Since the innovation of smartphones, mobile apps have become a useful tool for humans. They fulfill almost every human need starting from buying groceries, medicines, shopping for clothes, and other fashion accessories to studying, attending meetings, etc. The mobile app market has witnessed tremendous growth. And by 2021, it is anticipated that the global mobile app revenue will reach a whopping $693B.
The integration of ground-breaking technologies with mobile apps is a new trend that businesses follow to provide a unique user experience. Some of these technologies are IoT, blockchain, artificial intelligence, AR and VR, etc. To survive in the competition, developers need to design an app in keeping with new trends. So, let’s discuss some emerging mobile app development trends that every developer should know.
#1 Augmented Reality(AR) and Virtual Reality(VR)
AR and VR have left their mark in almost every industry since their debut in the market. Be it tourism, healthcare, retail, or education, and these two have completely transformed the user experience. Similarly, their integration with mobile apps provides real-world experience to mobile users. Pokemon Go is the number one example of AR technology in mobile apps. This game, since its launch, has attracted millions of users.
Many fashions and other retail businesses have already integrated the AR technology into their brand’s app. These AR-powered apps offer real-life experience to the users and thus let them shop from anywhere in the world. Sephora is one such fashion brand that enables the users to get the real feel of how a particular dress or an accessory would look on them virtually through its AI-powered app. We will see more VR-enabled mobile apps with a whole new real-world experience, with the rise in 5G networks by 2021.
#2 Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) with Mobile Apps
IoT is a breakthrough technology that makes human lives luxurious and simpler by automating most of their tasks. It is a network of different devices connected by the internet, enabling them to share data. The integration of this technology with mobile apps is one example that showcases how human lives are getting more comfortable thanks to IoT. IoT integrated apps enable smartphones to control any device from any part of the world.
Smart homes are a perfect example of IoT in mobile apps. You can control your house’s lighting, lock the doors, adjust the temperature, keep a watch on your kids, etc., using these mobile apps irrespective of your location. Moreover, you can connect this IoT enabled app to your home security system and stay alert against theft or trespassing.
#3 Using Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology has many distinct advantages. It uses cryptography to secure data ledgers, and hence the data cannot be altered. Moreover, it creates transparency; everyone present in the chain knows what modifications or additions are being made. The new mobile app development trends suggest that many developers and businesses are showing interest in employing blockchain technology.
The developers are looking to integrate blockchain in their mobile apps so that the data transfer and record maintenance can be transparent. Incorporating blockchain technology in mobile app payment gateways can secure as well as speed up the transactions.
#4 Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence(AI) and machine learning(ML) are two cutting edge technologies that make devices smarter when integrated with mobile apps. These two technologies have been a part of mobile app development trends for many years. Apps like google assistant, Cortana, and face app are examples of these two technologies integrated into mobile apps.
Moreover, this integration has proven to be very effective in improving the user experience and engagement by providing real-time analytics and data. AI-powered voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and google assistants have improved user engagement greatly. This integration is also playing a significant role when it comes to app security. Core ML 3 by Apple, a machine learning framework, has further boosted the developers looking to integrate AI technology into their apps.
#5 Integration of Beacon Technology
Beacons are tiny, wireless transmitters that use Bluetooth technology to connect and send signals or notifications to the smartphones in proximity. The integration of beacon technology with mobile apps has been very beneficial for businesses. Moreover, they are considered best in proximity marketing for businesses’ mobile apps. Beacons allow them to share real-time offers with consumers based on their location through their mobile apps.
Retailers can place beacons at various locations where potential customers are more likely to appear, such as shopping malls, in front of stores, etc. Whenever your customer passes through these beacons, a notification regarding discounts or sale is delivered via the app. Beacons have helped businesses create more accurate, useful, and engaging in in-app advertising and marketing. Developers are working towards bringing more beacon integrated apps for physical gaming, healthcare, mobile payments, travel industries, and many more. By 2021, users will be able to use more of this technology integrated into mobile apps.
#6 5G Technology
5G services have already been started in several countries like the USA, UK, and South Korea. It’s expected that by the end of 2020 or maybe the start of 2021, most 4G services will transition to a 5G wireless network. 5G offers a range of benefits to its users. They are way faster than 4G; at present, some operators offer 10-20 times faster 5G speed than their 4G services.
Moreover, 5G technology offers ten times decreased latency and better online connectivity among several devices. Thus following the trend, mobile app developers should focus on reaping the benefits of 5G technology. Developers can develop their app for faster performance and higher speeds and better connectivity among several devices.
Wrapping Up
We have come a long way, considering the mobile app development market. And as the market keeps growing, new technologies and trends keep making mobile apps more effective and productive. Integration of IoT, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and AR & VR in mobile apps are some of the few already successful market trends. The integration of these technologies in mobile apps has wholly revolutionized the user experience and engagement. Smartphones have become best friends for users thanks to these trends.