Strategic Mobile App Development Trends You Must Follow In 2021

The industry of mobile app development has to pass through a never-ending phase of evolution. It’s primarily because of technological advancements, consumer requirements and demands, and a massive range of other factors. Staying abreast of the newest trends is one of the most crucial aspects of being successful. Whether you’re a mobile app reseller, a content creator, or a producer looking to take his/her brand to the next level with app development services, you must keep up with every trend that appears to serve your clients better. So, are you ready to explore the changes that will dictate mobile app development this year?

1.) Integrating apps with IoT:

IoT or Internet of Things isn’t a novel concept anymore. The rise in mobile penetration over a significantly large range of categories and sectors created innumerable opportunities for IoT. Everyone is now more accustomed than ever in utilizing technology to augment their daily life. IoT primarily describes the ever-growing network of gadgets connected to the world of the web to provide convenience via automated controllability. Smart home tech is the best example that showcases the rise of mobile apps powered by IoT. One can use mobile apps to unlock the front door, adjust the thermostat, or control household appliances from afar.

2.) 5G network:

The appearance of 5G will have a profound impact on app development trends this year. This technology is ready to alter the way developers create apps. You only need to explore the internet to see the expected growth of 5G-connected smartphones in 2021 and the next few years. So, how will it affect mobile application development? Both efficiency and speed will improve drastically. In reality, experts believe that 5G will decrease latency by almost ten times while improving traffic capacity and network proficiency. Upon comparing 4G with 5G, the latter will be about one hundred times faster. However, it will also depend on the network operator.

3.) For foldable phones:

Indeed, these devices used to exist just a few years ago, but it does feel as if they are antiques now. Today, touch screen phones are ruling the market, but did you know that “foldable smartphones” are here? Models like Huawei Mate X, Samsung Galaxy Fold, and Motorola Razr have been around since 2019. These devices fold to compress or unfold to expand the screen size based on the user’s preferences. When it comes to app development, content creators and resellers must account for these phones when building or updating an application. The objective is to create an app that adjusts its display seamlessly when the screen folds or unfolds.

4.) For wearable devices:

Just like foldable smartphones, wearable tech has been around for some time now. They are exceptionally trendy too. While commoners are already using smart-watches, trackers, and fitness bands, wearable devices need more time to become better. The growth rate isn’t too high, but it’s steady. With time, the trend of wearable devices will continue to alter the way developers create mobile applications. The announcement made by Apple regarding wearable gadgets and app integration at WWDC 2019 is noteworthy. After that, watchOS 6 introduced the Apple App Store to Apple Watch. These incidents prove that mobile app developers will create more applications for wearable device users.

5.) Artificial Intelligence:

Both Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence entered the sphere of mobile app development several years ago. However, app developers only managed to scratch the surface regarding how they can use these technologies. When someone says “AI” the first few things that come to mind are Siri, Alexa, and Cortana, but the use cases go above and beyond these for creating applications. Apple even released Core ML 3, the latest version of the iOS machine learning framework that helps developers incorporate AI tech into the apps they build. With Artificial Intelligence, apps will be smarter and perform better.

6.) Beacon tech:

A wide range of industries is already using beacon technology, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more. Beacons can add more functionality to almost every mobile application. Beacon technology development began back in 2013. However, over the last few years, it made significant advancements. Beacon tech works in several ways. For instance, a retailer can install them in his/her store and connect with a user’s smartphone through Bluetooth if they have the retailer’s app on their mobile device. Whenever a user passes through the area covered by a beacon, it will notify the person instantly about a specific sale or a discount on an exclusive product sold by that store. Beacons can also come in handy while tracking the behaviour of a buyer when he/she is inside a store. They will detect it when a user spends a lot of time while browsing a particular aisle. Then, the app released by the owner of the store will trigger a push notification automatically to entice the user about a product. If it works, the user may feel compelled to make a purchase, even if he/she does so at a later date.

7.) Augmented reality:

Augmented reality or AR will keep climbing the ladder of success throughout 2021. After all, mobile applications can utilize AR tech for various reasons. The first and more effective example worth mentioning is the game Pokemon Go. While it started its journey through the gaming world, it’s now practical for other applications as well. For instance, AR is now a necessity in real estate, fashion, and other industries.

8.) Mobile wallet:

Mobile commerce has been trending for some time, but the way it paved the path for mobile wallet systems makes the latter much more noteworthy. People from almost every part of the world are using Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Market researchers believe that the mobile wallet market will become double of what it was in 2019 by 2022. Naturally, mobile app developers must prioritize mobile wallets whenever they pick up a project this year.

Wrapping it up

There are many other trends worth mentioning, but it isn’t possible to mention each one in this write-up. Even then, the ones elucidated here are worthwhile. If you incorporate them in your apps, you will stay one step ahead of your competitors. Some people tend to underestimate mobile app development trends. After all, they come and go. However, if you make this mistake, you’ll end up using techniques and relying on strategies that became obsolete one or two years ago. Understandably, you’ll lose your competitive edge. If you wish to avoid such a situation, make sure to remain informed about new trends and incorporate them into your applications.