New Mobile App Development and Technology Trends Shaping Future Apps
The world of tech is constantly changing, ever-improving, updating, building, and innovating. Just when we think we know it all, a new technology or trend debuts, making us rethink everything.
Mobile applications developed alongside mobile devices but also revolutionized older tech and software, particularly computers and their operating systems. Though Apple is thought of as the pioneer of mobile application technology, the concept was already in the water before the App Store made it big.
A lot has happened since the early days of Nokia’s Snake game, the original iPhone, and the App Store. Who knows what the next few decades hold for mobile apps? We’ll hazard a guess and say we’ll see these top mobile application development and technology trends dominating the playing field.
The Latest Mobile Application Technology and Development Trends
Keeping up with the latest mobile app trends ensures your mobile app stays ahead of the curve. With this in mind, here are the top mobile application development trends shaping the future of apps.
1. M-Commerce Apps
If you or your business has an online store, you’ve probably heard the term “e-commerce.” Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is its mobile counterpart,: and one of the latest mobile application technology trends.
M-commerce involves the sale of goods and services, specifically via a mobile device on a browser or app. According to Statista, global mobile retail revenue has nearly tripled in the last five years. Up from $967 million in 2016 to $3.5 billion in 2021, it’s only projected to increase.
It’s easy to see that shopping using mobile application technology is a trend that’s here to stay. As such, getting an m-commerce app developed for your online or offline business or store should be a top priority.
2. App Animations and Motion User Interfaces (UI)
Static websites and mobile apps are out. One of the newest mobile app and website development trends is animation, particularly Motion UI. This new technology in mobile application development integrates animation into both your app and app user actions. By using this technology, you may increase user engagement, enjoyment, and app memorability.
3. 5G Technology
Due to wireless technology and cellular infrastructure limitations, mobile device and carrier data speeds are limited. So far, 4G/LTE has been the fastest offering, at around 20 to 50 Mbps, theoretically topping 1 Gbps at peak speed.
5G is the newest technology that’s changing the face of mobile application development, and it’s already featured on select handsets and carrier plans. 5G far exceeds 4G speeds at roughly 50 to 600 Mbps, theoretically topping 10 Gbps. While 4G has been sufficient so far, mobile website and app design trends and innovations have increased demands.
All the animations, buttons, and advanced functionalities, never mind high-resolution 4K media and video content, demand higher speeds. 5G appears to be the answer. Now is the time to build dream mobile apps that, instead of being muted versions of websites, are the main event.
4. Smart Wearable App Integration
If you own a wearable such as a smartwatch or health tracker, you’re probably familiar with companion apps. However, companion apps are not the only mobile apps that may benefit from wearable integration.
Wearable integration is becoming one of the top mobile app development trends for relevant third-party apps, especially in the insurance and fitness sectors.
5. Dark Mode App User Interfaces (UI)
The brighter, the better, or so website and app designers thought. However, black or dark user interfaces are now one of the top mobile app design trends. Dark Mode UI’s now feature on many top websites and apps, including YouTube and Google.
This is despite these tones often being avoided in the past because of their association with death, gloom, and depression. Reportedly, dark mode UI benefits include reduced blue light exposure, extended battery life, and reduced screen glare.
6. Foldable Mobile Device App Resolutions
Foldable mobile devices and flexible screens are among the latest breakthroughs in mobile technology trends. Instead of the standard rectangular aspect ratios, mobile app and web developers know that new horizons await. Considering foldable mobile-friendly app design a must, as is investing in responsive design for web apps and sites going forward.
7. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Predictive Analytics, and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence is a significant new technology in mobile application development, and it’s also impacting the entire tech sphere. Now, web app developers may take advantage of this technology to automate functions previously only performable by a human.
AI chatbots are one example of AI mobile app trends. However, there are a whole host of other possibilities to explore in the years to come. Big data, predictive analytics, and machine learning are also still relevant, helping web app developers to design better apps for users.
