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App Development
5 minutes read

Current Mobile App Development Trends to Watch

By Mario Tatis
By Mario Tatis
App Development
5 minutes read

There’s no more dynamic field than the world of mobile app development. Technologies emerge almost daily, and users are constantly demanding the newest trends for their next app. These consumers are also quick to adopt new apps, and even quicker to uninstall apps that don’t meet their needs. This means competition is fierce, and if you’re not on top of what’s happening now, you might get left in the dark. Your best bet is to keep on top of these trends, and implement them when it’s relevant. Here’s a quick rundown on what’s happening now with mobile app development trends.

Mobile Wallet

Payment options are quickly becoming a friction point with many apps. Long checkout lines in retail stores or clumsy payment procedures can drive users crazy, and a slick mobile wallet option in your app will keep users happy. Of course, you need to ensure top-of-the-line security measures with any sensitive financial data, so make sure that you have all the authentication and encryption features that will keep that information safe. Tell your users that their data is secure, and highlight all the ways a mobile wallet can make their lives easier.

Blockchain

While we’re on the subject of financial security, we should certainly explore the realm of blockchain technology. Certain FinTech mobile apps can implement blockchain as a secure way to move cryptocurrency within a network of servers. Stock trading apps might be the most applicable to use the power of blockchain, but there are opportunities for other FinTech apps, and even some mobile retail apps. This is fairly new and complex technology that requires certain parameters, specific code, and a deep understanding of the development process. Do your research (this article is a good one), and consider consulting with a business analyst to help you conceive blockchain implementation, and if it’s a viable move.

IoT

There is a lot of buzz about the Internet of Things (IoT), and for good reason. Having networks of connected devices that weren’t previously internet-ready offers a lot of opportunity, both for users and mobile app developers. Having a “smart house” with integrated climate control, lighting, kitchen appliances, and security features serves a giant market, and most would need an app to control all these features. More industrial applications include manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and transportation, and these sectors are predicted to drive over 50% of the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on IoT in 2020, according to this report. This is a red-hot market, so get in the space while it’s still accessible.

On-Demand Apps

By now, we are well-accustomed to the on-demand app market. From Uber to Peapod to GrubHub, the on-demand economy is enormous and growing; not only are users benefitting from these services, but on-demand workers are employing thousands. This report estimates over $57 billion in on-demand transactions was spent last year. There are so many different niches to explore and capitalize on, so what should you look for to enter this hugely profitable space?

  •         Personalization: As we’ve mentioned in other posts, today’s consumer wants things curated to their own personal preferences. By using user-supplied data, on-demand apps can suggest favorite foods or destinations, offer targeted discounts, and other perks. Including surveys and questionnaires is a clever way to mine data from your users.
  •         Niche: Some sectors of the on-demand sphere have been dominated by now, like transportation (Uber, Lyft) and home rentals (Airbnb, VRBO). But there are ever-emerging niches that need serving, and these are ripe for the picking. Finding the pain point and imagining the solution is the key for all app development. Cuft, for example, matches up two large populations: those who need storage space, and those who have extra storage space to rent out. This is a great example of that circular thinking that can make these apps explode.
  •         Populations: Always explore individual verticals, and what they might need. Childcare, car repairs, elderly services or certain healthcare populations all have unique needs and solutions. Consider every sector you can, and dive headfirst into market research to see what needs to be serviced.

Beacons

An app that can geolocate a user and deliver local services, discounts, or other features is beneficial to both users and app owners. Most users will opt in to receive these benefits, and your app can use all of this data to customize an experience in any location. Airports present a unique locale, as there are thousands of captive users that need information, entertainment, and helpful advice.

Chatbots

Having intuitive chatbots within your app to help guide users and answer questions is quickly becoming a necessary feature. This feature can eliminate the need for person-to-person interaction, which can be inefficient and costly for app administration. Developing these bots has its challenges; the best are designed carefully to engage users, ask personalized questions, and solve problems. Language and art design is crucial in order to make users comfortable with interacting with bots, so research existing chatbots to see how they do it.

AI

Artificial intelligence is also accelerating in the app world. Apps that feature AI typically play the role of virtual assistant, helping users organize their schedule, navigate their computer, or collaborate with other teams at work. Most of these involve voice activated features, so integrating that technology into your AI app is key. Here’s a great list of successful AI apps that you can draw inspiration from.

Want to learn more about how we develop mobile apps at Koombea? Check out some more information here and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or comments!

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