Are you aware that users spent nearly 90% of their mobile internet time on apps? And by 2022, the yearly mobile app downloads are expected to reach 258 billion.
If you own a business, it is the right time to invest in a mobile app. But since the mobile app industry keeps evolving just like any other industry, you will have to keep up with the latest trends.
Below is a list of the mobile app development trends you need to keep track of in 2021.
But before that, if you are also trying to up your mobile SEO game, make sure to hire an SEO Agency that will help you with your technical SEO, on-page, and off-page SEO.
Now, back to the mobile app development trends of 2021, here’s the list:
IoT app integration
With the increase of mobile phone penetration across different sectors, it has generated limitless opportunities for the Internet of Things. People depend on technology to make life easier.
The growth of IoT and mobile app development is best exemplified by smart home technology. Today, you can use mobile apps to adjust the thermostat in your smart home from a remote location, lock or unlock a garage, and connect to home security systems.
In 2019, Amazon and Google had fully leveraged IoT technology and set a benchmark. Amazon introduced the “Echo” line of devices, while Google launched the Google Home Voice Controller.
Further, Google has acquired Fitbit, a wearable company, for $2.1 billion, and collaborated with Nest, a home security camera company, indicating that it is fast adopting IoT.
And it is estimated that the worldwide IoT market is anticipated to reach $194 billion in 2021 and that $143 billion of that revenue will be attributed to software, like mobile apps.
Blockchain
The Blockchain that is known for impenetrable security is disrupting mobile app development. This decentralized database technology is used in mobile apps for increasing security, quality controls, and tracking.
Blockchain is implemented by many companies whose app features payment gateways, sporting transaction interfaces, or something that has to deal with a critical database. It increases the trust of the users as it ensures secure and faster transactions.
Many companies are already using Blockchain technology, and 26% of companies have plans to invest between $1 million and $5 million in the technology.
Blockchain allows developers to add several protection layers to their data. Private keys are assigned to the users, making it almost impossible for any third-party without a decryption key to tamper with the users’ transaction data.
Besides, being a decentralized system, it saves a copy of the database across a network of computers, reducing the risk of data loss.
And since the Blockchain technology makes peer-to-peer transactions possible, it reduces the cost of intermediaries’ fees – usually paid to the middlemen.
A good example is a partnership between TelCoin, the blockchain mobile payment company, and telecom companies.
Cloud computing integration
Cloud computing opens up plenty of opportunities for mobile development. And experts say that the opportunities will be exploited fully in 2021.
Cloud storage technology can enhance the performance of the mobile app and benefit users. Cloud computing can enable apps to store data and conduct intricate tasks on the cloud. There will be no need to store information directly on the user’s device.
The tech has the capability of not only streamlining development operations, but it’s also a cost-effective option. It is estimated that by this year’s end, 83% of enterprise workloads will be cloud-based. So if you are planning to build apps, keep yourself updated with the latest in cloud computing.
Chatbots
More customers are saying that they want DIY custom service tools. In fact, 50% of customers revealed that they want tools to help themselves and accelerate the buying process.
Chatbot tools are great for that type of customer relationship management. Big companies have already integrated chatbots to mobile apps, and in 2021, you will see more companies following the route. It is estimated that 80% of enterprises will use chatbots by 2021.
One great example of a company that integrated chatbots to the mobile app is Starbucks. They launched an app called ‘My Starbucks Barista.’ While using this app, customers can tell the app the kind of coffee they wish to drink. The app then places an order for them.
It is true that users appreciate quick and precise answers. You can leverage this to integrate a chatbot into your mobile app.
Predictive analytics
Predictive analytics leverage machine learning, AI, data mining, and modeling to predict events using data. Many big tech companies have been using it for years now.
For instance, Netflix offers TV show and movie recommendations to its subscribers based on what they have watched before.
In 2021, it is said that predictive analytics will be implemented for a wide range of mobile apps with the main aim of improving the UI/UX with an app.
If you take a look at how companies around the world are using AI, 19% of them are using it for predictive analytics.
Since no two users will have the exact experience with an app, predictive analytics can help present product suggestions and preferences based on the individual user’s actions and behavior history.
AR/VR
AR and VR have been popularly used before for gaming apps. But in 2021, their use cases will not be limited to it.
If you look at tech giants like Google and Apple, they are already implementing both technologies. Google and Apple are both launching new AR demos on their newest devices. It is evidence that AR/VR is going to be popular in the near future.
It is also predicted that AR/VR will be used on social platforms for branding and targeting prospects via ‘Beyond the Screens’ AR/VR apps.
If you look at Snapchat and Instagram, these platforms have already launched their AR filters that can change your faces into several digital characters.
Wrapping-Up
Which mobile development trend are you going to adopt in 2021? Mobile app development is an ever-evolving industry. If you don’t catch up with the latest trends, you won’t be able to provide competition. These six trends are going to change the mobile app development game in 2021 and in the near future. Consider adopting them as per your industry needs.
