Ask HN: Possible to make an app that's just a Web view on iOS and Android?

3 points by Jonnax 6y ago ↗ HN

So let's say I e got a website that looks good on mobile.

But I want to get on the App stores.

Is it possible to start off with just deploying an App which is just a Web view?

And then over time work on making it more native?

In assuming the the simplicity means that I wouldn't need to use some third party framework?

Anyone done this? Will it work? Is it a bad idea?

2 comments

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anupamchugh 6y ago ↗

I have published apps that are primarily a WebView in both iOS and Android recently. Though I'd ensured to put some native components besides a splash screen in both of them. I had created a side menu navigation bar, setup Firebase for notifications and it was accepted on both platforms. Here's a link to the iOS App:

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/aged-care-decisions/id14744800...

Happy to answer your questions.

mitul_nathwani 6y ago ↗

Yes, you can do it definitely, it is called app wrapper.

Android has not any restriction you can do it easily with wrapper but in iOS, you need to create a Native navigation bar and link to your pages so iOS will accept your application.

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