Question: Given the hype over PWAs, are there real advantages compared to native apps? 

How does this as a single platform change the experience?

Answer: 
PWA = Progressive Web Apps

It may be defined as **Radically improving web user experience**

Just to simplify it - It's the experience of native app which you provide to the user.

**Why Progressive Apps?** 

Case 1 : Users nowadays doesn't want to install app every time when they have to get their work done,User doesn't have to wait to download app from a app store then use it.
Instead web apps provide same experience on the mobile browser to complete user's task. - **No more waiting**

Case 2 : In the world of millions apps and 30+ apps already on users phone with an average of 10+ app updates daily it really becomes hard for user to update apps every time there is new version launched, Whereas web apps makes it simpler for user. **Ease of use**

Case 3 : Data bandwith, User who is on mobile with a mobile data and with limited bandwith(2g) or a user from remote area cannot really cannot download app and cannot actually use app with low speed, Whereas in browser with PWA it becomes easier for user and makes the experience delightful.

**Why does companies have both ?**

As PWA is a latest trend the companies which had websites(old) and apps are currently moving towards PWA with a Iterative process\*\*(checklist)\*\* instead of building whole web app with all the features at one shot.

**Look, Feel & aesthetics** 

PWA is a inspiration of native app, where the same experience is provided for a user in browser same as a native app. 

Here are some links which will be helpful

<http://blog.proto.io/secret-killer-ux-design-microinteractions/>

<https://medium.com/@owencm/designing-great-uis-for-progressive-web-apps-dd38c1d20f7>

<https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2016/08/a-beginners-guide-to-progressive-web-apps/>

<https://pwa.rocks/>

<https://www.cygnismedia.com/blog/design-progressive-web-apps/>

<https://www.mobify.com/insights/progressive-web-is-the-new-responsive/>
*This is very broad for SE, but I'll attempt a succinct response since I love the PWA movement …*

tl;dr
=====

> 
> The reason PWA is the hotness right now is the impressive promises. 
> 
> 
> * **Minimal platform differences**: lower engineering expense, greater experience consistency.
> * **Users don't need to "install"**: lower barrier to adoption.
> * **No performance loss**: this remains to be completely proven out, but it looks good.
> 
> 
> 

The cons …   

Apple doesn't like it?