8 trends in mobile app development every business should know
In 1993, IBM’s Simon brought us the first built-in apps – quaint little tools like contact books and calendars. Fast forward to today, and apps don’t just wait for your input; they predict your next move, from suggesting your morning coffee to running big parts of your business.
So, it’s time to look at the trends shaping this relentless industry. Here’s what every business needs to know to stay ahead – and stay relevant.
1. Embed AI tools like ChatGPT into your app
Integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into your app is revolutionizing user interaction. These tools can be tailored with specific company data – products, services, or FAQs – creating highly personalized and helpful experiences. For instance, a banking app could offer a virtual assistant that understands the user's financial goals and risk profile, providing tailored investment recommendations.
“A banking app could offer a virtual assistant that understands the user’s financial goals and risk profile, providing tailored investment recommendations”
Start by integrating AI-driven chatbots that understand customer profiles, allowing them to provide instant, personalized responses, like offering product recommendations or troubleshooting.
2. Create amazing apps much faster with AI
AI is not only optimizing app functionality but also transforming how apps are built. With AI-driven platforms, you can automate the generation of code, UI designs, and even app testing.
This allows you to rapidly prototype and release apps, even with a small or no coding team. If you’re a startup, for example, you can quickly build an e-commerce app without relying heavily on developers. Low-code platforms can also help accelerate this process by automatically adjusting templates to your needs.
What to do: Leverage AI-powered low-code or no-code platforms (e.g., OutSystems, Adalo) to build your app’s core functionality in weeks, rather than months, while automating testing to speed up deployment.
3. Speed time-to-market with low-code
Low-code platforms are letting businesses with limited tech expertise develop apps on their own. These platforms (e.g., Mendix, Zoho Creator, Glide, Appsheet, FlutterFlow) provide easy-to-use, drag-and-drop functionality with pre-built components that speed up the creation process.
Combined with AI, even smaller businesses can quickly build fully functional apps. A small retail business can develop an internal inventory management app or a customer service app in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional development.
4. Cut back on rework with reusable components
Modular development allows you to build apps in segments or "blocks" (like login systems or payment processing) that can be reused across different parts of the app or even in future projects. This significantly reduces the time spent coding and makes it easier to update individual features without overhauling the entire app.
This approach is especially useful for businesses with frequent updates or changing needs. For example, a logistics company could create a modular app that tracks shipments, then add new features (e.g., real-time tracking or delivery optimization) later without rewriting the whole system.
5. Centralize multiple in a “super app”
Super apps integrate several services into one platform, allowing users to seamlessly switch between services like messaging, shopping, payments, and more. Think of WeChat or Grab, where users can do everything from paying bills to booking a ride within one app.
For businesses, this could mean bundling services like customer support, sales, and loyalty programs into a single app, increasing user retention and engagement.
What to do: Build an app that integrates essential services such as chat, payments, and product browsing. Use APIs to link these functions together, offering a seamless experience that keeps users within your ecosystem longer.
6. Skip app stores entirely with Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Progressive Web Apps combine the best aspects of web and mobile apps, offering offline access, push notifications, and fast loading times, all while remaining accessible through a browser.
PWAs don’t need to be published via app stores making deployment much faster. If you have an e-commerce site, for instance, turning it into a PWA could help increase sales by offering a faster, offline shopping experience.
7. Deliver immersive experiences with AR/VR
AR and VR are moving beyond gaming and entertainment, developing retail, real estate, and education sectors. For example, AR in a retail app could allow users to "try on" clothes virtually, or VR could offer virtual tours of properties for real estate. These immersive experiences enhance user engagement and provide a richer, more interactive interface.
8. Code once, deploy everywhere
If you want your app to be everywhere, you need a strategy that doesn’t require reinventing the wheel each time you launch. Cross-platform development makes it possible to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms, from iOS to Android to the web.
The beauty of this? Lower costs, faster development, and wider reach. Companies are already making use of this approach to increase their app's reach without drowning in technical debt. This approach saves time and money while ensuring your app reaches a broader audience without the hassle of maintaining separate codebases.
Embrace the future of apps
The trends in app development are the way forward for businesses looking to stay competitive and truly engage their customers. If you’re wondering how to take the leap from knowing these trends to actually implementing them, that’s where we come in. Our team is here to turn these opportunities into tangible solutions for your business.
Not sure where to start? Let’s have a conversation about how we can make your app future-ready and drive real results for your brand. Get in touch with us today to explore how these trends can work for you.