Start with distribution, not technology
If discoverability through app stores matters to your growth strategy, native or cross-platform is usually the right call. If your users mostly arrive through a link, a QR code, or a website, a progressive web app can reach them faster with no install friction.
Device feature needs narrow the choice quickly
Deep camera control, background processing, or tight integration with device hardware still favor native development. Most business applications — forms, dashboards, ordering, booking — work well as a PWA.
Cross-platform frameworks are a reasonable middle ground
For most business apps that do need app-store presence, a single cross-platform codebase reaches iOS and Android with meaningfully less engineering effort than two separate native codebases, at a small cost in access to the newest platform-specific features.
Frequently asked questions
Is a progressive web app good enough for an e-commerce or booking app?
Yes, for most catalog, ordering and booking use cases. A PWA can be installed to a home screen, works offline for cached content, and sends push notifications on supporting platforms, without the app-store review cycle.
Can we start with a PWA and build a native app later?
Yes, and this is a common, low-risk sequencing. Validate the product and workflows with a PWA first, then invest in native development once usage data justifies the additional cost.