Mobile Apps Development Trends for 2018
Mobile apps development is growing at a very rapid pace in response to evolving customer demands and the need to create a point of difference among the applications themselves. Emergent trends over the past few years have rapidly evolved into generally accepted norms in the mobile app world (an example is in-app purchases).
2018 presents a new year for multiple innovative trends in the mobile app world. Here are 5 mobile-apps development trends you can expect in 2018.
1. Incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) into app development
The internet of things has revolutionized how homes and businesses conduct their operations. Interconnected devices are being used to share data in real time and to create smart homes, smart factories, and even smart health. At the center of these interconnected devices are mobile apps. In 2018, we expect mobile apps to be used as the centerpiece for controlling interconnected devices from the comfort of mobile platforms.
Incorporating IoT into app development will, therefore, continue to be a hot trend over the near future. And with IoT expected to grow from $157 billion in 2016 to $661.7 billion by 2021, the IoT trend is here to stay.
2. Payment integration into mobile applications
In the mobile apps development world, recent years witnessed the use of mobile applications as methods of payment in everyday situations. With technology giants entering the mobile app world, we started to experience these applications being used to pay for groceries, retail purchases and even to conduct bank transactions.
We expect mobile apps to become the ultimate payment-platforms due to their convenience and flexibility over other traditional payment methods. In 2018, mobile apps will continue to be the platform for secure and convenient mobile transactions.
3. Augmented and Virtual Reality apps
In 2018, we can expect to see the growth of augmented and virtual-reality beyond the entertainment and gaming sphere. Mobile apps will continue to incorporate this technology into their development. In fact, the retail, engineering and healthcare sector are among the industries that are at the forefront of pushing these technologies.
As mobile app development strive towards differentiation and keeping up with consumer trends, we are likely to witness the increased adoption of these technologies into multiple apps.
With Augmented Reality (AR), products/services can be presented with a higher level of detail, and companies can demonstrate the functions of their products in real time. Virtual Reality (VR) provides unique marketing channels for demonstrating products and their functions without using much physical space.
4. A rise in the importance of Mobile app security
Mobile applications hold a lot of our personal data. From identity information to payment data and even your home address, these apps manage and store a growing amount of sensitive data. The security of mobile apps has been a growing concern in 2017 and will continue to be in 2018. A lost smartphone can put a user’s personal information at great risk.
In previous years, we saw more apps integrate security features such as a simple code for remote access or the use of API. We expect to see more of these security features being incorporated over the near future.
5. On-demand applications
As customers continue to look for added convenience in their everyday tasks, mobile app developers are likely to continue creating on-demand applications to meet this need. We are likely to witness more innovative apps for daily activities such as laundry, cleaning, taxi services and food delivery.
As these apps continue to rise in popularity, expect to observe the trend growing towards added convenience, availability, and easier payment options.
