Mobile apps have made our lives way easier, haven’t they? From buying groceries to using a grammar checker, there are over 2.8 million mobile apps to serve specific purposes.
Regardless of your business’ size, mobile apps can generate $581.9 billion in revenue by the end of 2020. Thus, mobile apps have the potential to accomplish two goals. One, you can use the apps to cater to the needs of your target audience. Two, you can enjoy a robust revenue by the end of the year.
Earning a strong user base for a mobile app isn’t as easy as it sounds. You need to stay abreast of the latest trends in mobile app development and incorporate them into your apps.
That is how you can beat your competitors in terms of revenue and market appeal. Here are the top five mobile app development trends you should know about.
On this page
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain underpins all forms of digital currency like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc. It encompasses a decentralised architecture where data is stored in multiple locations and updated instantly.
It is almost impossible to hack this technology since the information exists in millions of places simultaneously. Thus, you can use it to build mobile apps that are free from security threats, data leaks, and frauds.
Role of integrating blockchain technology in mobile apps
- Improves data protection
- Enhances data transparency
- Secures mobile or online payments
- Enables cross-border transactions
- Makes the app advertising model cost-effective
The value of mobile apps merged with Blockchain is estimated to be about $6.3 trillion by 2021. The most popular industries that are suitable for this technology include banking, contract management, currency exchange, etc.
Trading on cryptocurrency exchange and asset tokenisation are the two most expected future trends of Blockchain.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled machines work with human-like characteristics. Marketers can use AI and machine learning in their mobile apps to offer a better intuitive experience to their users.
Google Maps, for example, can show you the shortest route and congested areas near your location within a few seconds. AI and machine learning can mimic human intelligence to provide users with practical business solutions. Apple’s Siri and Amazon Alexa are two fantastic examples of how AI can make intelligent digital interactions.
Role of AI and machine learning in the mobile app industry
- Greater security and privacy
- Low latency & acute data processing capabilities (to deliver results at their highest levels)
- More localised & context-driven user experience
- Boosted automation without the need for human inputs
- Quicker analysis of user data pattern
Nearly 97% of mobile users are expected to use voice assistants by 2020. According to Venture Scanner’s reports, AI and machine learning are a leading category among start-ups. The five best AI-based apps are Replika, Airpoly, Seeing AI, Cortana, and ELSA.
Even Amazon is planning to bring Alexa to the cars through mobile apps with a partnership with Ford. So yes, AI mobile app development is the NEXT BIG THING for enterprises.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT products like Philips lighting system and August doorbell cam have already won over millions of hearts. So what wonders can it do when integrated with mobile apps? Imagine you are out of your house and suddenly you realise that you have forgotten to lock the main door.
Internet of Things apps can help you lock the door from your current location. In short, IoT apps can help you control almost everything with a simple tap on your smartphone.
Role of IoT in mobile apps
- Automation of daily and redundant tasks
- Saves time and money (IoT enables apps to carry out operations and functionalities that cost way less than traditional methods)
- Enhances productivity and higher output
- Increases safer workplaces (IoT-based apps monitors high-risk environments more efficiently)
- Enables data assortment and analysis in real-time
According to Statista, the number of IoT connected device all over the world is expected to grow to nearly 30.73 billion in 2020. IoT mobile apps are also predicted to have a market value of at least $7 trillion.
Mobile apps are already leveraging IoT through wearables, agriculture drones, demand-based warehouses, etc. From healthcare to retail, developers can build IoT-based mobile apps for any industry.
Cloud Technology
Cloud technology isn’t new. But, the mobile app industry hasn’t been able to make the best use of this technology yet. Cloud technology helps users store and share their data across different devices with safe online channels.
The best thing about cloud technology is scalability. Thus, it lets users go up and down on scale while developing an app. The ‘scale-less’ server helps developers integrate advanced technologies like Data Analytics in apps.
Role of Cloud Technology in mobile apps
- Eliminates the chance of app crash and data loss
- Saves time for the developers
- No space required in smartphones
- Enables the app to run on multiple platforms
- Improves the security and processing power of the apps
Nearly 83% of enterprise workloads are expected to be cloud-based by the end of 2020. You must keep an eye on the cloud-based technologies if you plan to build business apps or internal workforce apps.
The most popular cloud storage platforms are AWS, SlideRocket, and Dropbox. These platforms help apps run directly on the cloud. Thus, it has nothing to do with the internal memory of your smartphones.
5G Wireless Technologies
5G wireless technology is like a boon to this generation of mobile networks. It enables self-driving cars and the running of smart cities. This technology can change the way we use mobile phones to work, play, and communicate with each other.
From watching more videos to downloading more content, everything will be at the tip of our fingertips. According to Open Signal, the fastest 4G speed in the US was recorded to be 19.42 Mbps. 5G, on the contrary, is supposed to provide gigabit speed.
Role of 5G in developing mobile apps
- Increases connection density of apps (Connection density is the ability to deliver several messages in a highly populated area)
- Reduces latency to just one millisecond
- Increases precision for GPS-enabled mobile apps
- Lowers battery consumption
- Quickens the file transfer speed
As per a study conducted by GSMA, 5G will account for nearly 15% of the entire mobile industry by 2025. Over 1.4 billion devices are predicted to operate on a 5G network. 5G is expected to decrease the latency by ten times.
And 2020 will have at least 15 times more 5G connections than in 2019. So that’s great news for developers to explore and boost the functionality of mobile apps.
Wrapping up
Mobile app development trends are constantly evolving. You need to be aware of the latest trends to gain an edge in your space. You don’t have to implement all the trends mentioned above in the mobile app you design.
Understand the needs and demands of your target audience. Then pick the technology that will help you cater to those demands through the apps. Good Luck!
Image source: Freepik Premium
