Top Mobile App Development Trend to Lookout For 2024
Future of Mobile App Development
The mobile app development sector is in a growth phase, with more and more apps being created and the number of customers for businesses increasing. We all use mobile apps for our daily activities and use them a lot.
But have you noticed how quickly mobile apps have become integral to our daily lives? It is because of the evolution of the mobile app development industry, which is focused on developing new features and excellent mobile applications daily.
The development of mobile apps is directly related to software technology development, customer needs, and other factors. Mobile application development is at its highest level to meet the end-user’s requirements.
Let’s Look at Some Stats Related to Mobile App Development
Based on the Statista Digital Market Outlook, the mobile app industry is expected to make around 613 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.
In 2023, it’s predicted that people worldwide will download approximately 299 billion apps. It is an increase from the 247 billion app downloads globally in 2020.
These numbers highlight how important mobile apps are for creating new business opportunities. However, with many apps competing for attention, making your app stand out can take time and effort.
It’s crucial to keep up with the latest trends in mobile app development and utilize them to build solid and feature-packed mobile applications to succeed in this competitive field.
As we look ahead to 2024, upcoming trends in mobile app development will continue to shape its future. Are you ready for the enhancements in mobile app development that have taken place in recent years? Let’s explore the top trends in mobile app development.
Top Mobile App Development Trends For 2024
Mobile app development trends are the current popular ways, technologies, and methods used to make mobile apps. These trends show where the industry is heading and can impact how well mobile apps are made and how successful they become.
For developers and businesses, it’s crucial to keep track of these trends. It helps them use the latest improvements and ensure their apps have the features, functions, and user experiences people want.
Now, let’s start exploring the most critical trends in mobile app development.
IoT and Mobile App Integration
As per experts, most enterprises starting from healthcare and energy to payments and manufacturing, would start experimenting with Internet of Things and thus, there will be a need for a mobile integration platform that could be used for the maximum advantage of the enterprise and also make all data available to all the devices.
Cloud Driven
Mobile app designs will be cloud driven and this is another change that we can expect in sometime soon. The use of wearable and multiple mobile devices is on the rise and mobile app builders would have to focus on syncing and integrating their app on all these devices. Use of Cloud can help makers to develop apps accessible on various devices with same data, function, and feature.
Security
The last year saw numerous reports on information leaks and hacking and this is one area that the mobile app developers need to seriously work on. Security still remains a challenge and hackers would continue to look for gaps and access sensitive information unless something is done.
Wearable Tech
Until last year, apps on wearable devices focus on the health and fitness industry. However, the trend is expected to change now as wearable devices are to be used by corporates to access their productivity and efficiency levels. The textile and fashion industry is also set to adopt wearable technology. All these changes would definitely make the developers’ focus shift from smartphones to wearable devices.
Banking and Payments
The percentage of people shopping and making payments via their smartphones and tablets is rising with each passing day and this trend would continue for the at least the next few years. Making use of mobile or smart phones to make payments or purchases will be more common as compared to the use of debit or credit card. Thus, developers will have to design apps that can process transactions without the use of cards.
Apps For Foldable Devices
Have you noticed those foldable smartphones and tablets? They’re becoming popular because they offer a larger screen when needed and can be conveniently folded. The increasing demand from users will drive the trend of mobile app development for foldable devices in 2024.
As per the International Data Corporation, an estimated 48.1 million foldable devices will be shipped worldwide by 2027, with a market value of $42 billion.
This growing demand is reshaping the smartphone market share, propelling advancements in mobile development for the upcoming year. It presents an opportunity to develop mobile apps for foldable devices.
While incorporating this trend into your mobile app development strategy may be challenging, embracing this innovation could shape the future of mobile app development, offering users a unique and enhanced experience on foldable devices.
Low code/No Code Apps
The mobile app market is witnessing a significant shift towards the low or no code movement. This trend allows individuals with limited coding skills to create mobile applications through visual interfaces and pre-existing components. It provides developers with efficient shortcuts and tools to build interactive applications in a shorter time frame.
Bubble is another platform catering to non-technical designers and business owners, aiding them in constructing complete web apps. Surprisingly, the global low-code platform market is projected to reach 65 billion U.S. dollars by 2027, according to Statista.
These platforms offer drag-and-drop functionality, pre-defined templates, and user-friendly tools for designing and configuring app functionalities. This trend in mobile app development has the potential to accelerate app development cycles, reduce costs, and foster innovation by empowering non-technical users to realize their app ideas.
Mobile Commerce
Businesses of varying sizes, including retailers, content creators, and personal brands, are keen on developing mobile apps to boost revenue by facilitating the buying and selling of goods. The primary feature app resellers emphasize in client presentations is incorporating mobile eCommerce functionality.
Given the intense competition in online selling, possessing a mobile commerce app is increasingly considered indispensable to maintaining competitiveness. Emerging eCommerce entities are entering the fray, challenging industry giants such as Amazon and Flipkart and gradually transitioning business operations from offline to online.
