What is a mobile application?
Mobile applications (apps) are software packages specifically developed for smartphones or tablets designed to deliver quality experiences and services for users.
Although cross-platform apps contain limited functions, they still provide excellent experiences to end-users. Mobile applications differ significantly from their desktop counterparts in that each has an independent set of unique functions.
A typical example would be web browsing, calculator use, or smartphone gaming applications.
Mobile applications were once limited in functionality due to the limited hardware capacities of early devices; today, however, our technology allows far greater functionality.
Thanks to mobile app developers flexible development models, users now have more control than ever in selecting only what features they desire for their devices.
Read More: Why is the mobile app development company important?
Key mobile app development technologies
Native Apps
What are native applications? Native applications are apps explicitly created to run on one mobile operating system - like Android and iOS platforms - making them native applications; you cannot run an Android app on an iPhone and vice-versa.
Native apps are known for their superior performance. Developers that create them take advantage of native device user interface and API access in their development process, further accelerating and expanding its limits.
App stores are the sole place where native applications may be found for installation after having gone through an extensive publishing process. 32157
Native apps are expensive: Two development teams may be necessary to successfully design, create, and support an Android or iOS application - leading to increased project costs and potential delays.
Apps for Web
Web applications resemble native apps on mobile user phones in that they can be utilized across devices, although with significant distinctions.
Web apps typically use HTML5, CSS, or JavaScript; users will then be directed to a URL that offers them the choice of installing an app, with bookmarking created automatically on each page for easy reference later. They require minimal device memory usage. Users can only utilize this application if connected to the internet; web apps require robust network access for optimal use.
Hybrid apps
Hybrid applications use web technologies like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML 5 to develop them. What exactly are hybrid apps? They are web apps fashioned into native apps by deception.
Hybrid app development can be effortless; all it requires is using one codebase across platforms for updating and maintenance costs to be reduced significantly. Multiple APIs exist that support specific capabilities like geolocation or gyroscope support to give experienced developers added freedom in creating applications of this kind.
Hybrid apps may be slow and unresponsive, with design issues, as your app will look different across platforms.
Mobile applications: types and categories
There is an array of mobile applications. To better comprehend mobile trends, here are some of the more widely-used ones.
- Games are among the top mobile applications, and it is impressive just how often people install games onto their phones. Recognizing this lucrative market opportunity, businesses have increased investment into creating mobile versions of popular stationary games or developing entirely new titles to capitalize on it. A recent study determined that mobile gaming accounted for 33% of all app downloads, 74% of all consumer spending, and 10% of all time spent using apps.
- Productivity or business apps have become a staple in modern society as people increasingly rely on mobile devices for complex work on the go. Apps help people keep tabs on progress or send emails and are specifically designed to increase productivity while decreasing expenses through various tasks - like buying printer cartridges or hiring managers.
- Education apps are mobile applications designed to aid the user in expanding their knowledge and abilities. Language learning apps like Duolingo are top-rated as they allow flexible language study options; educational games apps for children make an ideal teaching tool; teachers utilize various education apps themselves as ways to hone their education or organize the teaching process more efficiently.
- Lifestyle Apps This category encompasses shopping, fashion, and virtual fitting rooms as well as dating apps, diet apps, fitness apps, and apps designed for workouts aimed at different aspects of lifestyle.
- Mobile commerce apps - Amazon and eBays top shopping apps provide users with an identical shopping experience on mobile as on desktop PCs. Mobile commerce offers users easy access to viable products they desire and payment methods that ensure seamless transaction experiences for maximum shopping pleasure. Find out more about the types and definitions of mobile commerce by reading below!
- Entertainment apps: Apps designed for entertainment allow users to stream videos, find events, chat online, or access content online. Social media applications like Facebook and Instagram serve this function well, while video streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video provide extra user engagement by notifying members about updates or newly available products.
- Utility Apps have become ubiquitous over time, and you likely dont notice their existence anymore. Famous examples are barcode scanners or trackers.
