The Future of Mobile Apps: Emerging Trends and Technologies for Startups

The value of mobile applications is key in today's electronic age. The advantages offered by mobile applications are limitless. From raised brand name presence, boosted consumer involvement, and boosted consumer commitment, all of which combine in sales as well as profits. According to the most up-to-date stats, there are presently 6.3 billion smartphone individuals throughout the globe, as well as mobile applications, are anticipated to create over USD 935 billion in revenue by 2024.  

Such numbers are a proper testimony to the expertise and capacity of mobile applications, particularly for startups as well as young businesses. However, just recognizing the value of start-up applications is not nearly enough. It is vital to participate in an application development procedure that considers the most up-to-date fads along with technical developments. If you would like to know the A to Z of instilling top-tier innovations in your mobile application, continue reading!

Upcoming Technologies in Mobile App Development

The present and future of mobile applications are being shaped by various technologies, especially AI and ML. Nowadays, AI-powered mobile apps can analyze user behavior, customize content and recommendations, and automate tasks. All of these elements help to provide a more seamless and intuitive user experience. Some of the game-changing technologies in the mobile app landscape include -

1. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are transforming the process of mobile app development, opening up new prospects for immersive experiences. AR applications overlay digital content onto the real-world environment, thereby enhancing online gaming, shopping, navigation, and learning experiences. On the other hand, VR applications take users to virtual environments, which facilitate immersive storytelling, training simulations, and virtual tourism experiences. In the near future, we can expect to witness a mushrooming of AR and VR-enabled startup mobile apps.

2. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are web applications that amalgamate the functionality of native mobile apps while being accessible via a web browser.  They are built using standard technologies, such as CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, and are designed to be compatible across various devices and platforms. The main catch with Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) is that they are specially developed by leveraging a much larger and expansive web ecosystem, plugins and community.

Moreover, PWAs also come with a much greater ease of deploying and maintaining a website as compared to a native application. So, many people consider PWAs as website steroids. This unique tag is quite justified, as the performance offered by Progressive Web Apps are absolutely amazing and worth applauding and investing in. 

3. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration

The third emerging trend that every startup app must take into consideration is the Internet of Things (IoT). It refers to the network of interlinked devices and sensors that collect and exchange data over the Internet. The mobile applications of today’s times are increasingly being used to control and monitor IoT devices, such as smart home appliances, wearable fitness trackers, and connected cars. When you infuse IoT functionality into mobile applications, your target users can remotely manage their devices, access real-time data, and automate tasks for enhanced convenience and efficiency.

4. Dark Mode

The dark mode is the phenomenon when the background of a mobile application switches to a dark color scheme. Of course, dark mode might seem a bit dated, but it is a technology that many startup apps fail to capture and inculcate. However, dark mode has phenomenal aesthetic appeal and potential merits, such as reducing eye strain and conserving battery life. If you are an enterprise devising an app, then do not forget to offer dark mode as an option and let users customize their app experience as per their preferences and lighting conditions.

5. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology, which is best renowned for its association with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is also finding its way into mobile phone applications. Blockchain in startup apps ensures decentralization, transparency, and security. Thus, it is well-suited for use cases like digital transactions, supply chain management, and identity verification. When a startup app leverages blockchain technology, you can provide users with greater control over their data and transactions while also facilitating trust and security.

6. Voice User Interfaces (VUIs)

Voice user interface (VUI) is the sixth mobile app development trend worth watching out for. Voice and natural language processing can operate mobile applications using VUIs. VUIs provide hands-free and eyes-free interaction, which makes them especially useful for tasks, such as dictation, search, and navigation. 

7. Proliferation of On-demand Apps

On-demand applications have been gaining monumental traction in recent times. These are ‘third-party’ applications where people can hire a service or a product. One of the best examples of on-demand applications is Uber, wherein the service in question is a ride. On-demand applications fulfil other demands and have relevance in an array of fields, such as food, logistics, groceries, and more. The number of on-demand apps is quite huge and gargantuan currently, but we can expect the proportion to increase vehemently in the near future. Newer technologies are bound to make on-demand apps more apparent and very soon luxuries will become necessities as on-demand applications penetrate every facet of people’s lives.

8. Chatbots

Last but not least, chatbots are an emerging mobile application trend that has raised quite a few eyebrows. Chatbots were at a nascent stage in 2020 but four years later, they have accelerated in the mainstream app development landscape. By 2025, we can expect the chatbot industry to be valued at USD 1.25 billion. Moreover, 40 percent of global internet users prefer interacting with chatbots than virtual agents - a recent study suggests. So, during the planning and execution of a startup app, it is crucial that you include chatbots as a way to improve customer engagement and satisfaction.

Wrapping It Up

So, there we have it, a crisp overview of the top 8 emerging trends and technologies in the world of mobile app development. Any startup app being devised must be conscious of the eight pointers mentioned above.