8. Low or No-Code App Software
Just like building a custom website, building an app requires advanced technical knowledge of coding and relevant tools and software. If you don’t have that skill set, you need to hire a mobile app development company to do it for you.
However, app development is catching up with website development. Basic, no, or low-code design tools and platforms have become mobile application development trends. Available for public use, they operate similar to build-your-own or pre-made website platform offerings.
9. Progressive Web Apps (PWA) and Instant Apps
Native apps are the golden standard for most companies. However, these do have limitations, including demanding local device storage space and data access. Progressive web apps (PWAs) offer native app functionality without the demands; some are even entirely usable while offline.
Instead of downloading your app, users visit your webpage on their mobile devices to access your PWA. Instant apps are another similar mobile application technology trend. However, these offer users a chance to test out a native app without actually downloading it entirely.
10. Super Apps
Super apps are one of the top mobile app trends, offering users various functions and services in one place. Facebook, WeChat, and Alibaba are some examples of super apps. These super apps comprise chat, commerce, social networking, and more services, all integrated into one app.
11. Serverless App Architecture
Apps and websites may be virtual, but real hardware, such as servers, are required to run and host them. If you want to launch an app but not buy, house, service, and maintain this equipment, serverless is the way. Serverless architecture is one of the top mobile application development trends saving app developers time and money that is better spent on developing.
Unlike the name implies, serverless architecture isn’t truly serverless. Instead, the server management is outsourced to a serverless provider. Microsoft Azure, Alibaba Functions, Google Cloud Functions, IBM OpenWhisk, and Amazon’s AWS Lambda are among the top options.
12. Biometric App Authentication
App security is a real and very valid concern. Internet users are offloading more tasks than ever (sharing sensitive personal data in the process) to internet-enabled devices and apps. In doing so, they put sensitive information at risk, not only to hackers but also to those nearest.
Biometric authentication is a mobile application technology that’s increasingly being used to ramp up security. Facial recognition and fingerprint scanning are also top mobile app security trends, especially for banking and other sectors that deal with sensitive permissions.
13. Cloud Technology
The cloud revolutionized the way we store and access data, and its full potential and possibilities are still relatively untapped. We’re likely to see the cloud and cloud storage remaining top mobile application development technology trends going forward.
14. Beacon Technology
Beacon technology is not new. However, it falls into the category of one of the relevant new mobile app development trends because of its increasing usage. It utilizes Bluetooth-enabled beacons located in physical stores or premises.
These beacons interact with nearby customers’ mobile devices via Bluetooth. You may use this technology to send out custom promotions or adapt it to suit various needs. In this way, you can potentially increase online e-commerce sales, offline sales, and walk-ins.
15. Geolocation Technology
Similar to beacon technology, geolocation helps you better cater to app users in a specific region. However, with geolocation, a user’s device location and IP address are used to geo-locate him/her. Using this information, you may adapt your mobile app to show relevant regional pricing, promotions, store locations, and more.
16. Mobile-First (Or Only) Access, Entertainment, and Events
Though grim, the pandemic really pushed us to re-evaluate how we entertain ourselves and engage with the outside world. Virtual entertainment, including online gaming and events, is one of the top upcoming mobile application development trends.
Even though there are few substitutes for the real deal, the online world offered a safe alternative while lock-downs and restrictions reigned. Now that we’re getting back to “normal,” it seems that a lightbulb has irreversibly lit up about the virtual possibilities.
Previously offline-only experiences such as promotional events and meet-ups may now become increasingly available online instead of off. One of these mobile app trends is mobile learning, which increased in popularity during the pandemic.
Retailers, brands, and businesses are looking for convenient, lower-impact ways to engage customers that cut costs and increase reach. Even if your business falls in the offline category, it may be worthwhile considering getting a mobile app developed.