The substantial success of eCommerce sales has predominantly been driven by mobile devices, underscoring the pivotal role of apps in the triumph of mobile commerce. Consequently, the focus on eCommerce app development is expected to remain a pivotal aspect.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Examining the current landscape of mobile UI design trends without delving into Artificial Intelligence would be a notable omission. AI introduces the intriguing concept of “computational design,” wherein automated programs take the reins in creating app interfaces, bypassing the traditional manual crafting by designers.
In simpler terms, AI and machine learning offer a means to speed up the design process while minimizing the likelihood of extensive modifications. AI design programs operate within well-defined parameters, emulating the human decision-making process to yield comparable results.
Beyond the fundamentals, AI is progressively making strides in UX design iteration. An illustrative example is AI’s ability to quickly generate multiple versions of a single landing page, showcasing its evolving role beyond the foundational aspects of design efficiency.
Super Apps
In the software technology industry, one of the trends is the emergence of super apps. These integrated ecosystems of applications seamlessly combine core features with access to independently developed mini-apps, offering users comprehensive solutions within a unified platform.
Organizations are increasingly favoring single-purpose apps as all-encompassing solutions for diverse needs. An intriguing example is Natural AI, which revolutionizes user-phone interactions by addressing multiple issues through a single app.
Similar to the transformation of Facebook into a marketplace and Amazon’s expansion beyond e-commerce to include bill payments, the trend towards super apps is becoming a focal point in mobile app development for 2024.
The emphasis is on creating all-encompassing applications designed to assist end users, be they customers, partners, or employees, by providing a comprehensive set of functionalities within a unified application.
Chatbots
Chatbots have advanced considerably, finding a prominent role in website customer service. Although only a limited number of applications on the Google Play Store & Apple App Store currently employ chatbots, there is an anticipation that this will change.
The demand for interactions driven by chatbots is increasing, with AI technology enhancements contributing to more natural and human-like responses.
The Global Chatbot Market is experiencing substantial growth and is estimated to achieve a 23.3% Compound Annual Growth Rate from 2023 to 2030. A growing imperative is integrating chatbots more widely into mobile app development to foster broader usage.
As AI technology progresses, chatbots will become more prevalent across various applications, including mobile apps. This evolution is poised to enhance customer experiences and streamline support services for greater efficiency.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
The mobile app development market is transforming by integrating Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. AR technology enhances user experiences by overlaying virtual elements in the real world, facilitating applications like virtual try-ons for shopping and interactive gaming experiences.
On the other hand, VR technology immerses users in virtual environments, presenting opportunities for virtual tours, training, and immersive entertainment.
Even tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta are making significant advancements in AR and VR. In the future, the influence of AR and VR on the mobile app development industry is expected to surpass current expectations.
These technologies are poised to become more mainstream in mobile app development trends, unlocking exciting possibilities for developers and users.
App Security
Mobile devices confront a substantial security threat, susceptible to various attacks. In 2022, malware attacks globally exceeded 5.5 billion, with an anticipated 2% increase in 2023, as reported by Statista. A survey revealed that nearly 45% of iOS and Android users would cease using and discourage others from using an app they perceived as insecure.
Given the increasing reliance on mobile apps, organizations emphasize cybersecurity more, striving to develop apps with robust data protection and adherence to information privacy laws. Thorough testing during app development becomes imperative to identify and rectify vulnerabilities, as customer trust is on the line.
Integrating biometric logins, such as fingerprint or facial scans, introduces an additional layer of security. Prioritizing app security is crucial for mobile app developers to instill trust and ensure sustained success.
Beacon Technology
Have you ever wondered how apps know your location and personalize experiences? The answer is beacon technology—compact Bluetooth devices emitting signals to smartphones in proximity, unlocking possibilities for location-based services.
Beacons optimize marketing by identifying potential customers near stores and sending notifications with discounts or offers upon entry to areas like parking lots, increasing the likelihood of visits and purchases. Its heightened personalization improves the chances of successful sales compared to traditional channels.
Retailers use Beacons to track user behavior, mapping precise shopper journeys within stores for insights into where users spend time and their purchase patterns to inform effective marketing.
Despite its potential, only a few organizations fully harness Beacon technology. Developers are expected to leverage it for apps with captivating features like location-based experiences, making Beacon technology a captivating trend in mobile app development.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics can forecast events using data using machine learning, AI, data mining, and modeling technologies. A prevalent example is seen in mobile apps, with Netflix recommending shows based on users’ past viewing habits.
In 2023, predictive analytics is set to become a mainstream practice, aiming to personalize the customer experience extensively. The core concept is to ensure each user has a unique app experience.
Using predictive analytics, mobile apps can tailor product suggestions and services based on individual user behavior history. This shift towards personalized experiences aligns with the broader trends in mobile app development, where on-demand apps and Extended Reality (XR) are reshaping the landscape.
