Mobile apps are one of the most critical digital assets for any business, and the right mobile app, for the right purpose can transform the fortunes of any business.

As of now, there are more than 10 million mobile apps in the world, which are being used by Android, iPhone users for a plethora of services such as booking tickets, playing games, watching movies, ordering products online, and more.

In fact, 70% of the global traffic is currently being generated by mobile, and apps have a very important role to play in these statistics. Be it emails (70% of all emails are accessed via mobile apps), social media, or eCommerce: mobile apps are revolutionizing the digital economy, and triggering more growth and usage.

One of the most fascinating aspects to observe, especially for digital entrepreneurs is how mobile apps are changing consumer behavior, and inducing new rules and new protocols in the business.

As per Google research, 80% of smartphone users are more likely to buy from a company that has a mobile app or mobile sites, since they can resolve their queries instantly, and seamlessly.

Here are some interesting facts, as per Statista:

• There are 2.6 million downloadable apps in the Google Play store and almost 2 million in the App Store.
• The mobile app market is bound to grow by 385% by 2021.
• In 2021, there will be almost 7 billion mobile users worldwide.
• By 2022, App Store user expenditure will increase 92% to $ 157 billion.

Now, being a digital entrepreneur and startup founder, your biggest question should be: How can you leverage this boom in mobile apps, and ensure that your business is not lagging behind?

The answer is a state of the art mobile app development, which can change everything about your business.

Here are the 11 top mobile app development trends, which every digital entrepreneur should be aware of:

1. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI and Machine Learning have been two of the biggest technological innovations of this decade, and it has revolutionized how mobile apps are being made. AI and machine learning brings an unprecedented amount of computing power and helps organizations to execute tasks with less time, and fewer resources.

As per recent Accenture research, AI and machine learning can enhance productivity by up to 40%. AI applications in mobile app development can vary depending on the company’s objectives and goals. It may be a speech recognition feature, an automated assistant that is setting up the camera before taking a shot, or even smart filters applied in the camera.

Using AI capabilities and features, it is now possible to use smartphones to analyze the sound of a working industrial machine and spot the signs of upcoming failure. It’s not a surprise that AI and machine learning are helping to create innovative, and futuristic mobile apps, which were not even imagined a few years back.

Some of the applications of AI in mobile app development include: incorporating image identification, automating different tasks, natural language processing, and data analytics.

Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence is bound to be one of the hottest trends of this upcoming year. We have been using AI and Machine Learning in our apps and will continue to enhance its usage and application for our client.

2. Internet of Things (IoT) App Integration

Internet of Things (IoT) is far from a new concept. But the rise in mobile usage across a broad range of industries and sectors has created seemingly endless opportunities for the IoT.

The IoT defines the growing network of devices connected to the Internet, giving automated control and convenience to consumers. Smart home technology is a perfect example of the increase in IoT and mobile app development.

The global IoT market is expected to reach $222 billion in 2021. Out of that, $161 billion is expected to come from software, like mobile applications., which is a 14% increase from 2019. According to a report by Statista, the revenue from technology associated with the Internet of Things will eclipse 1.6 trillion by 2025.

In 2021, we expect to see more mobile app development, centered around IoT fundamentals and principles. Household devices, automobiles, and healthcare, among others are specific markets to keep an eye on. By combining the IoT with smartphones it is now possible to provide users with advanced tools to control and monitor their gadgets, machines, and pieces of equipment.

An intriguing example comes from the agriculture sector, where IoT-powered mobile apps are used to control the systems of huge machines like tractors and combine harvesters. Maintaining control over pressure in tires is a great example, as different types of soil require varying pressure to keep the grip off the machine.

We have been integrating IoT into our mobile applications for a long time. This year we aim to exceed our potential and test the limits for how further this technology can be leveraged for our clients.

3. Blockchain and Decentralized Apps

Blockchain technology is distinguished for being the technology empowering cryptocurrencies, with bitcoin being the most notable one. The main concept behind it is creating a decentralized database, that can resist hacking and frauds.

One of the most useful and beneficial features of blockchain technology is the usage of tokens for enhancing network security and access: For example, tokens can be allocated to the designated users for accessing a network, or tokens can be seamlessly used to authenticate digital payments in run time.

With the help of decentralization of database in the blockchain ecosystem, no unauthorized person or entity can gain access to the network, and edit or modify any database without prior permission (or tokens).

Till a few years ago, blockchain technology was mainly seen in a cryptocurrency context, but now, it is evolving with the interest of tech giants.

For instance, Microsoft has launched its blockchain-based framework ‘Coco’, which aims to increase blockchain adoption in the enterprise sector and may become a kickstart for blockchain-based custom mobile app development.

More and more tech giants are now embracing the wonders of blockchain technology and ensuring a highly productive and super-safe environment for conducting critical business operations.

