2020 was an epic year. It showed everyone that everything could change in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, mobile technology hasn’t slowed down, on the contrary. It developed faster than ever, preparing for a future where 5G will allow more than 1 million devices to connect per square meter. So, will 2021 be a revolutionary year for mobile app technology?
Here are 11 trends worth distinguishing for empowering user experience.
- The Cloud
Cloud-based technologies have become the norm today, and organizations will accelerate app integration to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance user experience. This trend is on the rise, and we’ll continue to see cloud-based technology be prominently used in apps and mobile devices.
- Mobile Security
2021 will not spare businesses from prioritizing mobile security. Although users are becoming more comfortable with payment apps (mobile banking has increased by 50% in the US alone), some are still reluctant and wary of security concerns. However, with the spike in mobile app usage in the last months, privacy and security are more crucial than ever.
- M-Commerce
Online shopping on smartphones is nothing new, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend has grown at incredible speed due to shopping centers being inaccessible. Grocery shopping apps have seen a 200% increase in usage. What’s more, online shopping isn’t going anywhere after the pandemic since most buyers prefer apps instead of the traditional way of purchasing.
- Ad Engagement and Automation
Due to the influx of organic search traffic, publishers can spend less on advertising now, as studies show that ad engagement rises 15% amid the pandemic. In-app ads and app store ads are still effective. As for ads automation, it will help publishers focus more on updating their products and responding to the users’ needs while meeting target KPIs.
- Remote Working Apps
Today, businesses are re-thinking the traditional workspace. Many of them have closed offices, encouraging employees to work from home for as long as they need to. However, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to online communication, and app developers need to step up their game by providing more security and streamlining the workflow.
- Wearables
It’s been just ten years since Fitbit launched the first wearable tracking device, and today, such technology is on the rise: watches, jewelry, headwear, and other devices are becoming more popular. A Gartner report predicts that total spending on wearables will grow to $63 billion in 2021. Wearable tech is outpacing the development of smartphones.
- Mobile Games
The use of mobile games in 2020 has increased by 40%. Nowadays, games are an affordable way to satisfy the need for entertainment, especially during the lockdown. And in 2021, the mobile gaming market is expected to account for 59% of the global gaming industry revenue.
- Mental Health and Fitness
Medical care, fitness, and mental health apps have grown in popularity since the pandemic started. And luckily, wellness and mental health apps are reasonably-priced, offering resources that make therapy accessible at scale, portable, and cost-effective. On-demand content is highly valued today as long as it provides users with the tools they need to stay well, and 2021 will be an opportunity for mobile publishers to adjust, innovate, and adapt their apps.
- Education
Students and teachers have been moving into the virtual space in the past months, doing their best to have an education continuity. However, schools and educational institutions are stressing the need for new mobile apps to solve several problems, including uninterrupted learning or more flexibility. These new apps will be part of the essential toolkit for virtual teaching and learning remotely in 2021.
- IoT
The Internet of Things is providing a convenient environment for users to connect to a number of gadgets in real-time, especially when it comes to smart home technology. With the growth in demand, the IoT will be one of the most adopted preferences for mobile app developers, in 2021. And home automation devices are just a glimpse into what IoT can deliver.
Conclusion
The mobile app development industry is one of the fastest-growing, with no signs of slowing down in the future. It will constantly change and influence all aspects of daily life. So, ensure you stay competitive and keep innovating.
