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.

[ZenoArrow]

@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)"

Being able to do that in Android (having PWAs in the app drawer of an Android phone rather than on the home screen) requires using WebAPK (or the Firefox equivalent). It's arguably not part of the PWA spec, even though it would be nice to have the option so that PWAs don't have to clutter the home screen. This is more of an Android issue, not something that I would expect to see in "version 1" of the PWA functionality in Firefox.

[rogue-agent]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdknI_LBu9M

[rogue-agent]

What I want, as asked by the developers, is a possibility to make a website into its own separate window like on Edge, but unlike it, I would also want the data to be containerized so it doesn't interfere with other data as off/on function.

I want to be able to use that website like it was an app for that thing. I would like to have Firefox closed, for example if I'm playing a game or sharing my screen, I would like that I use as little resources as possible. I'm a person with 200-1000 tabs in Firefox, I don't want to always open it, and then risk the chance of loosing all of it, as there seems to be some saving bugs still in firefox.

[palexdev]

@david-rubinoHello David, I just installed Firefox Nightly to check the feature you mentioned here, but I can't find it anywhere, has it been delayed?

[edoardoo]

A lot of other Firefox products have been shut down to focus on the browser.
This is a feature that your nerdy (and non nerdy) userbase actually use.
There are at least 12k users that went through the hassle of installing a third party app to have it.

Please bring it back.

[matthewcdotrice]

@ZenoArrow"Being able to do that in Android (having PWAs in the app drawer of an Android phone rather than on the home screen) requires using WebAPK (or the Firefox equivalent). It's arguably not part of the PWA spec, even though it would be nice to have the option so that PWAs don't have to clutter the home screen. This is more of an Android issue, not something that I would expect to see in "version 1" of the PWA functionality in Firefox."

I completely agree. I mean, it took years for Apple to finally accept RCS. So I understand it may be another year or more for phone browsers to have the capability. It was just an idea I wanted to put out there because I can technically already add it to my home screen; it just can't go anywhere else. I wasn't too sure how hard it would have been to add the ability to put it on the apps page. I have about 100 apps installed on my phone, and yes, I usually use all of them within a month or so. But others are in deep sleep. I have ADHD and my home screen is laid out in a way to keep me focused and not get attached to my phone immediately, that's why I do my best to categorize my apps in folders and put away so that its when I need them. Out of site out of mind helps me a ton, so just having a few random firefox "apps" on my phone screen keeps me from using it. I hope this makes sense and that I truly just meant it as a throw it at the wall and see if they're interested in the idea type of thing.

[YenZenAI]

I use web apps every day, including ChatGPT, Copilot, Snapchat, and many others. Currently, I'm on Linux, and I've found that Firefox does not support this. It's quite frustrating because I really like Firefox. I just miss the option to install a website as an app.

I don't want to have more than one browser installed, so my only option right now is, unfortunately, to uninstall Firefox and use another browser. I asked my friends which browser they are using, and many of them haven't even heard about Firefox. Those who used it in the past have also switched to other browsers.

The developers of Firefox are shooting themselves in the foot by not including such an important and popular feature and this browser is not what it used to be.

[BaneTheChipmunk]

@palexdev given the over 1 month of silence, I think the feature is either indefinitely delayed or cancelled.

[alfredino]

Hi,
will this new bug fix this old one? Or is it unrelated?
Thank you

[bobster]

Are there any updates on this being released into the nightly build?

[Jon]

Updating this to 'In development' — check out our discussion How can Firefox create the best support for web apps on the desktop? to learn more and stay tuned for updates! And of course, keep the feedback coming 🙌

[tthrash]

Just going to say installable web app support is CRITICAL. This should be the top priority for Mozilla and Firefox development. This is turning away tons of users. 

I have "progressive web app for firefox" extension and app installed, but it's not nearly as good as Edge for example.

Also in an installed web app being able to open a link and do highlight and search with it opening in a regular browser window rather than the app window.

[eagle_]

Firefox Desktop PWA Installation Support

I really like using Firefox, but I miss the ability to install websites as apps like we can in Chrome or Edge. This feature is very useful, especially for developers and users who want quick access to web apps in a standalone window.  Please consider bringing this feature back to Firefox Desktop. It would make Firefox more competitive and modern.

[Jon]

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

[griffethbarker]

I add my voice in support of fully supporting Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on Firefox. This is the sole missing feature that prevents me from making Firefox my main web browser.