The prime advantages provided by Blockchain technology incorporate:

• It minimizes data loss
• It deploys data for better performance if there is a network failure
• Blockchain android apps are more safe and secure for data encryption

A report by PWC shows that 84% of global companies are actively engaged in Blockchain technologies.

When it comes to mobile app development, then Blockchain technology can provide decentralized and highly flexible solutions that boost transparency and eradicates unauthorized access and intermediates utilizing strong security protocols.

4. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR & VR)

Augmented and virtual reality will continue trending upward in 2021, with more and more focus on creating Mobile apps that can leverage their capabilities for a wide range of use cases.

The popularity of Pokémon Go has indeed, paved the way for AR in mobile app gaming. But that’s just the start.

Today, the implementation of AR has become more practical for a wide range of apps and software. Even Google Maps came out with a feature called “Live View” where users can see turn by turn directions in real-time on real-world imagery. By pointing the device’s camera at buildings and street signs, the app can deduce exactly where a user is.

Augmented and virtual reality enhances the user experience in the app, making it much more interactive. From AR apps to business apps or social media, AR and VR have revolutionized how apps work. This year we will see and incorporate further development of this technology through mobile app development.

5. 5G Technology

The global rollout of 5G will have a huge impact on 2021 mobile app trends. For creators, developers, and resellers, this new telecom technology is composed to change the way apps are used and created. 2021 is expected to have roughly 3.5 times more 5G connections than in 2020. These connections will nearly triple by the year 2022.

What does this indicate for mobile app development?

To start with, the speed and efficiency of smartphones and apps will substantially improve. 5G is expected to deliver a 10x decrease in latency while boosting traffic capacity and network efficiency.

Compared to 4G, 5G will be up to 100 times faster, depending on the mobile network operator. The penetration of 5G will ultimately boost the interface and functionality of mobile apps. This will allow our developers to add new features to apps without negatively impacting the app’s performance.

Due to the transfer speed ranging up to 100 GB/s in 5G network, the standard is expected to power up the Internet of Things applications and usage. Mobile app developers would need to take count of the upcoming rise in transfer speed and be ready to effectively upscale their offerings. Expenditure on 5G infrastructure by 2021 is predicted to reach 2.3 billion US dollars.

5G is better suited for apps made using technologies like AR, VR, and can seamlessly support 4K video streaming. This gives mobile app developers more options, more ideas, and more capabilities to create world-class apps.

Developers can also use 5G to craft designs and features that will improve the digital performance of many industries.

6. Beacons

Bluetooth-powered beacons may not be new technology itself, but they are gaining increasing attention, as they provide the connection between the online and offline worlds. In 2021, and beyond, tech analysts are predicting even wider usage of Bluetooth Beacons for not only industrial and commercial usage but residential and personal usage as well.

According to research by Grand-view, the Bluetooth beacon market will be worth $58.7 billion by 2025 with an estimated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 95.3%.

Businesses widely use Beacon technology as it helps them target promising clients uniquely. Beacons are transmitting gadgets that can connect with mobile gadgets accessible in their range. They help businesses send notifications regarding nearby special offers, hotels, and more to those gadgets.

Due to this, the integration of beacon technology into android apps are becoming extremely popular. For businesses like restaurants and shops, this integration can be highly useful. The use of iBeacon and other similar gadgets for marketing is predicted to develop rapidly.

This advanced technology gives a serious scope to personalized app marketing and is expected to rise in 2020 considering one of the main mobile app development trends.

7. Chatbots/Google Assistant

More entrepreneurs and startups are expected to find an interest in combining the services and content of their applications with Chatbots and Google Assistant in 2021.

The prime benefit of using Google Assistant is that you can offer quicker ways for users to use the features, right within the app, without leaving it. With App Actions, you can deep-link to particular functions within your mobile app from the Google Assistant, and provide a seamless way to connect with them, 24*7, and 365 days a year.

Android Slices, a feature that enables developers to showcase the most crucial content from your applications directly to the users of the Assistant. As the number of Google Assistant users increases, mobile app integration with this popular virtual assistant will become the major target for businesses and global organizations.

Another big reason why modern chatbots are becoming increasingly popular is the automation capability and seamless integration with other business tools and software.

By processing the natural language, companies are now automating many repetitive and tedious actions like answering users’ most common questions (“is the store open today?”) or automating the ordering process. Since chatbots are driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, our mobile app development processes ensure that their responses are more human-like.

According to a recent survey, 36% of Americans claimed to have used a chatbot to interact with at least one company in 2019.

With the increasing popularity of Facebook Messenger, using chatbots on mobile is rising, as Messenger is commonly used as a standalone app used by more than 1.82 billion people around the world.

