What is a WebView App? How It Works on Android & iOS
July 15, 2025 • Mobile Development, Web to App
Illustration showing a website opned in mobile as app with weview technology • Qavola
What is a WebView App? How It Works on Android & iOS
If you've ever used an app that looks like a website, it's probably a WebView-based application. These apps use the WebView component built into mobile devices to display web content inside a native shell — without showing an address bar like in browsers.
In this guide, you’ll learn what this kind of app is, how it works on Android and iOS, how to create one, and why it's a smart way to convert your existing website to a mobile application.
🧠 What is a WebView App?
A WebView-based application is a mobile app that uses a browser engine to display web content inside the app. It lets users interact with your web pages as if they were part of the application — no need to open Chrome or Safari separately.
✅ What is WebView in Android?
In Android, the WebView component is based on Chromium — Google's open-source browser. It lets developers embed web applications inside native mobile apps without switching between browser tabs and native interfaces.
📱 How This Type of App Works on Android & iOS
- Android WebView: Uses Android's
WebViewclass to load and render web content. - iOS Equivalent: Uses
WKWebViewto display your website within an app interface.
Both platforms allow developers to build an app that displays web pages and user interfaces directly from the internet — or even from locally cached files.
🆚 WebView vs Native App: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | WebView-Based App | Native Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Codebase | Your existing website | Platform-specific programming language |
| Development Time | Very fast | Requires more time |
| Cost | Low | Expensive |
| Access to Device APIs | Limited | Full access |
| App Works Offline | Not always (needs setup) | Usually does |
| Performance | Moderate | High |
| Update Method | Automatic via web | Manual via app stores |
Apps using WebView components are great for MVPs, content sites, and businesses that want to convert a website to an app quickly.
✅ Benefits of Using This Approach
Using WebView technology provides a fast track to app stores without building from scratch.
1. Speed & Simplicity
You can build an app without learning Android or iOS programming languages. Just wrap your site.
2. Cost-Effective
You don’t need a full dev team. Even non-tech founders can use a WebView app builder like Qavola.
3. Fast Updates
Update your website, and your app changes instantly. You don’t need app store resubmission.
4. Reach More Users
Get listed in App Store and Google Play to boost visibility and downloads.
🛠 Tutorial: How to Build One with Qavola
Follow this step-by-step guide to go from website to app in minutes:
🧩 Step 1: Paste Your Website
Insert your URL into Qavola — it will load it with the WebView component.
🎨 Step 2: Add Branding
Upload your app icon, set the splash screen, and write your app description.
👀 Step 3: Preview It Live
Test how your app looks and behaves on real mobile devices using our iframe emulator.
🔧 Step 4: Generate Builds
Get .apk, .aab, and .ipa files ready for store uploads.
🚀 Step 5: Publish
Submit to App Store and Google Play to launch your app publicly.
No need to write any code. Just plug and publish!
🔄 Use Cases for This Technology
Such applications are used by:
- 📰 Blogs and content creators
- 🛍 Online stores and e-commerce
- 💼 Business dashboards and internal tools
- 🧾 SaaS platforms and landing pages
They offer an excellent middle ground between websites and fully native applications.
⚠️ Limitations to Consider
Before choosing this approach, be aware of its downsides:
- ❌ No advanced device access unless extended
- ❌ Can’t fully match native app animations
- ❌ May be rejected if your app is just a "dull" wrapper
- ❌ Requires a stable and mobile-optimized website
Still, for most app users, it feels just like a real app if designed well.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this type of app used for?
It is used to display web content inside mobile apps — perfect for businesses with a mobile-ready existing website.
Can I convert my website into a mobile app using WebView?
Yes! Platforms like Qavola help you convert your website in minutes.
Does this kind of app work offline?
Not by default. You’ll need caching or a service worker to make it available offline.
Is it safe?
Yes, as long as your website is secure (HTTPS) and you follow best practices.
Is there a free app builder using this technology?
Yes. Qavola has a free tier during development. You only pay when you're ready to publish.
🎯 Final Thoughts
If you're looking to build an app without starting from scratch, this method is your best shortcut. It's fast, affordable, and works great for most modern websites.
With Qavola, you can launch your own Android or iOS app using just your domain — no programming skills needed.
👉 Try Qavola and create your app today!
Need help creating or publishing your app?
Contact us anytime — we’re here to help you go live fast.