17. Green Technology
Speaking of low-impact, sustainability is another top mobile application development trend. Greener architecture, technologies, and processes should be a top priority when choosing providers, collaborators, and outsourcing building your app. Investing in sustainability promises more resilient infrastructure, increased consumer trust, tax incentives, and a cleaner conscience, of course.
18. Social Accountability App Tools and Infrastructure
Cyberbullying, fake news, spamming, blackmail, abuse, criminal activity, illegal sites, and inappropriate content – the internet is full of these unsightly realities. That’s why social responsibility is arguably one of the most important mobile application development trends going forward.
Lawsuits against major apps, specifically social media platforms, are becoming more commonplace. Though protected by Section 230, both the government and around half of the country’s adults feel these accountability laws should change.
Incorporating tools and infrastructure to protect user data and ethically monitor users during the app development process is worthwhile. This is especially relevant for apps where users interact and post content. However, striking a balance between freedom of speech and ethical censorship is key.
19. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) App Integration
Mobile application technology, and technology as a whole, has reached its zenith. Virtual reality technology only dreamed of in fictional works a few decades ago is already active and developing.
With the debut of the Metaverse, we’re likely to see more app integration with virtual and augmented technologies – not only with the AR/VR equipment and wearables but also with virtual worlds and augmented realities.
20. Touchless App Interactions and Controls
Touchscreens have long been a premium feature on the latest electronics and devices. However, there is a demand for new, innovative, and some would argue, lazier, ways to interact: mainly via voice and gestures.
Otherwise labeled no-touch or touchless technology, these inputs are upcoming mobile app development trends. Touchless technology also offers users a more hygienic way to interact, which is more in demand since the pandemic.
21. P2P Payment and Mobile Wallet App Integration
Slow on the uptake due to security concerns; consumer trust has improved regarding online payments. The popularity of e-commerce has also fuelled the demand for even easier, and more secure ways to pay. Mobile wallets and P2P payment integration are big draws for mobile apps.
22. Blockchain Mobile Application Development Technology
The blockchain isn’t simply a cryptocurrency technology. In fact, this technology may be used to build ultra-secure mobile apps and more. Expect to see the utilization of blockchain technology as one of the major mobile application development trends going forward.
23. Mobile-First App and Website Development
The future of e-commerce and internet browsing is certainly mobile-first. Mobile-first website design is a top priority for website developers. Native mobile apps and mobile-optimized PWAs are in high demand. Enterprise apps (EA) for mobile are already behind the scenes, improving internal business operations.
24. Internet of Things (IoT) App Integration
Similar to wearables, app integration with IoT smart speakers, electronics, and devices is one of the top mobile application trends. Ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technology used to locate IoT devices and transfer data is also expected to see an uptick.
25. Instant Delivery and On-Demand Service Apps
Shopping online sure is convenient. However, one of its main drawbacks is long shipping times of two days up to weeks or months. Consumers prefer to wait shorter times and may even abandon a shopping cart for a competitor’s if yours are too long.
Smart retailers, restaurants, and supermarkets are developing instant or same-day delivery apps to meet their customer’s needs. These new mobile application development trends are mainly for food and groceries, but other industries are getting on board.
Increasingly, customers can get consumer goods, clothing, electronics, toiletries, medicine, and other goods delivered instantly. These apps usually allow customers to book instant delivery or a delivery time slot for that day or week.
On-demand service apps are another example, allowing customers to find and book services like babysitting, dog-walking, or a massage. However, you need not have an app to offer instant delivery or on-demand services; you can also adapt your website to do so. Uber Eats, OneCart, Amazon, and Bloomingdales, are excellent examples of instant delivery options.
CONCLUSION:
Keeping up with the latest mobile application development, design, and technology trends is not easy. However, with a little research, you may find the information needed to build a mobile app that’s resilient and future-forward. Hopefully, this post made you aware of all the relevant new technologies in mobile application development that warrant your attention.
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