What Is the Leading Mobile App Development Trend in 2023?

Fun fact: Half of the population on our planet owns a mobile device. It is estimated that there are more than 7 billion smartphone users worldwide. However, the number of mobile devices doubles the number of users - Statista estimates that there are 15 billion mobile devices globally.

Our lives today seem impossible without mobile phones. No matter where you go, it is almost certain that you are going to see a person glued to a shiny, colorful screen. After all, mobile apps are fun and useful, and you can find apps for almost anything - be it entertainment, education, fitness, cooking, shopping, or even for religious purposes. The total number of smartphone apps was reported to be just shy of 9 million.

If you are a business or developer planning to join this massive market, start by identifying the top mobile app development trends. You will have a better understanding of the current demands and then plan accordingly.

What Is Mobile Technology?

Mobile application development technology, also known as mobile app development, is a broad term that encompasses the range of tools, frameworks, constituents, libraries, and other technologies that are utilized to develop applications for mobile devices. There are various development frameworks like React Native, Laravel, Angular JS, Cake PHP, and so on.

The mobile app industry is massive. According to Grand View Research, the size of the global market of mobile applications was estimated at USD 206.85 billion in 2022, and it is projected to increase at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2023 to 2030. Therefore, mobile apps are essential tools to increase a business’ presence and create revenue streams in the digital era. Having a clear mobile app strategy is a must if you want to enter the competitive mobile app market.

As always, one needs to do their homework if they want to develop a mobile app. This article will let you know everything you need to know about the current demands and mobile app trends.

Top 11 Mobile App Development Trends

5G Technology

The fifth-generation mobile network is known as 5G. Following the 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, there is now a new worldwide wireless standard. 5G mobile technology has the potential to not only improve the performance of our smartphones but also to provide new immersive experiences, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), at faster, more consistent data rates, reduced latency, and reduced data costs per bit.

So, how does this technology affect the mobile app development industry? The enhanced features of 5G will eventually encourage developers to create innovative functionalities for mobile apps without compromising the overall performance. Mobile app developers need to include a 5G network during the building and testing processes.

Examples of 5G-enabled mobile apps include immersive gaming apps, 3D printing apps, and extremely accurate location trackers due to 5G’s coverage and connectivity.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Augmented and virtual reality are prevalent technologies when it comes to software testing trends or data visualization trends. Trends in mobile app development are no exception.

If you are someone who shops online often, you have probably heard of or come across virtual try-ons. Virtual try-on tools use augmented reality that lets customers try on different makeup products and styles and see how they’ll look on their faces like a mirror. Brands like Mac Cosmetics and Bobbi Brown have applied AR to let their customers try on different shades of lipstick. Another company that is using AR well is IKEA. Its application lets you see what a piece of furniture would look like in your home.

Virtual reality also has multiple applications. It is used in healthcare, gaming, architecture, space and military, etc. In 2016, McDonald’s rolled out Happy Meal boxes that can be turned into VR headsets, which are usually referred to as “Happy Goggles.”

It is likely that AR and VR will continue to be major players in multiple industries. This is why you should leverage this trend and develop mobile applications that take your users’ experience to a whole new level.

Beacon Technology

Beacons are a popular technology in the mobile app development trends, utilizing Bluetooth low-energy devices to provide location services based on proximity. They are small wireless transmitters (BLE devices) that provide location services based on proximity. When a device is detected in the area, the device launches an app or sends a notification to it.

Let’s say you are in a train station and want to know where Gate 3 is. With the train station’s app and beacon technology, you are provided with a map that shows where you are and the directions to your next desired location.

Other than indoor navigation, the technology can be used to alert customers of specific promotions based on their locations or record attendance in an office.

If you are looking for a technology to interact with users and enhance user experience, beacon technology is one that you should seriously consider.

Apps for Foldable Devices

Smartphones have come a long way. In 2019, Samsung launched its first foldable device. After that, Motorola released Motorola Razr Plus, and Google joined the foldable smartphone market share by introducing The Google Pixel Fold. The fastest-growing product category for smartphones this year is still foldable. In 2022, their shipments are expected to increase by 73% YoY to 16 million units.

It is safe to say that you need to pay more attention to optimizing apps for foldables in your mobile app development strategy. The app should automatically adjust when the device is folded or unfolded. This fairly fresh market share provides unique opportunities for app developers.

