Development Trends in Mobile App Creation

Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, you need to stay ahead of the game. Today, the game’s played out on consumers’ mobile devices.

Ideas are the steppingstones of great mobile applications. When it comes to mobile apps, however, great ideas aren’t about unique features. They’re about providing value to end-users.

Today, the journey toward building a great app starts with figuring out what consumers need. Then, you can use the latest tech to figure out how to provide it.

To learn more about the latest trends in mobile app creation, read on.

Just last year, Google announced that Kotlin 1.3 is the preferred programming language for Android mobile app design. Indeed, the code caught on. However, it’s already undergone a major overhaul.

On GitHub, Kotlin is one of the fastest-growing developer languages. It ranks in the top five languages among Stack Overflow users and 19th among RedMonk users.

Today, millions of programmers code Kotlin. Now, the rollout of Kotlin 1.4 addresses many performance issues.

For example, the latest iteration of Kotlin features a coroutine debugger tool. It also features the Kotlin Project Wizard. Furthermore, Kotlin 1.4 features a new Java virtual machine and JavaScript backend.

However, JetBrains representatives express that the popularity of Kotlin goes beyond Android. The programming language is also frequently deployed for server-side development and iOS targeting. Programmers also use the language for Windows, web, and iOS applications.

Soon, a JetBrains compiler will unify all Kotlin platforms. Kotlin Multiplatform is also working on a framework that enables programmers to use the same code across different platforms.

Today, blockchain is one of the most revolutionary technologies in the coding universe. In the mobile space – as in other verticals – it’s a game-changer.

So far, a range of startups has used blockchain to create apps, smart contracts, and blockchain software solutions. Increasingly, blockchain is becoming an integral technology. As it happens, programmers are developing more powerful apps and software using blockchain.

When married to the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain improves the performance of transactions. It improves speed and reduces the cost of development.

For example, the Ricardian contract is a major development in the blockchain sphere. A Ricardian contract is a digital legal agreement that’s signed by both parties.

However, you can convert it into content that’s readable by machines that can define the intentions of the contract stakeholders. It’s also viable for use with blockchain development for payment and financial transactions.

Increasingly, businesses are taking advantage of blockchain as a Service (BaaS). It’s a popular innovation among startups and established enterprises.

BaaS enables developers to link their apps to a cloud-based backend. It allows enterprises to perform important tasks, such as sending push notifications in managing users.

Increasingly, developers are turning to deep learning and machine learning to build mobile apps. Major players such as Google Assistant, Cortana, and FaceApp are already comfortable with AI. More and more, however, mainstream developers are starting to see the benefits of AI technology.

Coders can realize remarkable results when integrating machine learning into mobile app development. The technology provides programmers with valuable data and real-time analytics.

AI has produced phenomenal results for coders, and the industry has noticed. In 2020, programmers will spend billions of dollars incorporating artificial intelligence into the development cycle.

To deploy artificial intelligence, you need to go beyond the buzzword. You must find value-driven applications.

For example, AI is the foundation for today’s human-like chatbots. These always-on digital staff members will play an integral role in the deployment of AI technology in mobile applications.

Now, it’s easier than ever for developers to integrate chatbots into websites and mobile apps. As time passes, they’ll become more and more realistic. Already, you can hire a firm to create a custom chatbot for your organization.

A growing number of mobile developers are deploying virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. These technologies combine real-world imagery and virtual experiences. Pokemon Go is a prime example of successful AR.

In the game, there are elements such as foliage, the sky, and people imprinted on the real world. However, these elements only exist in players’ devices.

Pokemon Go isn’t all about games, however. The game generates billions of dollars in revenue. Around the world, players have downloaded hundreds of millions of instances of the game.

The game is an overwhelming success for digital reality technology. More importantly, it’s helping enterprises understand how AR and VR can provide benefits for other industries, such as real estate.

There’s a buzz moving ahead of the full-scale rollout of 5G technology. Once the foundation for 5G technology is firmly in place, it will transform mobile apps forever. Already, a considerable segment of programmers is thinking about the impact that 5G technology will have on mobile development.

5G technology will enhance the functionality of apps. It will also improve data security.

More importantly, it will provide the speed and bandwidth needed for mobile applications such as 3D gaming and augmented reality. As 5G rolls out, a growing number of mobile developers will add these kinds of advanced features to applications.

Accordingly, 5G technology will greatly influence the mobile development space. It most certainly will increase the demand for mobile apps. As users gain access to faster speed, developers will witness a steep uptick in mobile device usage.

5G will also help developers overcome infrastructure problems. Features like custom network slices and ultra-low network latency will provide an exceptional experience for mobile users. These features will also improve application responsiveness and speed.

