Blog
05. September 2025

How to Create or Convert an APEX Application into a Progressive Web App (PWA)

In the previous post, we explained why now is the perfect time for PWAs in Oracle APEX. Now, let’s look at how simple it actually is to create a new PWA application or convert an existing APEX application into a PWA. Thanks to declarative PWA support, introduced in APEX 21.2 and continuously improving, this process is extremely straightforward.

 

Creating a New PWA Application in Oracle APEX

  • One Click Setup: When creating a new application in the wizard, simply check the Progressive Web App option.
  • Automatic Generation: Once the app is created, everything needed for users to install it is generated automatically.
  • Important Note: The application must use HTTPS and be accessible via a browser. New apps meet this requirement automatically.

 

Converting an Existing APEX Application to PWA

  • Edit App Definition: Open the application settings page.
  • PWA Menu: Select the relevant option.
  • Activation: Enable the “Enable PWA” and “Installable” toggles. Click Apply to make the app PWA-ready.

 

User Installation of the App

  • Install Button: After logging in, users see an install prompt or link.
  • Confirmation: The user confirms installation.
  • Native Behavior: Once installed, the app runs from the home screen in full-screen mode, without the browser address bar.
  • Visual Preview: Screenshots can be uploaded for a better UX.

 

Customizing and Using PWA Features in APEX

  • Basic PWA Settings: Set app description, theme colors, and behavior in the app settings.
  • App Icon: Configured via the PWA menu; choose a predefined icon or upload your own.
  • Shortcuts: Quick access to specific app pages; enabled for PWA or installed apps. Define title, page, icon, and description (note: not all devices support this).
  • Geolocation: Retrieve user location via a dynamic action; supported return formats include JSON or text.
  • Web Share: Share content from the APEX app with other device apps using a “Share” dynamic action and active page settings.
  • Push Notifications:
    • Natively supported from APEX 23.1.
    • Users must enable notifications in both the app and device.
    • Delivery via external services (e.g., Apple, Google).
    • Subscriptions stored in a view; notifications sent via process or API.

Why APEX Focuses on PWA

Continuous PWA support in APEX highlights the platform’s strategic direction:

  • Faster performance through caching.
  • Offline functionality even with poor connectivity.
  • Smaller application size.
  • Direct installation without app stores.
  • Native-like look and behavior.
  • Single codebase for multiple devices.
  • Push notifications increase engagement.
  • Access to hardware like GPS, camera, and sharing.
  • Automatic updates.
  • SEO optimization for search engines.

Creating and converting applications to PWA in Oracle APEX is so simple that every developer and business should consider it. PWAs represent a key step toward modernizing web applications and delivering a top-notch user experience comparable to native apps.