There is no question that the last couple of years have been particularly difficult for numerous businesses around the world. Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the lives of people everywhere, but this healthcare crisis has also impacted the global economy on multiple levels. Problems like the global chip shortage and inflation have undoubtedly affected phone manufacturers in the US and abroad. However, companies like Apple and Samsung have been stockpiling semiconductors and other components for years, a decision that allowed them to launch new products and grow their businesses even in these hard times.
Moreover, the healthcare crisis has also led to a dramatic increase in mobile app usage. According to Data.ai, a platform that brings together consumer data and market estimates, the monthly time spent using mobile apps increased 40% year-over-year during the second quarter of 2020, peaking at a monthly high of over 200 billion hours in April. The growth prompted mobile app developers to keep working on developing better apps that can rapidly turn into great business opportunities. Because the number of mobile phone users is expected to grow in 2023 and beyond, this trend is likely to continue and developers will probably come up with better products in the near future.
The Internet of Things (IoT)
According to expert app developer Gerrit Barembruch, the Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most important trends in app development. Both private individuals and companies are more aware of the opportunities made available by using a collective network of connected devices. From smart home apps to entire business networks, IoT technologies are now changing the way people live and work. New apps—ranging from those designed for domestic use to industrial apps or even apps developed for smart cities—are already on the market, and the trend is likely to boom in the future.
5G-powered Apps
The Fifth-Generation wireless cellular network (5G) is already disrupting the world of mobile app development. This technology is designed to take user experience to the next level by providing enhanced features at higher speeds. Moreover, 5G apps also allow users to easily adopt other new technologies, such as IoT, cloud computing, and Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR).
Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies
AR and VR technologies have already been used by app developers everywhere to create fun features for their platforms. These features proved to be particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when consumers used them to test whether accessories, clothes, or makeup would fit them or not without visiting physical stores. However, more is yet to come in this industry, as the AR and VR market is projected to reach USD 72.8 billion by 2024.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
New technologies like AI and ML can be used to simplify app development processes and detect the mistakes that human developers may have missed. However, they are not limited to such tasks, as they can also be used to develop AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, to integrate facial recognition-based biometric functionalities, or to improve search engine algorithms. According to MilesWeb Internet Services SEO Executive Nisha Nimse, AI- and ML-powered apps are likely to become common across most industries.
New Voice Recognition Features
The global voice recognition market is expected to increase from USD 10.7 billion in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic to USD 27.16 billion by 2026, according to Statista. This figure demonstrates that the voice recognition trend is likely to expand in the next few years.
Wearable Apps
Although most app developers are concentrating their efforts on creating better mobile apps for smartphones and tablets, wearable device apps are now taking app development another step further. Moreover, the global wearable technology market size is now projected to exceed USD 380.5 billion by 2028, according to a recent study by Facts and Factors.
Bettering User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)
According to software development consulting firm Codica, mobile apps that focus on providing an enhanced user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are quickly becoming a trend to follow. Recent data shows that smartphone users now favor minimal, clear interfaces. This type of design is thought to make the app’s content easier to view and understand, so it comes as no surprise that more and more developers are now following this trend.
App Development in 2023 and Beyond
With the number of users of mobile phones, gadgets, and wearables growing steadily each year, app development is also becoming increasingly important. Emerging technologies and new industry trends are now providing developers with new ways of designing mobile apps.
