Bring back PWA (progressive web apps)

[brochard]

Progressive Web apps are an important feature of a browser that Firefox is the only one missing.
For some, it can be the reason to switch to another browser.
In other cases like for the Steamdeck, it's what imposed the choice to only include Chrome in the SteamOS interface.
Other problem even for avid Firefox users, since I wanted Social apps on my pc I had to get them on the Microsoft Store which is an Edge PWA that opens every link in an Edge window, making me use this... other browser.

[ReX83]

Thanks @MattBCool , I have replied in the thread you suggested.

Still, I can see there hasn't been much progress. Any idea on an ETA?

[ScottJenson]

@MattBCoolIt's VERY surprising you say PWAs are "not clearly defined". They are VERY well defined. I hope I'm just misunderstanding your reply, especialy as so many other browsers clearly haven't had as much trouble as Mozilla in getting this out the door. Just as a reference,  here is a microsoft link that goes into great detail:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/progressive-web-apps-chromium/

However, the key thing to keep in mind that it's a collection of tech, not a monolithic patch. Getting Web Manifest and Services workers are obviously the building blocks, followed by the WebPush API. As to specific details of how it works 'as an app', that too has been pretty well documented. But don't ask *us* to give you specifics, a quick web search should give you all you need.

[julien_htm]

@MattBCool my comment was censured 'cause I wasn't positive about your answer. This is so embarassing for Mozilla...

This topic is here since 3 years, mozilla does nothing about it, and you're like "what ? Non this is not so important. You can't say we don't listen to you, look this and that we have done it was asked by 4 people". And now : "oh it's not clearly defined". And now the best one : look, there is a topic opened since one month here, you don't adk in the right place !

[david-rubino]

Hey everyone... I made a quick update over on the other thread: https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/how-can-firefox-create-the-best-support-for-web-apps-on-t....

Bottom line... a feature generally in alignment with what I posted last summer is in active development now and ready to be previewed at least in Firefox Nightly in a matter of weeks or even days. It won't make everyone happy right out of the gate... including Matt and I both! ... but it will be a big step. More as soon as I have it.

Thanks! -David

[JSeb]

Great! I will be glad when this come to life for real!

[Hyourinmaru]

@julien_htm"And by the way, Chrome is far faster than firefox"

Is that so? Is Google Chrome overall faster than Firefox or is it only on their Google Websites and services faster because Google discriminate other browser manufacturers and implement code and mechanics to slow down Firefox and co?

[MattBCool]

Apologies for the miscommunication @julien_htm and @ScottJenson - I'm speaking about defining PWA from a UX/general user perspective, not a technical spec. Hope your day/evening is going well.

[LW45]

I see from recent activity that this is finally being worked on, that is awesome to hear!

Not having native PWA support has been the single thing keeping me away from Firefox for a while. I've been happy enough using Brave so I haven't bothered to come here and make an account until now, but with Brave's persistent keypass suggestion issue I'd love to be able to ditch Chromium altogether if this gets done.

I just hope that feedback is listened to and that PWA support is implemented well. Mainly, that PWA's should feel and behave like desktop applications (no address bar, no tabs, etc.) We don't need fancy features, just make PWA's work like they do in Chromium browsers, no need to reinvent the wheel or try anything fancy.

[Martin5]

Installing sites as an app

Just like how on brave there's this function for installing sites as an app, I think this being implemented into Firefox is gonna be a good idea, since your most used sites you can start from the taskbar rather than the browser itself, of course as the other browsers too, extensions in those apps will be supported, you can choose the UI and whatsoever. (for the UI and the whatsoever I'm not referring to the user but Mozilla themselves)

[slow_machine]

This would be such a godsend! The only functionality that I'd like to have coming from Chromium-based

[julien_htm]

@Hyourinmaru I couldn't say.

But my computer is faster with google chrome instead of firefox, and web pages display faster too.

[Bohemax]

I am impatiently waiting for this feature to arrive. It is very thought-provoking and sad that my favorite internet browser does not have this feature.

[Jon]

(Note: similar ideas have been merged into this thread)

[Anastasia]

You bring up a really valid point! The lack of full PWA support in Firefox is definitely a dealbreaker for some users, especially those who rely on web apps for productivity or social media. With Chrome and Edge offering seamless PWA integration, it’s understandable why people might feel forced to switch, even if they prefer Firefox for other reasons.It’s especially frustrating when certain platforms, like Steam Deck, default to Chrome solely because of PWA support. Hopefully, Mozilla takes note of this growing demand and reconsiders full PWA implementation in the future.If you’re interested in how PWAs compare to native apps and their growing influence, you might find this article insightful: https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/progressive-web-apps-vs-native-apps-who-is-going-to-win-this-battle/. 

[matthewcdotrice]

I hate clutter on my home screen and I hate having to constantly open certain tabs just to get on a platform. Just being able to put it in my app drawer and not just on my home screen would be enough for me. I dont care for full like app compatibility, but just a click and go app inside my organized app folders. (Firefox, Samsung S25 Ultra)