Mobile Commerce

Mobile commerce isn’t a new technology trend. In fact, it’s an extension of the e-commerce industry that’s been around for over ten years. Mobile commerce is a natural evolution of technology as people spend more time on their mobile devices rather than on their desktop computers.

We almost always have our phones with us, whether to work, scroll social media apps, watch a movie, or surf through e-commerce platforms like Amazon or Shopee. Businesses have not missed out on this tendency; thus, they are looking for ways to compete with the giants and push sales.

All in all, in order to not fall behind, you need to copy what the giants in the industry have been doing and catch on the trend of e-commerce app development.

Mobile Wallet and Contactless Payments

Closely related to the booming mobile commerce trend are mobile wallets and contactless payments. The ubiquitous use of smartphones and internet access are key factors driving the mobile wallet business. Mobile payment apps like Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Pay Pal are trending. Online shopping is booming and doesn’t seem to slow down even though the pandemic is over. A lot of the shopping is done on the smartphone, which leads to people looking for secure mobile payment methods. According to Forbes, 53% of consumers say they use mobile payments more frequently than other payment options.

In the years to come, eCommerce apps that incorporate mobile payment functionality will continue to be a prominent trend in mobile app design. It is crucial to provide a smooth and secure mobile payment experience to meet the growing number of consumers who shop and do transactions on their mobile devices.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

The emergence of AI and ML has been strong in all sectors, including the mobile app development market. Again, artificial intelligence and machine learning in mobile apps aren’t particularly new. Smartphone users are familiar with Siri, Bixby, or Google Assistance. These technologies are used in speech recognition, face detection, and text suggestion. AI and ML in mobile apps are also used to analyze the mountains of data produced by users on a daily basis to personalize recommendations or content.

When you create apps, don’t forget about all the ways AI and ML can improve them: The technology can analyze user behavior and preferences, improve user experience, and even assist in the development process itself.

Mobile App Security

When it comes to mobile development, we also need to talk about mobile app security. App users have become more aware of the potential cyber security threats. We have seen multiple mobile data breach incidents. For instance, in April 2019, two sets of data from Facebook apps were leaked to the public. The data included phone numbers and account names, as well as Facebook IDs, belonging to over 530 million people on Facebook. The consequences can be devastating.

With the growing dependence on mobile apps, businesses can no longer put app security as an afterthought. It should be one of the top priorities. As a matter of fact, it is now a trend. There are various methods to keep your application safe, with the use of two-factor authentication, biometric authentication, or secure data encryption.

Predictive Analytics

This refers to the use of historical data to forecast events and trends. Why should prediction considered in mobile apps? By using data analytics strategies and combining technologies like AI or machine learning solutions, the app provides users with ultra-personalized suggestions, whether it comes to music, songs, or goods. No two users will have the same experience with the application. As a result, users are more engaged, and you are also able to improve user retention. Do not forget to apply predictive analytics in your own mobile app project.

On-Demand Apps

You probably have at least one on-demand app on your phone right now. Be it an app to order food delivery or book a taxi, on-demand apps have become a huge part of modern life. The convenience, ease of use, and speedy delivery have made on-demand apps extremely popular. You can probably name some apps on the top of your head right now if asked.

Some even consider this kind of app the future of mobile app development. There are many types of on-demand apps, like grocery delivery apps, taxi ride apps, house cleaning apps, food delivery apps, and so on. If you are looking to start a mobile app development project, on-demand apps might be a great place to start.

Wearable Technology

The mobile development market isn’t only about smartphones and tablets; it is also about wearable devices. The potential of wearable devices is massive, yet it is left untapped. Wearable technology, along with the Internet of Things, will provide businesses with oceans of data to better understand user behavior and improve future apps and services.

Wearable technology will have a great impact on the development of mobile applications. If you choose to embrace this trend, it is important to be aware of the varying screen sizes, lightweight design, low energy usage, smooth data transfer, and compact user interface.

Last Note

We would like to conclude this article with a quote from Phil Knight: “Life is growth. You grow or you die.” As extreme as this quote may sound, it is safe to say that it is true when it comes to mobile app development. When you update and embrace emerging trends, you are also giving your business a chance to grow out of its comfort zone and grow stronger.

Embracing trends, however, doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself. If you are looking for a partner to grow alongside you, let Orient Software be that partner. The team is qualified and equipped with everything you need to know when it comes to mobile application development. Contact us today!