Why are there so many apps that could be websites?

Seriously. I don’t want to install something on my phone when the dev is just using a WebView, if that’s what it’s called. When the app is basically just a website with the browser hidden.

What’s the reason for that? To attach the customer? To sell the app for money? Is there more ad revenue that way? Do you reach more people?

(Are there any good reasons for it, too? Security, maybe?)

JavaTheHutt,
@JavaTheHutt@programming.dev avatar

I would say in some cases, people are conditioned now to expect an app, even if it’s basically a website. I think in a mobile context, most non-techy people don’t normally think to open up a browser and say, browse Amazon or something. Instead they go for the Amazon app on their phone, and browse/shop/whatever there.

I wouldn’t say this is exclusive to phones either. I once worked on a product that was essentially web-native, but they had to ship a desktop app because their market expected it, even though it was only a web-view wrapper to the website. No offline storage, no difference in behaviour, or need for some specific API; nothing. I guess you try explaining to boomers that a web-view desktop app is unnecessary.

The data vacuuming and additional marketing are just added benefits for the app developer, if they go down that path (they usually do).

Dewded,

I believe Spotify did this back in the day in order to hide as much of their AB testing from Apple who is essentially a competitor due to iTunes.

Having much of the UI delivered via web also makes it easier to deploy updates as no software update is necessary.

disconnectikacio,

Those are actually websites, with embedded site and embedded browser, see: …m.wikipedia.org/…/Electron_(software_framework)

Thats why those are slow, unstable, and huge (in occupied storage)

brian,

not on mobile, they generally use the native browser engine. at the very least it’s not electron on ios/android

MashedTech,

Still, unless it needs some native api’s could still be a website.

Rhynoplaz, (edited )

Sometimes they can get more data out of your phone through an app then through your default browser.

Or feed you more ads.

Shortstack,

I always assumed the reason was to get more tendrils into your phone for that sweet sweet data $$$ and allowing themselves more control over shoving notifications in your face.

Do I sound bitter?

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