- Travel Apps are designed to make travel more straightforward for users. From guides and journals to transport, these travel apps transform smartphones into helpful travel companions, allowing tourists to quickly learn all about where theyre visiting. Tourists who know how to utilize apps are usually tech-savvy - imagine traveling without Google Maps and Uber services.
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What has changed in the development of mobile apps?
In 1973, the first mobile handheld phone was invented; however, it would take twenty more years before cell phones became commercially available for commercial sale.
The revolutionary device featured apps, including wireless email connectivity and integrated apps, further enabling rapid cross-platform development using Java programming language - still widely popular for developing Android applications today.
Apple and Google each opened online app stores in 2008. Within nine months of its debut, the Apple App Store had over 1 billion downloads; by 2021, app users will have downloaded over 230 billion mobile applications between Apple and Android platforms.
Apps became more sophisticated as mobile phones proliferated across society, and their use quickly increased. At first, apps relied heavily on user input, but now many can provide information without prompting from a user.
Future trends in mobile application development
The foundations of 5G are laid.
As much as 5G technology has garnered considerable buzz for over a decade, most providers only began rolling it out commercially in 2021.
5G networks focus on speed. Not only can 5G operate faster than current 4G standards, they can operate exponentially faster; 5G may operate 100x faster.
5G offers essential advantages that enable users to connect wearable devices as well as smartphones using it. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies that transmit data rapidly reduces latency significantly. Information can now be delivered in milliseconds.
There are various use cases ranging from simple to complex; an example could include watching an HD video without buffering and quality loss on their device without experiencing buffering issues or losing quality.
PwCs study details an expansive 5G healthcare ecosystem featuring apps, wearables, and the Internet of Things (IoT) that could enable patients to monitor their quality of life and health better, help detect diseases early, reduce healthcare costs by an estimated $2,000 per patient - among many other benefits.
AR & VR goes beyond gaming
Augmented reality (AR), such as that utilized for Pokemon Go while walking around your neighborhood, overlays images and objects onto natural objects.
In contrast, virtual reality (VR) creates an entirely false environment. Metas Oculus Q2 allows users to exercise, explore new places, and view concerts all from within an immersive virtual reality environment from home - without leaving their couch! But AR and VR technology is no longer just limited to gaming; other industries, including travel, retail, and real estate, are quickly adopting it too.
AR has gained momentum in real estate thanks to COVID-19. Attending open houses was no longer practical when the pandemic hit, yet rapid application development made virtual home walkthroughs possible.
Matterport will launch an iOS App in 2020 that allows home sellers to utilize LiDAR sensors on phones or tablets - previously achievable only through expensive cameras. Some reports that 63% of buyers made offers after viewing virtual walkthroughs of homes through Redfin; monthly views via Matterport increased by over 500% since February.
AI will be here for a long time
Artificial Intelligence and machine-learning technologies have long been integral to mobile app development process, expanding capabilities over time as they gain more ground.
Machine learning algorithms use past user behavior data to predict potential future outcomes - an approach known as predictive modeling.
Artificial Intelligence could play an invaluable role in future app development, with facial and speech recognition - biometric indicators used for security enhancement - being highlighted as highlights by AI technology.
AI/ML technology could also be utilized by companies working within financial or insurance services sectors to not only increase security measures while protecting users but detect fraud as well. According to estimates by analysts, the annual potential value of AI within global banking stands at over $1 Trillion!
As more people use mobile platform payments via phones or wearables, fraud identification will become more essential.
According to predictions made for 2020, an estimated 2.8 billion mobile wallets worldwide could exist by 2025, which may hit 4.8 billion! Detection firms have developed AI technologies specifically targeted toward banks and retailers as people increasingly turn to these wallets online to carry out more complex transactions.
Blockchain is more than cryptocurrency.
Blockchain, although most commonly associated with digital currencies, has numerous other applications. Stated blockchains serve as digital product ledgers that record transactions securely without alteration or removal - making this technology especially helpful when tracking digital solutions or protecting identities.
Mobile wallets, P2P payment apps, and other applications have increasingly turned to blockchain technology in recent years to increase transaction security and speed.
