Being a part of the mobile apps industry, it’s crucial to keep up with the latest trends in mobile app development. Each year, we try to gather the most insightful industry intel and predict the future of the mobile app development industry.
We also filter out which of the emerging (and most well-adapted) trends in mobile app development will dominate the market in the upcoming year.
As we step into the year 2024, the world of mobile technology is rapidly evolving, bringing exciting changes and innovations. The data leaves us with no doubts. According to Statista estimations, there will be 7.49 billion mobile devices in the world.
The dominance of this technology has already been established – 94.4% of US millennials own a smartphone. Also, mobile devices make up 70% of all digital media time in the US.
Yet, despite the established dominance of these devices, the landscape remains dynamic. Here, we’ll explore the top seven trends in mobile app development, as identified by the Tooploox mobile development team, that are set to redefine our interaction with technology in the upcoming year.
AI and Generative AI
In 2024, the mobile app development landscape will be increasingly shaped by the integration of AI and Machine Learning. These technologies are reinventing how apps understand and interact with users, offering personalized experiences through predictive analytics and intelligent automation.
Another significant aspect of the latest trends is the rise of voice user interfaces (VUIs), with more apps integrating voice control capabilities. This integration reflects the growing user comfort with voice-enabled interactions, allowing for more efficient and accessible app functionalities.
In addition to these trends, a notable advancement can be seen in generative AI, particularly with tools like CoPilot. Developers are leveraging generative AI to enhance their workflow, utilizing its capabilities to write code more efficiently and creatively, streamlining the app development process and fostering innovation. Just to name a few examples of the recent changes – Google announced that the assistant will be integrated with Bard, a Large Language Model competitive with ChatGPT. The latter also has its own mobile app and even a dedicated GPT-powered AI Pin device.
Low code/ No code in mobile application development
Low-code platforms are transforming the initial stages of app development, enabling the creation of app prototypes without extensive coding. These prototypes are crucial for validating app ideas and serve as practical specifications before developing full-fledged apps using traditional coding methods.
This mobile app development trend is gaining traction due to its ability to speed up the development process and make it more accessible. It is precious for startups and entrepreneurs who need to test their ideas quickly and efficiently.
Apple’s VisionOS
With Apple’s announcement of Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset, there’s an emerging trend towards apps integrating with the Vision OS platform. This development opens up a realm of possibilities for app developers and users alike. Vision OS’s unique features, like controller-free interaction through hand gestures and compatibility with existing iOS and iPadOS applications, set the stage for a more immersive and seamless user experience.
Integrating apps across platforms and utilizing advanced features like spatial image capture and personalized hardware tailored for individual needs, including options for those with eyesight disorders, further enhances the appeal.
This mobile app development trend signifies a substantial shift in how we interact with technology, blending the physical and digital worlds more closely than ever. As more developers adapt their applications for Vision OS, users can anticipate a richer, more engaging experience in augmented and mixed reality environments.
Security
The security trends in mobile app development for 2024 are characterized by a dynamic and complex approach to counteract evolving cyber threats. 405,684 mobile malicious installation packages were detected by 2022 and this number is increasing – not to mention the number that exist and have yet to be detected. Not to mention all the threat ecosystems that emerge around mobile payment tools.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are pivotal to enhancing threat detection and predictive cybersecurity measures, moving beyond traditional reactive strategies.
User privacy concerns drive developers to prioritize data minimization and transparency, ensuring compliance with stringent privacy laws like GDPR. The threat landscape is also witnessing sophisticated malware and phishing attacks, requiring developers to stay vigilant and proactive in their security practices.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is evolving, focusing on enhanced security protocols, Zero Trust Architecture, and cloud-based solutions to manage and secure mobile devices in diverse environments effectively.
On the other hand, managing mobile threats while maintaining a superior mobile user experience is an increasing challenge – there is a high need for a balance between convenience and security. Multi-factor authentication is a good example – despite its benefits, it is only used by 29% of companies.
