There are over eight million mobile apps out there, but demand for new ones shows no signs of slowing down. The primary reason for this is the rapid development of new technology, which causes apps to become outdated quickly. Further, people are now spending an estimated 90% of their time using mobile devices. When you combine this, you get a landscape where innovation must be at the forefront of new app development. Following the latest trends is the only way to be successful in this cutthroat industry, which is why we discuss 2022’s hottest mobile app development trends below.
Integrating Virtual and Augmented Reality
Communication technologies developed rapidly on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they are impacting both social and business spaces. Thanks to VR and AR tech, business leaders can show off their products like never before. For example, customers can now use their smartphone cameras to see what a piece of furniture will look like in their home, which will tell them if it fits in the space. As well as in business, AR and VR have improved the way remote learning takes place.
Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Smartphone devices have been utilizing ML and AI for some time now, but it’s only recently that they’re being adopted by app developers. In particular, the technology is being used in attempts to increase functionality and security for end-users. One of the most obvious examples is ewallets including Google and Apple Pay, which use fingerprint and facial recognition for security purposes. ML and AI can also speed up the app development process in general, but it comes at the risk of potential mistakes that the human eye wouldn’t have missed.
5G
Although 5G has been around for some time, it’s only recently that it’s hit the mainstream. When it comes to mobile app development, the 5G network is capable of supporting 4K streaming, AR, VR, IoT devices, and 360 videos. Not only does it bring new technologies into the mobile field, but its speed also eclipses 4G by an impressive 100x. As the 5G network is rolled out further, mobile app creators will see new trends emerging because the way mobiles are used will change. If you’re currently studying a master’s in software engineering online at Baylor University, you will see more focus on 5G consideration in development.
Blockchain
Blockchain tech has been around since Bitcoin was created in 2009, but it’s only in 2022 that its capabilities are being fully realized. In particular, blockchain tech is being explored as a means of securing data and creating transparency. Apps created on a blockchain don’t assign power to a leader. Instead, all parties involved have a say in what happens and can see changes made. Although there are challenges and mainstream adoption hasn’t taken place, this is where the future of mobile technology is likely heading.
Mobile Wallets
Mobile wallets will see an increase in functionality throughout 2022, with more cashless payment services in the highest demand. Google Pay, PayPal, and Apple Pay are the most common wallets on the market. However, the majority of banking apps now allow the majority of transactions to be performed online, including cashing checks and storing loyalty cards. For the app developer, progression in this area will be around increasing security and decreasing customer friction.
Apps on Foldable Devices
Back in the ‘00s, flip phones were all the rage. However, smartphones with zero buttons have dominated the market for the last decade. For some reason, foldable phones are making a comeback for smart devices. For example, the Motorola Razr, Huawei Mate X, and the Samsung Galaxy Fold all broke headlines in 2019. From an app development perspective, this means that changeability in screen size needs to be taken into consideration. As well as altering screen sizes, foldable phones allow app creators to produce a more immersive experience.
Mobile Commerce (M-commerce)
E-commerce and M-commerce typically get used interchangeably, but their definitions are slightly different. E-commerce refers to spending on the internet, and M-commerce refers specifically to spending on mobile devices. Although M-commerce isn’t a new trend, it will continue to see growth throughout 2022 and beyond. With more businesses turning to mobile-first optimization, app developers will see increased demand in this space.
Beacon Technology
Beacon technology is being used across many industries including museums, hotels, eCommerce, and healthcare. Created in 2013, beacon technology has gained traction in recent years, and its growth will continue throughout 2022. The primary use of beacon tech is analyzing in-store trends and interaction with mobile apps. In the future, beacon technology will integrate AI and ML to provide effective mobile payment tools.
Wearable Tech
A rise in demand for wearable tech will be seen throughout 2022. People love wearable tech right now, with everything from smart jewelry to fitness trackers, and Google Glass becoming all the rage. It’s not only the public interested in wearables, with healthcare providers using them to provide greater levels of remote care.
Cross-Platform App Development
Cross-platform development is consistently appearing in mobile trends. People are increasingly choosing to use different manufacturers for their devices. For example, a family may favor Samsung to take care of the smartphones, Sony for their TV, and Microsoft for their gaming. In its current state, cross-platform integrations aren’t great because manufacturers want consumers to buy into their entire network of products.
When it comes to mobile apps, customers invest in an app on one platform and want to have access to the app on any platform. Instead, a different license is commonly needed for iOS, Microsoft, and Android. Mobile developers will see cross-platform apps come under the spotlight again.
Technology is evolving at a rapid rate, which means mobile development has to be innovative to keep up. Mobile networks are becoming faster, AI and ML are being integrated into app usage, and cross-platform development is in the spotlight again. Many of the trends above focus on improving security and smoothing out the customer experience.