The Future of Mobile Apps: Technologies and Trends

M-Commerce

If you plan to launch an online store or already have one in place, you’ve probably heard the term eCommerce. Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is its mobile counterpart, and one of the latest mobile application technology trends.

M-commerce involves the sale of goods and services, specifically via a mobile device on a browser or app. According to Statista, the revenue from mobile commerce globally stood at $1.71 trillion dollars in 2023, and accounted for 54% of the total retail eCommerce. It is set to increase to $3.35 trillion by 2028, then accounting a 63% share of the total retail eCommerce.

Given these staggering numbers, it’s safe to say that shopping using mobile apps is a trend that’s here to stay. As a result, getting an m-commerce app developed for your online or offline business or store should be a top priority.

App Animations and Motion User Interfaces (UI)

Static websites and mobile apps are out. Animation, particularly Motion UI, is a great new technology in mobile application development. By partnering with a professional, you get to integrate animation into your app and app user actions. The result is that you get to improve engagement, enjoyment, and recall value.

5G Technology

Due to wireless technology and cellular infrastructure limitations, mobile device and carrier data speeds stand limited. For quite some time, 4G/LTE remained the fastest offering, at around 20 to 50 megabits per second (Mbps), theoretically reaching 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) at peak speed.

5G is one new technology that’s changing the face of mobile application development, and you may already find it on several handsets and with various carrier plans. 5G far exceeds 4G speeds at roughly 50 to 600 Mbps, theoretically topping 10 Gbps. While 4G has been sufficient so far, mobile website and app design trends and innovations have increased demands significantly.

All the animations, buttons, and advanced functionalities, never mind high-resolution 4K media and video content, demand higher speeds. 5G appears to be the answer. Besides, given that an increasing number of people prefer using apps over browsers, now is the time to build mobile apps that, instead of being muted versions of websites, are the main event.

Smart Wearable App Integration

If you own a wearable such as a smartwatch or health tracker, you’re probably familiar with companion apps. However, companion apps are not the only mobile apps that may benefit from wearable integration. After all, wearable integration has become one of the latest technology trends in web development for third-party apps, especially in the insurance and fitness sectors.

Dark Mode App User Interfaces (UI)

The brighter, the better, or at least this is what website and app designers used to think back in the day. However, black or dark user interfaces have become one of the leading mobile application technology trends. Dark Mode UI’s now feature on many top websites and apps, including YouTube and Google.

This is despite the fact that web and app designers typically avoided these colors in the past because of their association with death, gloom, and depression. Dark mode benefits include reduced blue light exposure, extended battery life, and reduced screen glare.

Foldable Mobile Device App Resolutions

Foldable mobile devices and flexible screens are among the latest breakthroughs in mobile technology trends. Instead of the standard rectangular aspect ratios, mobile app and web developers know that new horizons wait. Going forward, considering foldable mobile-friendly app design is a must, as is investing in responsive web design.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Predictive Analytics, and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant new technology in mobile app development, and it’s also impacting the entire tech sphere. Now, web and mobile app developers may take advantage of this technology to automate functions previously only performable by a human.

Chatbots are a great example of AI-based mobile application technology trends. However, there are a host of other possibilities to explore in the years to come. Big data, predictive analytics, and machine learning remain highly relevant, helping app developers design better apps for users.

Low or No-Code

Just like building a custom website, building an app requires advanced technical knowledge of coding and relevant tools and software. If you don’t have that skill set, you need to hire a mobile app development agency to do it for you.

However, app development is catching up with website development. Basic, no, or low-code design tools will definitely have an effect on the future of mobile apps. Available for public use, they operate similarly to build-your-own or pre-made website platform offerings.

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) and Instant Apps

Native apps are the golden standard for most companies. However, they have limitations, including demanding local device storage space and data access. Progressive web apps (PWAs) offer native app functionality without the demands; some are even entirely usable offline.

Instead of downloading your app, users visit your webpage on their mobile devices to access your PWA. Instant apps are another mobile application technology trend. However, these offer users a chance to test out a native app without actually downloading it entirely.

Super Apps

Super apps are among the top new application technologies, offering users various functions and services in one place. Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, and Alibaba are some examples of super apps. These apps comprise chat, commerce, social networking, and other services, all integrated into a single app.

Serverless App Architecture

Apps and websites may be virtual, but real hardware such as servers are required to run and host them. If you want to launch an app but not buy, house, service, and maintain this equipment, serverless is the way. This new technology in mobile app development helps you save time and money that you may better spend on creating your app.

Unlike the name implies, serverless architecture isn’t truly serverless. Instead, you outsource the server management to a serverless provider. Microsoft Azure, Alibaba Cloud Function Compute, Google Cloud Functions, IBM OpenWhisk, and Amazon’s AWS Lambda are among the top options.

Biometric App Authentication

App security is a real and very valid concern. Online users are offloading more tasks than ever, and in the process, they share sensitive personal data with internet-enabled devices and apps. In doing so, they put sensitive information at risk, not only to hackers but also to those nearest them.

As a relatively new entrant in the world of mobile apps, biometric authentication is increasingly being used to ramp up security. Facial recognition and fingerprint scanning are two new application technologies when it comes to biometric authentication, especially for banking and other sectors that deal with sensitive permissions.

Cloud Technology

The cloud revolutionized the way we store and access data, and its full potential and possibilities are still untapped. Going forward, you are likely to see mobile apps’ future rely heavily on cloud and cloud storage.

Beacon technology is not new. However, it remains an integral part of the future of mobile apps because of its increasing usage. This technology utilizes Bluetooth-enabled beacons located in physical stores or premises.