As we move forward, the integration of predictive analytics is poised to revolutionize how mobile apps engage with users, offering a more customized and dynamic experience.
Audio-focused Social Media Apps
Another trend in mobile app development is the emergence of audio-focused social media platforms. Amid the popularity of video and camera-based apps, the significance of the traditional audio format in the social space should be noticed.
Clubhouse exemplifies this trend, offering users a spontaneous experience by seamlessly joining ongoing conversations in various chat rooms. This voice-based app has grown remarkably, with increased users over the past four years.
The surge in popularity underscores that the audio format is not just a trend within social media apps; it has become a meta-trend with broader implications. As mobile app development strives to grow, the prominence of audio-focused social platforms signifies a shift in user preferences and presents new opportunities for innovative app experiences.
On-Demand Apps
On-demand app development involves crafting mobile applications that address immediate needs, providing users instant access to services or products. Examples include food delivery services like Uber Eats and ride-sharing platforms like Uber or Lyft.
Post-lockdown, there was a surge in reliance on food and grocery delivery apps, making them among the fastest-growing apps. The dependence on these apps continues to rise, even in normalized situations. The food delivery app industry is projected to reach a $320 billion market by 2029, facilitating convenient ordering and doorstep delivery.
While on-demand apps remain in vogue, their future development will incorporate enhanced features and options. The emphasis will be on creating intuitive interfaces, robust backend systems, and efficient logistics to ensure seamless and swift service delivery.
Mobile Commerce
Mobile commerce has been a dominant force in 2021 and 2022, poised to maintain its significance in 2023. Organizations of all sizes, from retailers to content creators and personal brands, are actively developing mobile apps to drive revenue through buying and selling goods. The pivotal feature app resellers emphasize in client pitches is integrating mobile eCommerce functionality.
Amidst intense competition in online selling, possessing a mobile commerce app is increasingly crucial for maintaining competitiveness. Emerging eCommerce entities compete with industry giants like Amazon and Flipkart, gradually shifting business operations from offline to online.
Consequently, the development of eCommerce apps is expected to remain a central focal point in 2024 as businesses are still adapting to the evolving landscape of digital transactions.
Extended Reality (XR)
Extended Reality (XR), encompassing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is rapidly infiltrating mobile apps, revolutionizing user experiences. AR filters, exemplified by the success of Pokémon Go, illustrate XR’s impact on mobile applications. Major corporations are embracing XR for virtual training and onboarding, showcasing its versatility beyond entertainment.
Statista projects the Extended Reality market to surge to a staggering $52 billion in revenue by 2027, underscoring the escalating significance of XR technologies.
This evolving trend in mobile app development for 2023 promises heightened user engagement as XR becomes a cornerstone for innovation, seamlessly blending the virtual and physical realms.
As businesses increasingly integrate XR, the potential for immersive and interactive mobile experiences is set to soar, creating a dynamic landscape for developers and users alike.
Touchless UI
Touchless UI is an accelerating trend in mobile app development, reshaping user interactions by eliminating physical touch. Leveraging technologies like voice recognition, gesture control, and facial recognition, touchless UI enhances user convenience. Gartner said over 50% of significant business apps were projected to incorporate touchless experiences by 2023.
While biometric authentication is already familiar to users, especially in finance and payment apps, which often serve as a dual authentication factor, emerging applications may utilize eye-tracking for seamless scrolling. The future of app design promises transformative shifts, embracing simplified interfaces and embracing the rising tide of AR/VR experiences.
As the mobile landscape evolves, these innovative approaches in touchless UI are poised to dominate, offering users a more intuitive and engaging interaction with their devices.
Camera-Focused Mobile Apps
Camera-centric mobile apps are emerging as a prominent trend in mobile app development, capitalizing on the advanced capabilities of smartphone cameras. Developers harness this technology to craft innovative applications around the camera as a central feature, enriching user experiences.
The surge in remote work has fueled the development of video conference apps, contributing to increased business revenue. These apps facilitate broadcasting and the formation of social networks, aligning with the evolving dynamics of remote collaboration.
The projection for the upcoming year is a heightened focus on camera-centric mobile apps in entertainment streaming, broadcasting, and social media networking. This trend caters to the escalating demand for visually-driven applications, empowering users to express their creativity and delve into new realms of mobile photography and videography.
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of mobile app development, ongoing trends are poised to shape the future of the mobile app ecosystem, promising users advanced, personalized experiences and heightened connectivity. Staying updated with emerging technologies and evolving user behaviors is crucial for developers to remain competitive in this quickly evolving arena.
Hiring proficient mobile app developers is essential to ride this innovation wave. EvinceDev is a leading mobile app development company renowned for its structured approach and systematic app development process, consistently surpassing expectations. Prioritizing the user experience, EvinceDev integrates top-notch development practices to ensure the success of every app.
So what are you waiting for? Contact our experts to discuss your next app idea and get started.