8 Trends in Mobile app Development that will Rule in 2019
Mobile apps are an ever-evolving industry. Trends that were monopolizing the industry 5 years ago are no longer as relevant today. This is the case with almost everything in the tech-based environment of today. Things like Frontier Packages are constantly being updated as packages from 5 years ago would no longer appeal to consumers today. To keep things up-to-date, most of your apps undergo some form of an upgrade regularly. Sometimes developers add new features to increase the functionality of their apps. Other times upgrades can simply include bug fixes to improve user experience.
Many factors govern the development trends of mobile apps. Out of which, growth in technology and consumer preferences are the most influential. To this effect, most app developers spend many resources to predict future trends.
8 Trends That Will Lead Mobile App Development in 2019
Studies show that the expected number of active smartphones in the world is 2.5 billion in 2019. This number is up 400 million from 2016. This means that smartphone app usage is also going to rise accordingly.
Here are 8 new trends in the mobile app development industry that will likely rule 2019:
- Wearable Apps
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
- Instant Apps
- Blockchain Technology
- Application Performance Monitoring (APM)
- Chatbots
#1. Wearable Apps
Wearable technology has seen much growth over the past few years. It started with phone manufacturers offering a complementing device you could use with their phones, like the Apple iWatch or Samsung’s Galaxy Gear. Since then many watchmakers, like Fossil, have introduced their own versions of smartwatches. With this new technology on the rise, developers are creating apps to add more functionality for users. Health and fitness apps were some of the first to offer features specifically for smartwatches.
#2. Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality started with Snapchat and Instagram; with their picture filters. The next leap was with the popular Pokemon Go app. These apps enjoy so much success because they keep the user engaged. Engaging users is the most important quality of any successful app.
This particular trend from the app world has also found its way to the US Military. Microsoft announced at the end of last year that it had made a contract with the military to develop training technology for soldiers using AR. This military endorsement shows us that the AR trend is here to stay. We can expect to see more apps integrated with AR in the near future.
#3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence is no longer a sci-fi term. It has proven that it can do absolute wonders for technology. As such, the International Data Corporation expects the AI industry to be worth $40 billion by the end of 2020.
Some of us still don’t quite understand what AI technology can do for mobile apps. It’s pretty simple to understand. Let’s use YouTube as an example. When you are watching videos on YouTube, it is tracking your choices. Using the AI system it has implemented, YouTube can then recommend videos to you. If you like watching compilations of funny clips, the AI would learn and recommend similar content.
#4. Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
Progressive web apps are a new way for apps and websites to operate. This method makes loading faster and reduces data usage at the same time. They work by relying on the device to take the load of the app or the website instead of the server. Apps like Instagram, Twitter, Trivago and countless others are successfully using PWA technology. As such, users are enjoying faster loading times efficient consumption of data.
#5. Instant Apps
Instant apps are a concept launched by Google I/O. What they do is allow a mobile device to use an app without the need to download it. Apps like Vimeo are currently using this technology. Similarly, Facebook is said to release a few games that follow the technology.
#6. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology makes in-app transactions extremely secure. Since its introduction with Bitcoin, blockchain technology remains the most secure way to transact over the internet. Secure transactions are a growing concern for mobile apps these days. The reason for this concern is the growth in cybercrimes. To make consumers feel secure, app developers are looking for ways to integrate blockchain into their apps.
#7. Application Performance Management (APM)
APM tools are an effective way for developers to evaluate performance. Developers use these analytics to further improve their app quality and fix any performance issues. Currently, APM technology is mixing with IT automation tools to offer more detailed analytics.
#8. Chat Bots
Chatbots are growing in popularity and industry analysts expect the trend to continue. App developers use chatbots as more than a way to interact with customer service. Developers are also optimizing chatbot technology for use with Facebook Ads.
Conclusion
The mobile app market is growing exponentially. This has resulted in many companies developing their own apps, including service providers. Many cable packages are offering mobile apps to their subscribers, like Frontier FiOS packages. This demand for mobile apps has led to developers constantly looking for newer technology to integrate. The problem is trends never remain the same. This year the focus is on the trends mentioned above. We will have to wait and see which way the trend shifts in the upcoming years.