8. Accelerated Mobile Pages(AMP)

Google Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) -supported web apps load much faster on mobile devices and minimize the bounce rate by a large percentage. It’s an exceptional technology that offers a smart strategy for publishers to boost their ad visibility and more visitors.

AMP improves SEO and helps various organizations to be more visible by users. Speed and Performance are 2 main factors that impact a website’s ranking, and AMP supports both of these factors.

This is why Google is encouraging more and more websites to use AMP technology for publishing their content. As per Google, AMP websites load four times faster than average non-AMP websites. It is predicted that Google will give more prominence to AMP in SERPs, driving a lot of traffic to your website.

Hence, along with Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) introduced by Google introduced in 2017, AMP will certainly be one of the top mobile app development trends in the coming year.

9. Cloud Driven Mobile Apps

Cloud computing is a game-changer for mobile app development, since it enhances the overall experience of the end-user, and assists the developers to be more creative, use fewer resources, and save an incredible amount of time and resources.

From customers to tech professionals, everyone has been talking about cloud technology and how it’s impacting our collective daily lives.

Now, we’re able to see robust mobile apps that directly fetch data from the cloud and take minimum space in a smartphone’s internal memory.

Cloud storage technology can significantly improve the performance of mobile apps at the user’s end, due to the enhanced storage mechanism.

Mobile apps can store data and carry out complicated tasks on the cloud, as opposed to storing information directly on the user’s device. Not only does this streamline mobile app development operations, but it’s also a cost-effective solution. It is expected that by the end of 2021, 83% of enterprise workloads will be cloud-based. Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox are only the tip of the iceberg.

According to a report by Cisco, cloud apps drove 90% of total mobile data traffic by the end of 2019, and the mobile cloud traffic was 11-fold with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 60%.

While cloud technology may not be new, it hasn’t quite managed to penetrate the mobile app industry to its full potential. It has a wide range of possibilities for mobile development, which we intend to exploit in 2021.

10. Cross-Platform Mobile Apps

Currently, we are seeing a constant rise in the use of cross-platform frameworks with Flutter, React Native, and Xamarin being paramount. This helps the app developers to create platform-independent mobile apps, and this changes everything.

These frameworks allow mobile app development using a native interface for platforms like iOS and Android, which means that such apps are accessible across all platforms and devices.

Such cross-platform mobile apps are available on any device of choice, whether it’s mobile, laptop, desktop, wearables, TV, or smart displays. This way, developers can avoid wasting their valuable time in deciding which devices to target.

Xamarin, React Native and Flutter app development allows rapid app rendering, as only a single code base is written for both iOS and Android mobile apps-which also leads to a reduction of app development cost.

Whether you need your mobile app to be built from scratch, or you want your existing app to be integrated with these frameworks, we are the right fit for you. In 2021, we intend to take on new and exciting cross-platform app development projects and make mobile apps befitting the company requirements perfectly.

11. Wearable Devices

With the emerging popularity of wearable gadgets like smartwatches, the demand for wearable apps have got a sudden leap. Like any other app, they also utilize the Android SDK but have exceptional design and functionality. Wearable apps support smartwatches and provide hardware access like GPU and sensors.

Although wearable devices have been around for years, they have yet to reach their full potential. But things are changing in the wearable device market, and new innovations are constantly being introduced.

For instance, the new watchOS 6 has brought the Apple App Store to Apple Watch, which opens up a new paradigm of exciting opportunities.

Independent apps are now being built and deployed specifically for these wearable devices which have created an enormous opportunity for mobile app development companies.

Lately, the development of wearable smart devices have been a hot trend, especially considering the growing interest in healthcare. This year’s pandemic of COVID-19 showed that wearables can be used to track health parameters and support the diagnostic process. According to a report by Statista, about 25% of adults in the USA, will use some wearable devices by 2022.

In 2021, more of our mobile apps will be made with wearables in mind. Users will be able to download tens of thousands of apps directly from their wrist. We’re just beginning to scratch the surface with wearables and mobile app integration. The coming years will be exceptionally progressive in this category.

How can TechAhead help?

If you are searching for a reliable and experienced partner to execute your mobile app projects, then TechAhead is the name to reckon with. We are listed as one of the top mobile app companies in the world; our work is renowned for using innovative technology, flawless execution, and timely delivery.

With over 11 years of experience in mobile app development, we have served several Fortune 500 companies, startups, traditional businesses, and global organizations to jump-start their mobile journey and establish impeccable branding in their respective sectors.

In 2021, we plan to carry forward our legacy, incubating more and more emerging technologies into our flagship development services, and serve our clients with the best development services.

TechAhead has vast technical and design expertise in not just developing websites and apps but also understanding our client’s core business objectives, and accordingly suggest the best way forward.

Get in touch with us and we will create an exceptional mobile app for you, that is scalable, and robust, and relevant.

Source: techaheadcorp