Children’s Safety and Parental Control
A significant trend in mobile app development focuses on enhancing children’s safety and parental control. This trend stems from a growing concern about children’s exposure to digital content and the need for parents to monitor and manage their children’s device usage effectively. According to uSwitch data, up to 93% of UK children aged 11-17 do have a social media account, even if they are below the age the providing company requires. These children access their accounts mostly using their mobile devices.
Modern mobile apps increasingly incorporate features that allow parents to limit screen time, filter out harmful content, and monitor online interactions. These functionalities aim to provide a safer digital environment for children, granting parents peace of mind while respecting their children’s privacy and autonomy.
Additionally, educational apps are designed with child-friendly interfaces and content, ensuring children’s interactions with technology are safe and beneficial for their learning and development. This trend is becoming an essential aspect of mobile development, reflecting the industry’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of younger users.
Subscription models
This mobile app development trend is a shift toward favoring subscription models over one-time payments. This model is increasingly popular as it offers a sustainable revenue stream for developers and provides ongoing value to users. Subscription models allow for a range of tiered services, from basic to premium, giving users the flexibility to select the level of service that best suits their needs and budget. This approach aligns with evolving user expectations for continuous content updates, new features, and personalized experiences.
Additionally, integrating various payment methods, including digital wallets and in-app purchasing systems, complements these subscription models, making recurring payments more streamlined and user-friendly. By prioritizing subscription models, mobile apps enhance the user experience through tailored services and adapt to the global trend of sustainable and recurring revenue generation in the digital economy.
Decentralization of social apps
A prevailing trend in mobile development is the rise of smaller, niche social media apps which are increasingly gaining user traction. This tendency occurs as users seek more personalized and community-focused platforms, moving away from the larger, more established social media giants. These smaller mobile apps often offer unique features or cater to specific interests, fostering tight-knit communities and more meaningful interactions.
Just to name a few examples – Goodreads is a social media platform developed for users who love to read and want to either share their remarks on books they’ve read or search for recommendations. The platform also supports people in reading books by enabling them to set a goal for their reading and track their progress.
Ravelry is a platform for knitters and crocheters who want to share their creations and knowledge regarding patterns and techniques. One of the app’s unique features is the ability to search for a particular pattern based on the type of yarn the user has.
Mastodon is an interesting example that has increased its popularity following changes in the Twitter/X platform. The system is decentralized and open source, giving the users the ability to choose the instance of Mastodon they are using based on their preferences regarding the rules of the community.
Both reading communities and knitting communities are visible and popular in mainstream social media. Yet these platforms offer a more tailored experience, either by their unique features or by filtering out people.
This trend indicates a growing demand for social media experiences that are more tailored to individual preferences and are less overwhelming in the broad, often impersonal nature of larger networks. The success of these smaller apps reflects a significant change in user behavior, highlighting the desire for more authentic connections and personalized digital social experiences.
Summary
In summary, the mobile app development landscape in 2024 is marked by groundbreaking app trends reshaping how we interact with technology. Integrating AI and Machine Learning revolutionizes app functionalities, offering personalized and voice-controlled experiences.
Low-code platforms are streamlining the app prototyping process, making development more accessible. Apple’s Vision OS is introducing a new era of mixed reality, blending the digital and physical worlds. Security remains a top priority, with advanced AI-driven solutions working to counter evolving cyber threats.
Focusing on children’s safety and parental controls is paramount, ensuring a secure digital environment for younger users. Subscription models are becoming the norm, offering sustainable revenue for developers and ongoing value for users. Lastly, the decentralization of social media reflects a shift towards more intimate, community-focused platforms. Collectively, these trends signify a dynamic evolution in mobile technology, promising more innovative, secure, and user-centric experiences in the digital world.
Wrapping Up
To make your mobile app a success, outrun the technologically adaptable competition, and thrive in the mobile environment, apps should stay relevant and deliver an elevated experience as compared to websites.
The first step is to stay updated with the latest mobile app trends. If you intend to create a successful mobile app, you should hire an experienced mobile app development company. It’s wise to follow the trends and cooperate with a reliable partner with a cutting-edge technological approach, delivering delightful mobile experiences and providing mobile app development services of the highest quality.
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