Key Mobile App Development Trends For 2024 & Beyond

Most technologies for mobile app development become trends because they offer features that are desired by the customers and are in demand. Each of these emerging trends mentioned below has either had a significant impact on the current market or is likely to make it in the future.

1. Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning

AI has been the talk of the town in 2024. AI and machine learning have been incorporated into many apps over the last few years; however, their true potential has only been understood by us recently. Mobile app development technologies like AI and ML are great tools for automating the design process, reducing the development time, improving user experience, and innovating new features and functionality.

An experienced and expertise software development company in India can leverage the newfound capabilities of AI and ML for personalised recommendations, spam filtering, fraud detection, chatbots, predictive maintenance etc. Tech giant Apple has also introduced a framework that helps developers incorporate ML into their Apps more easily. The high degree of user satisfaction and the ease of designing mobile apps have made AI and ML the most popular and prominent trends in mobile app development.

2. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the process of delivering services on-demand, over the internet. Cloud computing makes the storage and maintenance of data along with delivering hosted services very easy. When it comes to integrating cloud computing into mobile development technologies, one of the major technologies is cloud storage.

Cloud storage allows the end users to store and access their information over the internet. This reduces the requirement for physical storage and also allows customers to access their data from anywhere with the internet. This significantly improves the user experience making it a must-have for many mobile apps. Apart from cloud storage, cloud hosting also offers a number of benefits to the developers as it is a scalable and cost-effective option.

3. Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are seeing an upward trend in 2024 and are more likely to maintain their pace in the coming years as well. While the technology is not completely developed, some companies have tried to incorporate it into their mobile apps. Games and apps such as Pokemon Go and  Google Earth are successful examples of incorporating AR & VR.

The exotic appeal of AR and VR integration in the latest mobile technology makes it an essential tool for user gain and retention. There are several benefits of VR for the end user, as a result, it is likely to be adopted across various industries.

4. 5G

5G technology is the latest upgrade in cellular technology, offering higher data speed and increased network capacity. While this technology has been available for almost a year, it gained popularity only after mobile companies began designing 5G compatible devices.

5G brings a host of improvements to the user experience including higher resolution and less latency in video streaming, immersive and interactive UI, and lighting speed data transfer. Most developers would like to leverage the capabilities of 5G to boost their app’s performance.

5. Cross-Platform Development Tools

The use of cross-platform development tools is seeing continuous growth amongst developers. Cross-platform development allows an app to run smoothly on all platforms, such as Android, IOS, Windows, etc. A cross-platform app increases their potential user base, increasing profit potential.

Currently, cross-platform integration seems to be more of a norm than an exception. This trend is likely to continue in the future as well, as maximising profit is one of the primary goals of any organisation. The use of cross-platform development frameworks such as Flutter makes the process easier than ever. You can also check out our blog about the Key Flutter App Development Trends in 2024, to stay on top of the latest buzz.

6. Foldable Devices

Even though foldable devices have not become mainstream, with the introduction of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series it has gained a significant user base. Foldable devices are more likely to be the dominant or at least a significant portion of the smartphone’s market share, due to their unique aspects. As an app development company, it is crucial to account for these coming changes.

As many mobile companies adopt foldable designs, the future of android and IOS app development trends can shift towards catering to this niche. As many users would prepare the next-generation foldable design, mobile app developers should plan accordingly.

7. Wearable Devices

Mobile apps are now not just limited to mobile phones, wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are also a key component of the market. As smartwatches and fitness trackers become more popular, most users prefer using apps that are compatible with their wearable devices.

Users would like to use their favourite apps on their phones as well as on their wrists while having their data in sync. App developers need to keep this growing demand in mind while creating a cross-platform app for the younger generation.

8. Chatbots

Chatbots are amongst the top 2024 app trends. Chatbots are a revolutionary tool for customer service and public relations. With the help of machine learning, chatbots can learn to have conversations that sound natural. This can be used for real-time assistance and quick replies, improving user experience.

While the technology is still developing and not seen in the majority of apps, market leaders such as Amazon and Starbucks have already incorporated chatbots in their apps for customer service, answering questions, and recommendations. Chatbot is already predominantly used in websites, so its incorporation into mobile apps wouldn’t be that dramatic. And with the improvements in AI and ML technology, this change is more likely to be sooner rather than later.

9. Low-Code/No-Code Development

Low-code and no-code development are some of the best mobile app trends for 2024 from a developer and business perspective. Many businesses and developers are now opting to create immersive and innovative mobile apps with the help of frameworks and development tools. The ease of drag-and-drop development has allowed developers to create apps without requiring advanced coding expertise.

Low-code and no-code development has facilitated the development of high-quality apps in less time and at lower costs. This is highly profitable for developers as well as the development companies. Google Flutter is a great no-code development tool for developing cross-platform apps from a single codebase.

10. Touchless User Interfaces

Touchless UI is amongst the latest mobile UI design trends and is very popular among the young generation, as a result, developers are increasingly incorporating it into their app designs. Touchless user interface refers to functions such as voice recognition, biometrics, gesture control, and facial recognition. These functions serve a variety of roles from improving security to enriching user experience.

Touchless UI might not be the biggest mobile app development trend in 2024, but it surely will be by the end of the first half of this decade. Major businesses already incorporate this design into their app design to stand out from their competitors.

11. Gamification

Gamification of mobile apps is a massively popular method for improving customer retention and the quality of your app. This method incorporates gaming mechanics such as rewards, points, and quests into the apps. Developers are shifting towards gamification of apps for improving traffic and user engagement.

Gamification can help apps from several sectors, such as healthcare, fintech, fitness, and e-learning. Developers can incorporate scoreboards/leaderboards, quizzes and puzzles, badges, rewards, and progress reports to make the apps more fun and exciting to use. There are many well-known apps that either use gaming elements or mini-games in their mobile app design, including Duolingo, SmartyPig, Nike Run, McDonalds and Burger King.

12. Privacy And Security

While mobile apps are more popular than ever, so are privacy and security threats. Most mobile devices are vulnerable to malware and viruses; hence, users do not download or use apps that seem insecure. They might also discourage others from using such apps. In a competitive market, you don’t want your app to be it. 

Every new and reputed mobile app development company is prioritising cyber security and privacy for data protection. Several apps have features such as biometric authentication, two-step authentication, and end-to-end encryption, in an effort to be as much secure as possible.