As each day passes, instant mobile apps are increasing in popularity. The innovation is favoured among consumers and businesses. Businesses like instant apps because they help companies to enjoy improved conversion rates.

For example, the New York Times has increased its conversion rate considerably with the deployment of its instant app. However, the gaming space is also enjoying the benefits of technology. By rolling out instant app deployments, industry leaders such as King and Hothead have boosted player acquisition.

Instant apps are easier for consumers to use compared to standard apps. There’s no need to download a program for installation. All consumers need to use an instant app is an Android or iOS device.

Also, instant apps take up less space on user devices. They provide functionality that’s similar to a website. The technology enables programmers to deliver exceptional user experiences without taking up considerable memory on end-users’ devices.

The development of the Internet of Things somewhat lags behind that of the rest of the IoT universe. Nevertheless, the emergence of the IoT in the mobile space plods ahead.

Relatively recently, more tech giants have invested in developing IoT-friendly mobile applications. However, programmers have yet to come to a consensus on a viable platform for mobile IoT app development. Nevertheless, there are a few platforms leading in IoT development.

For example, Android Ubidots is an IoT development platform that enables programmers to build integrated applications. It allows programmers to push apps to smartphones. Meanwhile, Xively offers IoT features for app developers.

Thingworx is another platform leading in the mobile IoT development space. It enables programmers to segregate services and products easily. It also helps them to optimize business activities and improve end-users’ mobile experience.

In 2020, m-commerce is on the rise. As technologies such as the IoT and decentralized platforms enters the mobile payment space, they’re powering mobile apps with more secure transaction options.

Today, powerhouses like Samsung are using mobile wallets to provide a safe, convenient experience for consumers. Consumers can use Samsung’s mobile wallets for financial transactions and bill payments.

Samsung’s encrypted mobile wallet keeps users’ money safe from theft and other vulnerabilities. As the need to secure intranet payment systems increases, the demand for mobile wallet apps will rise.

Apple Pay is another big name that is leading in the mobile wallet space. Here, Apple is facilitating peer-to-peer transactions.

As more big names embrace digital wallets, consumer cash spending is waning. However, this is only the beginning of the impact of digital wallets on the mobile development space. Also, as more consumers take to using mobile wallets, cash spending will continue to drop sharply.

Some of the first mobile phones on the market featured a foldable design. It seems that that design trend has come full circle.

Now, there’s growing interest among manufacturers in using portable mobile design to increase screen space and portability. As this trend takes hold, developers are creating mobile applications designed specifically for these devices.

To cater to the growing number of folding mobile device users, developers must consider the functionality of their apps. They must create mobile apps that work seamlessly as users open and close their folding devices.

Now, folding devices only make up a minute segment of smartphone sales. However, the segment is growing notably. Accordingly, it’s an important space to watch.

The wearable space is not new. It’s been trending for years. However, there’s still room for growth in the vertical.

Over the years, growth has been steady in the wearables market. As a result, the influence of wearable devices on mobile app development is undeniable. The wearable market continues to create a massive opportunity for content creators and app developers.

The coronavirus has bolstered the already strong case for telemedicine. As the number of COVID-19 cases rises, firms are flooding the market with wearable tech tools. For example, some wearable developers are creating technology to monitor for signs of infection among health workers.

Most likely, telemedicine will continue to gain popularity moving forward. As it does, the opportunities for mobile apps in the space will gain increased traction.

As the dust settles from the pandemic, consumers will become more attuned to monitoring their health. This sentiment will create a significant opportunity for developers who can fulfill their needs.

Mobile apps have come a long way from the early days of a novelty for users’ smartphones. Now, they’re one of the most important tools that brands have to engage with consumers.

Today, consumers spend more time with their smartphones compared to any other device. Most of those consumers use mobile apps.

Now, more than half of all consumer traffic comes from mobile devices. Even more of them use mobile devices to check their email. To date, the convenience of mobile devices has completely transformed online consumer behaviour.

Accordingly, brands need every advantage possible to capture the attention of mobile users. It’s essential to make use of the latest mobile technologies to stay competitive in the modern marketplace.

Now that you know more about the latest trends in mobile app creation, you need a top-notch developer who can help you make use of these innovations.

Over the last decade and a half, EB Pearls has grown into the leading full-service digital agency in Sydney. Our dynamic team of nearly 200 developers and designers are ready to provide your enterprise with award-winning solutions.

We’re innovators in the field of digital solutions. It’s our mission to provide you with cutting-edge resources to grow your business.

At EB Pearls, we’re passionate about ensuring your success. Contact an EB Pearls technology expert today at 02 8880 7857 or visit us online to start a digital journey that will exceed your expectations.