Best for Push Notifications

• Reliable delivery, even with the app closed
  
• Rich features: media, action buttons, deep linking
  
• Silent background sync for real-time features (chat, tracking)
  
• Seamless permission prompts during onboarding
  
• Battery-efficient due to deeper OS integration
  
• Built-in tools (Firebase, Braze, OneSignal) for targeting, automation, and segmentation
  

✅ Best for: Ride-share apps, loyalty programs, real-time messaging, healthcare, or any app where instant communication is core to the user experience.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Lightweight But Limited for Push

If you’re building an app on a budget or want to test your idea first, PWAs are appealing. They’re web-based apps that run in the browser but can feel like native apps when installed.

What PWAs Can Do

• Push notifications on Android and desktop (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
  
• Work offline using Service Workers
  
• Support for basic images and text in notifications
  
• Allow install to home screen without the app store
  

But Here’s the Catch:

Limitations of PWA Push Notifications

• No push on iOS Safari unless the PWA is manually installed
  
• No silent push, meaning no background updates without user interaction
  
• Basic UI only: no rich media, custom sounds, or advanced interaction
  
• Browser permission prompts often ignored or blocked by actual users
  
• No native SDK integration, limiting campaign automation and analytics
  

If you’re targeting iPhone users or building something time-sensitive (like food delivery or event apps), PWAs are not reliable enough for push.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Native App Development If:

• Push notifications are central to your business model
  
• You need frequent updates, like order status, loyalty points, or reminders
  
• You’re targeting iOS users or want the best experience on all devices
  
• You plan to scale and want advanced marketing and automation tools
  

Choose PWA If:

• You're building a minimum viable product (MVP)
  
• Most of your users are on Android or desktop
  
• Push is a bonus, not a core value driver
  
• You want to avoid app store approvals or cut down on development cost
  

A local café reminding customers to reorder? A news blog sending article alerts? A niche web tool? PWAs can work, just be realistic about what push can and can’t do.

Developer Updates: Push Notifications in 2025

• ✅ iOS 16.4+ added support for PWA push, but only if the app is installed
  
• ✅ Service workers now support background sync more reliably
  
• ⚠️ Still no rich media or silent push support for PWAs on iOS
  
• ❌ No push at all unless PWA is saved to home screen on iOS
  

Bottom line: PWA push is improving, but it’s still not on par with native, especially for critical use cases.

Final Takeaway: Build Your App with the Right Push Strategy

If you're figuring out how to build an app for your business, don’t just think features, think about engagement and retention.

• ✅ If push is mission-critical: Go native. You’ll get richer features, better delivery, and higher user satisfaction.
  
• ✅ If you’re in the idea validation stage or your app is designed with infrequent use in mind: A PWA may be just enough.

Need help integrating push the right way?
We build native and web apps that engage users and grow businesses with the right tools and strategy from day one. If you want to talk it through, schedule a free discovery call here.