Over the past couple of years, the use of mobile applications has exploded. Users have adopted modern smartphones and consumers use apps for everything from ordering food to listening to music and performing bank transactions. We live in a world of the digital sphere, where we can keep in touch with the rest of the world across boundaries using mobile apps.
The increasing demand for functional apps has led to rapid mobile app development, especially amongst independent freelance app developers. As an operating system’s app store is the playing field, almost anyone could build an app that could be a huge hit.
So, what are the emerging trends in the coming year? What brand and technologies are likely to spurt? What new programming languages are in store? Moreover, a lot more.
Here’s all you should know:
#1: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Continues to Grow
Artificial Intelligence shall continue to grow. More and more sectors and industries would adopt AI, in the years to come. According to the International Data Corporation, the global spending on AI and allied cognitive systems shall reach the $77.6 billion mark by 2022.
#2: On-demand Apps Continue To Increase
On-demand apps are the mediators between different service providers and customers. By mid-2021, the world of apps shall be more interesting and there would be more providers offering on-demand applications in the digital market.
#3: Blockchain Technology To Rule
Blockchain technology is set to be enhanced further in the coming years. Experts predict that this trend is likely to continue for many years. Some of the leading financial investors and institutions have reaped rewards from the technology, especially related to assets. Transparency Market Research estimated that the market of blockchain technology is all set to exceed $20 billion by the end of 2024. It is also an indication that mobile apps would capitalize on technology beyond 2020.
#4: Wearable Apps To Dominate
Wearable technology is widely adopted worldwide. Statists estimates that the total number of wearables could reach as much as 929 million by the end of 2021, which is a straight up from the figures for 2017 of 453 million. Wearable devices are very much a part of our daily lives and it is all set to stay that way.
#5: Chatbots To Be More Widespread
The latest mobile app trends indicate that there is a huge scope for Chatbots. In fact, it might even take over other lines of communication in the world of mobile apps. The increased need to adopt chatbots can be attributed to the real-time interaction taking place between customers and service providers.
#6: Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality To Be Widely Accepted
Both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are here to stay. We would see widespread adoption and growth of both the technologies beyond 2020. Mobile app trends indicate that both AR as well as VR technology are not just improving the quality of gaming applications, but it has wider application in other fields too.
Beyond 2020, it is only expected that mobile app developers would create stunning experiences in VR and AR, with far better and compatible hardware facilities.
Statista estimates that the global market for VR and AR would skyrocket to a whopping $209 billion by 2022, a steep rise from $27 billion back in 2018.
#7: Proliferation of Instant Apps
Mobile apps would be more memory-efficient and user-friendly in times to come. Instant apps are the future. These native mobile apps take up less space due to their small size, are user-friendly, and convenient to use compared to traditional apps. It’s primarily because you don’t have to download instant apps. As the name suggests, users can access these apps without downloading.
Owing to the consistent demand for quicker loading time and enhanced user experience, users are more likely to experience extensive propagation of instant apps, thereby reducing the wait time to install apps.
#8: Mobile Payment Services To Proliferate
Payment gateways and mobile wallets are widely used today. There is a rising demand for seamless navigation and frictionless methods of payments ensuring the safety and security of users. Mobile wallets facilitate payment gateway integration, which essentially changes the way users shop.
The latest trends are pointing further towards the rise of mobile wallet services and mobile payments through Google Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo, Square Cash, and One Touch. Today, all popular and successful mobile apps include at least three to four methods of payment such as debit/credit cards, gift cards, net banking, and mobile wallet. Expect more such proliferation beyond 2020.
#9: AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) Development To Speed Up
AMP is an open-source platform brought to you by Twitter and Google. The purpose of AMP is to improve the presentation of web pages across mobile devices. The AMP technology allows lightweight web pages to load quickly on your tablets and smartphones. Expect mobile developers to use the same technology for speedy load times in all mobile devices.
#10: Clod Storage To Be The New Normal
Already, cloud storage is the in-thing on the internet today. The most hassle-free storage space keeps your data safe and ensures you are least worried about occupancy. Almost everyone is benefiting from the cloud, starting from regular users to hi-tech professionals. Cloud computing is the fastest, inexpensive, and easy to deploy, but it is also an indispensable choice for both large-scale business enterprises and smaller joints. Beyond 2020, expect to see advanced cloud application developments with emerging technologies and widespread adoption.
OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox are some of the best examples of cloud computing. You can expect powerful apps, directly running on the cloud, and requiring minimal space in your device storage. Synchronizing data would be easier across multiple devices.
#11: IoT To Pave Way To Newer Possibilities
Internet of Things (IoT) is an established reality. In another five years, it is expected that over 5 billion people would be using IoT-driven technology in different forms. Today, it is present in advanced wearable technology, smart bulbs, smart thermostats, dimmable streetlights, etc.
In the years to come, mobile app development technology is expected to adopt IoT to ensure personalized experience across several devices.
Conclusion
The world is changing. Everything is fluid. App developers are also fast adapting to the changes and fluidity of the situation to come up with matching solutions for seamless user experience.