Estimations suggest 68,000,000 people own blockchain wallets, while in January 2021, more than 5 million wallet applications were downloaded for download.
Blockchain technology will increasingly become part of various industries over time due to its additional security benefits.
IBM, for example, found out that using this form of tech was an efficient way of cutting costs while improving supply chains and helping resolve disputes more swiftly and cost-effectively than traditional methods could.
Wearables can do more
Watches, earbuds, and other intelligent devices worn on clothing, such as watches or earbuds, constitute wearable technology devices (WT devices).
WTs perform multiple tasks including voice-activated phone calls and step-tracking capabilities - one billion connected worldwide! In 2021 alone the Wearable Technology Market had a total revenue worth approximately $116 billion! Consumer electronics continue to lead wearable technology innovation; however, wearables are increasingly utilized beyond step counting in healthcare environments.
Some wearable devices, like Fitbit and Apple Watch, have received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to include apps that detect heart irregularities.
Wearable devices will soon feature apps designed to improve security. Apple collaborated with Schlage, a lock manufacturer, on developing smart locks that can be operated through an Apple Watch and an iPhone; users can add house key virtual storage capabilities directly into their smart mobile wallets.
The issue of security becomes more urgent
Concerns over consumer privacy and security continue to increase as more information becomes accessible online. Consumer data is regularly collected in order to improve services; AI/ML systems often utilize this data collection practice in this respect, prompting legitimate fears from their target consumers regarding potentially leaked personal information.
Synopsis conducted a recent analysis of Android studio applications and discovered that 63% contained open-source code with security holes, leaving many consumers vulnerable to having their personal information breached or leaked, potentially impacting customer experience satisfaction or app trust negatively.
Two innovations have arisen to provide solutions to security concerns of this nature: biometric verification utilizing eye, face, fingerprint, or voice recognition, and facial/fingerprint recognition offers users an effective defense mechanism against identity theft or fraud.
Another option for IoT security enhancement is distributed ledger technology (DLT), like blockchain. DLT allows IoT device security on smartphones and other mobile devices by adding additional encryption layers.
Read More: 10 Mobile App Development Trends
Business Mobility: Mobile applications
What were the similarities between Compaq and Kodak? Despite having large followings, both brands needed to adapt to technology quickly enough and, as such, either closed their doors or sold off altogether when technology advanced more slowly compared with today.
Innovation constantly evolves, so even huge brands such as these may eventually fall by the wayside without staying on trend with current trends or face dormancy as soon as technology makes changes that affect them more permanently than anticipated.
Businesses typically utilize mobile applications as a convenient means to offer extra services to their customers; however, with the global pandemic expected to affect 2020, this practice has seen exponential growth.
What was initially intended as an accessible bridge between consumers and brands has now become an essential tool for business goal to achieve success. Businesses are turning to apps as an increasingly effective means to provide personalized services and enhance consumer online experiences.
What began as an intriguing novelty has become an integral part of all organizations.
Some reports that over 218 trillion app downloads were seen worldwide during 2020 alone (an increase of 6,86% year over year), marking an anticipated 25% growth between 2018-2022, with over 258 billion downloaded apps expected globally.
These statistics make it crystal clear: both developers and enterprises alike must stay abreast of current mobile app development trends to remain competitive with competitors. With knowledge of current mobile trends, businesses may stay caught up in development efforts.
Mobile App Development Today
Continuity is at the core of mobile device development. Current events and technical advancements play a significant role in shaping its evolution; popular mobile trends like AR/AI will likely continue in fashion going forward; todays hot technologies may soon evolve into something else while maintaining their heritage to address any impending issues that come their way.
Mobile app development company has experienced steady advancement with few disruptions since 2019.
Unexpected social changes, like COVID lockdowns, can sometimes act as catalysts that speed mobile trends along. Notably, this year saw numerous companies participate in global events online through various forms of their presence on various social networks - none could ignore its effect.
Focusing on trends within an industry with rapidly rising demand can be wise. When more app developers create mobile applications, markets become more popular as consumer competition increases, with mobile phone users growing exponentially.
