In the last few years, mobile apps have constantly changed our lives. And due to their great popularity and usability, they represent a significant opportunity for learners and businesses. According to Statista, mobile apps are expected to generate approximately USD 189 billion in revenue. Moreover, many experts have already stated that the mobile app development industry is one of the fastest-growing industries and shows no signs of slowing down in the future.
With recent technological advancements and new inventions coming almost every day, it is not wrong to believe that 2021 will be the year of mobile apps and that entrepreneurs and companies will have more opportunities to do business in the future. After our team of business analysts conducted extensive research, we have identified and listed below the most promising trends in mobile app development that will dominate in 2021.
The Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Era is Just Beginning
AR and VR are cool! There is no doubt about it. But in 2021, their use will no longer be limited to gaming applications. Tech giants are already developing lots of new applications for both. For example, both Google and Apple released new AR demos on their latest devices, proving that AR/VR will change the game shortly. These technologies are also expected to be used on social platforms for branding and targeting potential customers through AR/VR apps beyond the screen.
Snapchat and Instagram, for example, have already launched their AR filters that can transform a human face into various fun digital characters.
Some examples of AR and VR trends
- Disrupting mobile AR
- AR in marketing and advertising
- AR in healthcare
- AR in manufacturing
Smart Things – The New Era of Mobile, Connected Bright Things
The words “smart objects” or “smart things” were initially coined by relatively new technology: the Internet of Things. Also known as IoT, it is essentially a network of physical objects with sensors, electronics, and software, all connected in the network itself. For example, Samsung, Xiaomi, Bosch, Honeywell, and many other major brands already have a significant market share. Recent trends in IoT app development include Kisi Smart Lock, Nest Smart Home, Google Home, etc. IoT is generally considered one of the game-changing technologies in the world of mobile app development. The global IoT market expects to generate a revenue of USD 1.335 trillion by 2021.
Future IoT trends
- Smart homes and intelligent zones
- Routers with more security
- Self-driving cars
- IoT in healthcare
AI and Machine Learning
Both AI and machine learning have penetrated quite deeply into the mobile application market. AI has mainly manifested itself in chatbots, while Siri, the combination of machine learning and artificial intelligence, has become an integral part of mobile app innovations. In 2021, AI and machine learning power will not be limited to chatbots and Siri. Many organizations have already begun to embrace the development of AI applications to increase profitability and reduce operational costs in various forms. In fact, according to IDC, over 75% of workers using ERP solutions will now harness the power of AI to develop their skills in the workplace. It means that not only are AI and machine learning embedded in today’s mobile applications, but they also offer a significant opportunity for future innovation.
Future trends in AI and MI you should watch for
- AI-enabled DevOps through AIOps
- Artificial intelligence chips
- Machine learning
- Neural network interoperability
Beacons – A Market Worth Millions
Beacons are not an innovation anymore. Several sectors, including museums, hotels, and healthcare, are now using beacon technology in their applications. We think it is fair to say that beacon technology has become more understandable to ordinary users. However, their applications will not be limited to 2021. Beacons have a much greater capacity than that. For example, beacons combined with IoT in retail can help users by providing them with valuable information about sales and other current offers they may find nearby.
Future trends in beacon technology
- Beacons for mobile payments
- Artificial intelligence chips
- Machine learning
- Beacon scavenger hunt
Cloud – the must-have for future mobile applications
While many still consider the cloud a luxury option, this will no longer be the case by 2021. The world is already beginning to realize the benefits and opportunities of the cloud. For example, reduced web hosting costs, improved upload capacity, and streamlined business operations are just some of the benefits offered by the cloud. Today, many security-related issues are solved through the cloud, making mobile application development more secure, fast, and reliable.
In addition, using cloud technology such as Dropbox, AWS, SlideRocket, and many others, it is now possible to develop robust applications that run directly in the cloud. This means that we should also expect to see other equally powerful applications that require minimal storage on the smartphone in 2021.
Cloud computing trends in 2021
- Quantum computing
- Hybrid cloud solutions
- Evolution of cloud services and solutions
Mobile Wallets – The Game Changer for Mobile Banking
There is no doubt that demand for mobile payment app development is on the rise, and with security being the main concern for developers, the use of mobile wallets will only increase in 2021. Frictionless payment methods are what today’s customers like to see in the mobile applications they use.
So, by 2021, mobile wallets and the integration of payment gateways offering the highest level of secure encryption will become commonplace in all types of mobile applications.
Mobile banking trends to look out for
- Over 2 billion mobile wallet users
- More secure mobile wallets
- Contactless payment
Blockchain – Things Beyond Bitcoin and Smart Contracts
Since its inception, blockchain development has opened up a world of new and more exciting possibilities in the IT industry. In 2018, we all saw the use of blockchain technology used to create cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. However, in reality, blockchain is more valuable than you can imagine. For example, decentralized mobile apps can develop using blockchain. Decentralized mobile apps, or DApps, are essentially apps that not only belong to no one but also can’t be shut down and have no downtime. Simply put, the blockchain expects to contribute more to the mobile app industry by making the mobile app itself decentralized, just as the bitcoin blockchain did for money.
Future trends in blockchain technology
- Asset tokens
- Blockchain as a Service (BAAS)
- Trading on cryptocurrency exchanges
- Cryptocurrencies and games
Wearables – The Essential Accessory of the Future
There is no denying that the wearable electronics market is increasing. According to Statista, the value of wearables expects to reach more than $44.2 billion by the end of 2021. It means that there is a precise volume of investment in the wearables market but that in the future, the word “wearable” will be as redundant as the word “smartphone” is currently. Currently, the main control panel of any wearable device is the smartphone and means that to create a wearable device, the devices need to be paired with it and need to be nearby. However, according to UNA co-founder Ryan Craycraft, our smartphone will no longer be the central hub shortly. Apps developed by wearable devices will have a more ubiquitous connection directly to the web and perhaps even to our bodies.
Future trends in wearable electronics for 2021
- Wearable technology takes the top spot in fitness trends for 2021.
- The rise of wearables is leading to a decline in sales of traditional watches.
On-Demand App Development – The Most Successful Business Model of Modern Times
The on-demand business model was once considered an inevitable bubble in the mobile app world. Today, however, on-demand services are the future. Almost every industry has embraced the on-demand model and no sector will abandon this successful business model in 2021. To date, 42% of the adult population uses at least one on-demand service. And there is no sign that this on-demand trend is going away anytime soon. Overall, the on-demand trend is here to stay, and their competitors will surely crush companies that don’t adapt.
On-demand trends in 2021
- Greater focus on the B2B sector
- More industries will embrace on-demand applications
2021 and Beyond…
We believe that keeping up with the latest trends and technologies is the key to keeping up with the ever-changing demands of customers and competitors. We hope we’ve shared some great insights on mobile app development trends for 2021 in this blog. While it’s hard to determine the exact benefits of all the mobile app development companies for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts if you do. We guarantee that your app will stand out in the mobile app market.
