4 Key Trends Shaping The Future of Mobile App Development

We are living in a digitally-inclined generation. Thanks to the increasing smartphone user base globally, this trend is very much here to stay. Mobile applications, which have together sparked a profound change worldwide, are to be credited with improving the life of each individual user. At the same time, it has given developers plenty of opportunity to show off their hidden skills and creativity. Technology for mobile apps has curved in ways that are unimaginable. Recent estimates by Statista have shown that “The number of smartphone subscriptions worldwide today surpasses six billion and is forecast to further grow by several hundred million in the next few years.”  

Millennials and Gen Z devote a great deal of time to their smartphones. We are looking at a time when people depend on mobile apps even for the smallest of convenience ranging from placing restaurant orders to paying bills. It is estimated that an average person is more likely to spend about 4 hours and 29 minutes on his mobile on a daily basis.   

Mobile apps have practically revolutionized conventional business practices. No matter what industry your business belongs to, the mobile application development market, due to the ever-evolving advancement in technology, has seriously transformed the way people do business. In order to gain traction toward maximum growth and successfully reach its intended market, almost every firm needs to meld the most recent developments in mobile app development with an expansion of its marketing approach. 

For a better understanding, we have listed 4 trends that will practically shape the future of mobile app development.  

Mobile Applications: The Need For Business Mobility      

What do Compaq and Kodak have in common? Despite having a large following in the past, these big brands failed to adapt to technology and, as a result, had to either close their doors or were sold out. All of this occurred while technology was developing more slowly than it does now. In fact, technology is always changing. Even big brands end up getting dormant if they can’t keep up with the trends.  

The use of mobile applications was sought out by businesses as a convenience to pose as an additional offering to their audience. The practice saw unprecedented growth due to the impact of the global pandemic in 2020. What was introduced as a perfect solution to bridge the gap between brands and consumers, went on to become a resourceful essential for brands to do their business.  

Today, businesses worldwide are choosing apps to offer more inclusive services to their consumers, because consumers seek more enhanced online experiences and mobile apps help brands offer more customized services. Given how integral smartphone applications are to our daily lives, it would be quite challenging to function without them. It goes without saying that what started out as a technological novelty in the development of mobile apps has grown into a crucial part of any organization. 

It was recorded that in 2020 alone, there were more than 218 billion app downloads (TechCrunch, 2021). An increase of 6.86% from the previous year. Global mobile app downloads are expected to grow 25% between 2018 and 2022 when forecasts estimate there will be 258 billion downloads. 

Given these staggering figures, it is obvious that enterprises and developers alike need to be aware of the trends that will shape the creation of mobile apps over the next few years. Those that don’t keep up with modern trends and procedures run the risk of falling behind or performing worse than their competitors.  

Mobile App Development Today   

The main path of development for mobile devices is determined by continuity. Thus, current events and technological advancements have influenced the development of mobile applications in the future. All of the now popular mobile trends, including augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and similar developments, have been around for some time. They all have histories that are somewhat lengthy. It’s improbable that today’s mobile trends will remain popular tomorrow. They will transform into new ones while maintaining a technology legacy in response to impending user demands issues. 

Because of this, there has been a certain evolution in the creation of mobile apps, with actual disruption occurring relatively infrequently. Even unforeseen social developments can only give the mobile tendencies already in place more velocity. Undoubtedly, the COVID-induced lockdown has emerged as the most significant social phenomenon since 2019. With various businesses taking things online It was difficult for the mobile app development industry to remain apathetic in the face of such an event on a global scale. 

It is worthwhile focusing on the trends that may be in increased demand in the industry. The more mobile app developers enter a particular market, the more popular that market gets. With the increasing number of mobile users, the competition for consumers’ attention will only increase. Therefore, an application’s launch time becomes vital for conversion. Because of their speedy launch, progressive web applications appear to be displacing mobile apps in the market. 

In light of the above factors, let’s take a look at these 4 trends that will influence mobile development in the near future.  

4 Key Trends Shaping The Future of Mobile Application Development   

Super Apps 

The development of a single app to address the needs of one user is no longer popular. Everything is changing now. In 2022, you’ll see a new breakthrough in mobile app trends called “Super App.” 