Launch time is critical to attract them; progressive web apps have since made headway as they offer fast launches, quickly replacing mobile app market share. As these considerations converge, dive deeper into four trends that could potentially change mobile development in the future.
Four key trends shaping the future of mobile application development
Super Apps
No longer does creating apps solely to fulfill individual needs have their place; with our global society constantly shifting and the advent of "Super App," 2022 could see its debut with mobile application trends like this being implemented into mainstream apps.
One of todays newest trends is multipurpose apps that combine several functions into a single application. Mobile applications have long been tailored to fulfill specific user requirements for communication, logistics, or services such as healthcare; for example, there are various apps dedicated team to exercise, healthy eating habits and leading an active lifestyle - these trends provide us with exciting possibilities of growth that should only increase as time progresses.
Mega apps with multifunctional capabilities are increasingly in demand, providing environments to meet users diverse requirements more entirely than with individual programs that only perform single tasks - consumers understand the logic behind these mega applications and find them convenient and more user-friendly than installing multiple single task apps that only perform one function at once.
Super Apps provides customers with one-stop solutions that span online messaging, financial services, and ride-hailing, all within one app.
Customers can utilize these services simultaneously to address various problems simultaneously - weChat is one such super application, with over 1.26 billion monthly active users from multiple age groups using it, combining instant messaging, social media posts, and mobile payments into one platform - providing its ability as an all-in-one application solution.
Voice Technology
Voice recognition allows a device to understand spoken commands, enabling users to operate machines or conduct searches online using only voice commands.
Voice-activated technology enables interaction with apps without touching their phone; currently, though it is impossible to have complete conversations using this technology, smartphone owners can still utilize this technique, however imperfect it may seem.
Voice technology is projected to become one of the key trends for mobile apps moving forward, with predictions suggesting its market could expand from $10 billion to $27.16 in just several years.
Voice-activated technology enables smartphone users to utilize apps without holding onto them; soon, all smartphone owners may become used to using apps with this feature embedded.
Mobile Wallets
Global epidemics have contributed to the unprecedented growth of electronic payment systems. People started opting for electronic currencies over cash to prevent viral spread, leading to many business owners and new startups launching money transfer apps that rapidly gained global traction - safe to send or receive funds electronically!
Mobile applications can connect for seamless service and secure payments, including wallet apps such as Paytm, Amazon Pay, Google Pay, etc., which offer quick money transfers.
Such apps have grown increasingly popular over time; their prominence must be allowed for a while. Businesses of all kinds--physical locations and virtual--are looking into offering mobile purchasing and payment options for customers.
At the same time, younger organizations can use mobile commerce custom solution with reduced startup costs.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning (ML) technologies have an incredible effect on app development skills. Their presence can be felt right down to how your smartphones face-unlock feature functions - they both utilize AI functionality directly! Brands must adapt by providing customers with improved experiences, or they risk losing customers to rival brands that offer similar features.
Future app developers could employ AI more broadly, such as facial and voice recognition, to increase safety. Business objective - specifically financial and insurance industries - could leverage machine learning with AI to further safeguard user security privacy, detect fraud, and detect more efficiently than before; according to estimates, its worth exceeds one trillion annually across global banking industries!
AI technology is predicted to boost global economic output by $13 trillion between 2029-2033. Chatbots have improved customer service and sales opportunities while AI can enhance client engagement within eCommerce apps as well as search and product suggestions - further showing us its impact on app development time in years ahead.
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Conclusion
Mobile app development holds excellent promise shortly. To assert otherwise would be misleading; technology continues to adapt and meet business requirements and customer demands with ever more frequent apps serving specific functions or only one niche need.
As mobile technology develops to meet them, this hardly rings true, leading to mobile market expansion with developers encouraged to get involved; forecast initially for 9.1 trillion dollars by 2020 but now predicted at 44.43 billion dollars at an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 25.4% from 2027-2037
If you want to expand your digital business, a mobile application development is necessary.
Refrain from starting from scratch, too- we are here for you. Webster experts can assist with expanding your business by offering the most cost-effective mobile app development solutions and information on current trends and how your app should be designed.