These beacons interact with nearby customers’ mobile devices via Bluetooth. You may use this technology to send out custom promotions or adapt it to suit various needs. By using this technology, you get the ability to boost walk-ins, increase offline sales, and improve your eCommerce business.

Geolocation

In some way similar to beacon technology, geolocation helps you better cater to app users in a specific region. However, with geolocation, you need to use the device location and IP addresses of users to geo-locate them. Using this information, you may adapt your mobile app to show relevant regional pricing, promotions, store locations, and more.

Entertainment, Events, and Learning

Though grim, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed people to re-evaluate how they entertain themselves and engage with the outside world. Not surprisingly, virtual entertainment, including online gaming and events, will remain important elements of mobile apps’ future.

Even though there are few substitutes for the real deal, the online world offered a safe alternative while lockdowns and restrictions reigned. While the world is back to normal, it seems that a light bulb has irreversibly lit up when it comes to virtual possibilities.

Previously offline-only experiences such as promotional events and meet-ups have become increasingly available online instead of off. E-learning is one of these mobile application technology trends, which, according to a Fact.MR report, is growing at a considerable pace. It indicates that the value of the global e-learning app market stands at $267.5 billion in 2024, and is set to cross $470 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 5.8%.

Retailers, brands, and businesses are looking for convenient, lower-impact ways to engage customers that cut costs and increase reach. Even if your business falls in the offline category, it may be worthwhile to get a mobile app developed.

Green Technology

Speaking of low-impact, sustainability is bound to find its way into several future mobile app development technologies. Greener architecture, technologies, and processes should be a top priority when choosing providers and collaborators as well as when looking for a mobile app development company. Investing in sustainability brings with it more resilient infrastructure, increased consumer trust, tax incentives, and a cleaner conscience.

Social Accountability App Tools and Infrastructure

Cyberbullying, fake news, spamming, blackmail, abuse, criminal activity, illegal websites, and inappropriate content; the internet is full of these unsightly realities. That’s why social responsibility will play a crucial role in the future of mobile apps.

Lawsuits against major apps, specifically social media platforms, are becoming more commonplace. Though protected by Section 230, the government and as well as a significant number of people feel these accountability laws should change.

Incorporating tools and infrastructure to protect user data and ethically monitor users during the app development process is worthwhile. This is especially relevant for apps where users interact and post content. However, striking a balance between freedom of speech and ethical censorship is important.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Integration

While you may feel that mobile application technology, and technology as a whole, has reached its zenith, this is far from reality. After all, virtual reality technology only dreamed of in fictional works a few decades ago is already active and developing even further.

With the debut of the Metaverse, you are likely to see more app integration with virtual and augmented technologies, not only with AR/VR equipment and wearables but also with virtual worlds and augmented realities.

Touchless Interactions and Controls

Touch screens have been a common feature on various electronics and devices for some time now. However, there is a demand for new, innovative, and some would argue, lazier, ways to interact, mainly via voice and gestures.

Otherwise labeled no-touch or touchless, this new technology in mobile application development is finding several takers. Touchless technology also offers users a more hygienic way to interact, the demand for which continues to grow.

P2P Payment and Mobile Wallet App Integration

Initially slow on the uptake due to security concerns, consumer trust has improved significantly when it comes to online payments. The popularity of eCommerce has also fuelled the demand for even easier and more secure ways to pay. As a result, mobile wallets and P2P payment integration are big draws for modern-day mobile apps.

Blockchain Mobile Application Development Technology

Any talk of new technology in mobile applications is incomplete without mentioning blockchain. After all, the blockchain isn’t just a cryptocurrency technology, and you may use it to build ultra-secure mobile apps. Going forward, you may expect to see increased utilization of blockchain technology to build different types of web and mobile apps.

Mobile-First Development

The future of eCommerce and internet browsing certainly revolves around mobile phone users. Mobile-first website design is already a top priority for website developers. Native mobile apps and mobile-optimized PWAs are in high demand. Enterprise apps (EA) for mobile are working behind the scenes, improving internal business operations.

Internet of Things (IoT) App Integration

Similar to integration with wearables, app integration with IoT smart speakers, electronics, and devices is one of the top mobile application trends. You may also expect ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technology used to locate IoT devices and transfer data to see an uptick.

Instant Delivery and On-Demand Service

Shopping online sure is convenient. However, one of its main drawbacks is long shipping times of two days, a week, or even more. Consumers prefer to wait for shorter durations and may even abandon a shopping cart for a competitor’s if yours is too long.

Many smart retailers, restaurants, and supermarkets have developed instant or same-day delivery apps to meet their customers’ needs. While food and grocery businesses are already benefitting from this new mobile application trend, other industries are also getting on board.

Increasingly, customers can get consumer goods, clothing, electronics, toiletries, medicine, and other goods delivered instantly. These apps usually allow customers to book instant delivery or a delivery time slot for a given day or week.

On-demand service apps are another example, allowing customers to find and book services like babysitting, dog-walking, or even a massage. However, you need not have an app to offer instant delivery or on-demand services; you can also adapt your website to do so. Uber Eats, Amazon, and Bloomingdale’s are excellent examples of instant delivery options.

Conclusion

Keeping up with the latest mobile application development, design, and technology trends is not easy. However, with a little research, you may find the information you need to build a mobile app that’s resilient and future-forward. Besides, using cutting-edge technology can increase app downloads for businesses from across sectors.

Hopefully, you are now aware of all the relevant new technologies in mobile app development that warrant your attention. If you’re still unsure about what the future of mobile apps holds for your business, consider getting in touch with a mobile app development company to discuss your requirements and goals.