Large multipurpose applications that combine multiple functions into one are one of the most promising trends nowadays. Every mobile application has historically been created to address a certain user need, such as one for communication, logistics, a particular kind of service, etc. Even if we focus on a single industry, like healthcare, for example, numerous narrowly specialized apps address various facets of healthcare, such as exercise, wholesome eating, an anti-sedentary lifestyle, etc. 

Mega apps, which can do a wide range of functions, are growing in popularity nowadays. It involves building environments where all conceivable user demands can be more or less entirely met. It is easier to utilize one programme that can carry out ten jobs than it is to install ten apps, each of which can only carry out one task. This is the basic consumer logic at work here. 

Super app is a one-stop-shop that offers a variety of services, including financial services, online messaging, and ride-hailing. These services enable customers to handle a variety of problems at once. WeChat serves as a clear illustration of super applications. With over 1.26 billion monthly active users across a wide spectrum of age groups, this software combines instant chatting, social media, and mobile payments.   

Voice Technology 

The term “voice recognition” describes a device’s capacity to hear and understand spoken commands. Simply speech recognition technology enables users to control devices and conduct online searches using voice commands. Users can interact with their apps using voice-enabled technology without ever touching their phones. Complete discussions with voice assistants are still not currently possible. Owners of smartphones can, however, utilize voice controls to direct their apps to carry out particular tasks. Although the technology isn’t flawless, it’s getting better quickly. 

It’s not unexpected that one of the most popular mobile app development trends in the near future will be voice technology. According to predictions, the size of the worldwide voice recognition industry would increase from $10.7 billion in 2020 to $27.16 billion in 2026.  

Any user of voice-enabled technology has the option of using an app hands-free. Soon, all smartphone users might start to take this feature for granted in their apps. 

Mobile Wallets   

The global epidemic led to a rise in popularity of digital payment methods. People started adopting digital currency transfers in place of physical cash to prevent viral exposure. Many business owners and start-up organizations launched their money-transfer apps in response to the crisis. Digital cash flow quickly gained popularity all around the world. Not to mention that sending and receiving money digitally is safe and simple. 

The mobile apps connect to many apps to offer a seamless service in addition to secure payment. Because of the speedy money transfers, mobile wallets like Paytm, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, etc. have become more and more popular. And the apps won’t have to go back in the near future. 

Current businesses, including those with physical locations, seek to provide mobile payment and purchasing choices, and younger organizations can launch with cheaper startup costs by utilizing mobile commerce solutions. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning  

AI and ML have a significant impact on the app development market. The face unlock feature on the smartphone you are using depends on the app development market. The necessary AI functionalities are needed for these kinds of practical applications. The job is not done yet. To remain competitive, brands must enhance the customer experience. If not, rival brands will steal their customers by adding features that are identical. 

Future app development may integrate AI more prominently in areas like facial and speech recognition, which are biometric indicators that can improve safety features. AI and machine learning can be used by businesses, particularly those in the insurance and financial industries, to improve user safety and data security as well as to help detect fraud. The potential annual value of AI for global banking is estimated by McKinsey to be over $1 trillion.  

Global economic output is predicted to increase by $13 trillion by 2029 as a result of AI technologies. Customer service has improved and sales prospects are increased with the use of chatbots. Businesses may enhance client engagement by including artificial intelligence in eCommerce apps. Additionally, it boosts product and search suggestions, etc. Therefore, you can comprehend how AI and ML features will be used in mobile app design in the years to come.   

Bottom Line   

In the end, we can conclude that the future looks bright for mobile app development. With the development happening in technology to fulfill business requirements as well as respond to the demands of customers, it would be quite an understatement to say that mobile apps are merely an alternative serving a particular need. On the contrary, the mobile app business will continue to expand and the incentive for developers to join the action is clear. According to projected growth rates, Amid the global pandemic, the market share for mobile application development platforms was previously forecast to be worth US$9.1 trillion in 2020 but is now expected to expand to US$44.3 trillion by 2027 at a CAGR of 25.4%. 

So, if you are looking to scale your business digitally, having a mobile app is the way to do it. But if you are over the fence about how to get started. Then don’t worry. We are here to help.  

Skyrocket your business with the best solutions related to mobile app development from our experts at Webuters.  Know about the best trends in the market and design your app that helps your brand go places.