Mobile technology is advancing at an amazing pace. Nowadays, smartphones are starting our cars and opening our houses. We also use them to communicate and buy, among many other things. And we are spending more and more time with our phones.
The wave of digitization has brought mobile apps to new heights. The COVID-19 pandemic has only sped up the transition from traditional ways of working, learning, and shopping, so now we can see a growing number of apps designed to facilitate remote work, online conferences, m-commerce, m-learning, etc.
The mobile app development industry is predominantly defined by consumer demand and technological advancements, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest trends.
Read on to learn more about seven app development trends that will gain more traction in 2023.
- IoT app integration
- Virtual reality (VR) & AR Augmented reality (AR)
- Artificial intelligence
- Chatbots
- Development for wearable devices
- Mobile commerce
- Mobile wallets
Let’s explain them:
1. IoT app integration
The internet of things (IoT) is the term that refers to the network of physical objects like household appliances, cars, and sophisticated industrial tools that are connected and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet, using software, sensors, or other technologies.
The number of these devices connected to the internet keeps growing. Smart home technology is an example of IoT home automation. Mobile apps are used to control domestic appliances, so it’s now possible to adjust a thermostat from a remote location, connect to home security systems, and even lock or unlock the front door.
The global IoT market is booming, and it’s projected to reach $222billion this year, with $161 billion coming from software including mobile apps.
Healthcare, cars, and household devices are three markets that will probably see the biggest rise in IoT mobile app development.
2. Virtual reality (VR) & AR Augmented reality (AR)
Originally, many people thought that the use of VR and AR will be limited to the healthcare and tourism fields. When Pokémon Go was released, its staggering popularity was a clear sign that today’s users are ready for cross-screen experiences.
Google has already put to use this innovative technology and introduced an AR feature for Google maps. It’s designed to use augmented reality to help users navigate their way in real-time using a phone camera to identify where they are.
On the other hand, L’Oreal Paris uses AR technology to showcase different hairstyles on its Style My Hair app.
It is expected that virtual and augmented reality will have a starring role in enhancing the experience for iOS and Android users. Therefore, VR and AR integration is projected to be one of the essential mobile app development trends in 2021.
If you are looking to capitalize on this thriving trend, make sure to partner with an experienced app development company that understands how to start a successful digital business. Expert app developers from App Boxer will advise and guide you every step of the way, from exploring market potential to product cost and marketing strategy.
And as a plus, this innovative company offers a 12-month warranty and daily communication so you receive a high-quality product aligned with your vision.
3. Artificial intelligence
AI technology is a revolutionary technology that has already crossed the anticipated skyline. Established tech companies and entrepreneurs are all competing on reaping the benefits of this smart technology. They are constantly on the lookout for new artificial intelligence app development trends too.
Machine learning and deep learning have the potential to personalize the customer experience and therefore increase sales and revenues. As a result, there is a growing demand for AI-assisted commercial apps.
AI can make the apps smarter, so it’s about to change the way apps are made in 2021, and this technology will become a common occurrence.
4. Chatbots
You may not be aware, but chatbots are not new! The first chatbot was developed decades ago, but this technology has exploded in the last couple of years. And of course, they have evolved and become more sophisticated and advanced.
Chatbot services on websites have revolutionized support and practically became the standard when it comes to customer interaction and experience. Today’s chatbots can be real and useful assistants. They can significantly enhance customer experience by suggesting solutions, giving follow-up responses, and even following changed topics.
In addition to that, they enable businesses to substantially reduce their operating costs.
The global chatbot market is growing each year at 24%. And as estimates predict, one-quarter of all customer service interactions will be facilitated by virtual assistants in years to come. So, it’s inevitable for chatbots to penetrate the mobile app development market.
5. Development for wearable devices
Did you know that in 2016 a jaw-dropping 101.9 million wearable devices were shipped? And yearly growth of the wearable tech market will increase to $100 billion by 2023. MedTech wearables are especially rising in popularity.
The number of businesses developing innovative wearable medical and health-related devices is growing too.
Although the wrist-worn Fitbit, the granddaddy of consumer wearables, rolled out in 2013, these devices haven’t reached their full potential yet.
Smart wearables like the Apple Watch are changing the landscape. They have created an enormous opportunity for app developers that are building independent apps for these devices particularly.
The wearables trend is growing steadily, so in 2021 more apps are to be made specifically for these devices.
6. Mobile commerce
There hasn’t been an article written in the last couple of years on marketing strategies and increasing sales that doesn’t emphasize leveraging purchases from mobile phones. It’s no wonder that more and more businesses are launching apps to take advantage of this trend and increase their revenues.
M-commerce has been leading in 2019 and 2020, and it will continue to grow in 2021. It is estimated that more than 70% of total e-commerce sales will originate from mobile devices by the end of 2021.
Of course, this space is inseparable from apps, so this will be a big year for m-commerce app development.
7. Mobile wallets
With the rising m-commerce trend, mobile wallets, safe and convenient alternatives to cash, payment cards, and checks are also gaining more popularity. They provide consumers with a smooth checkout experience while they’re making their purchases.
Apple pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are top competitors in this increasingly competitive field. In 2019 only there was $6.1billion worth of transactions from eWallets. And it’s estimated that the mobile wallet market will double in the next two years.
Since consumers today expect to be able to pay however they want, every app that processes transactions should have mobile wallet integration as a standard feature.
So, when it comes to app development trends for 2021, mobile wallets must be taken into account!