Global mobile app downloads reached 230 million in 2021. This number increased to 26 billion in 2019. By 2025, mobile apps are projected to generate more than $100,000 in revenue, 613 billion U.S. dollars. This fact shows that the trend of mobile apps will continue to grow as demand increases.
So, welcome to the mobile-first era. In 2023, software developers will have many opportunities to grow. They should compete to develop innovative features that add to the customer experience. The key is to keep the audience engaged.
However, mobile applications are not only useful for marketing and e-commerce. They must be able to provide real utility in business and personal productivity. Engaging with the audience means the audience is not just a user; they also experience real benefits. And the best way to start is to understand the trends in mobile app development. So, let's talk about this and its impact on your business.
8 Mobile App Development Trends in 2023
Without further ado, let’s explore the 8 trends in mobile app development that will dominate 2023.
Trend 1: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
After the tremendous success of FaceApp, most people will wonder: what's next? That's when AI appeared with a new trend of AI chatbots, turning faces into animation and many other features.
One example of AI in mobile applications is the use of chatbots to provide customer support. Chatbots can answer questions, offer preference recommendations, and fix problems. For example, real estate applications chatbots can provide property recommendations according to user preferences.
AI is also capable of turning images into realistic anime. You can turn photos into animations with just one click. Plus, Google is also rolling out a new feature to Google Maps that leverages AI to enhance the user experience. The live view feature offers AR navigation to users in the room.
In 2023, Machine Learning will also increase. The global ML industry has grown by leaps and bounds CA4GR at 42% and was valued at almost $9 billion in 2019. When deep learning goes hand-in-hand with ML, developers have real-time analytical data.
Trend 2: 5G connectivity
You're mistaken if you think 5G technology will only appear in 2022. This technology has been around since 2019. In 2022, smartphones that have 5G will grow by 47.5%. Indirectly, the rise of 5G will change how users use applications. They will feel the difference in some ways, such as:
- 5G users will experience speeds that are 100 x faster than 4G.
- At high resolutions (streaming apps), there will be less latency and faster performance.
- 5G simplifies integrating applications with AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality).
- Transferring data processes on a smartphone will be quicker and smoother.
- The smartphone's payment process will be safer because it has biometric data.
In conclusion, 5G technology will make mobile applications faster and more efficient. 5G will bring more innovation to mobile applications.
Trend 3: Focus on Superior App Security
We almost always carry smartphones everywhere and use them for many activities. For example, phone numbers, creating emails, or saving credit cards. These activities go through the application, so security is critical. If not careful, the application can attack the user, such as identity or credit card theft.
In 2023, mobile applications must provide extra security to their users. Developers must provide a sense of security so that users can install applications with peace of mind. Here are some solutions to secure user data:
- Biometrics Authentication: This authentication method is an easy way to sign in to apps using fingerprint, iris scanners, or facial recognition.
- ID Confirmation: The identity verification process is helpful for user validation from cybercrime. Usually, the application will ask for confirmation of the number or password data that only the user knows.
- Two-factor Authentication: This method uses a strong password to avoid account hijacking. Turn on two-factor authentication, so hackers can't access it. This authentication is in the form of a one-time code sent via email or another device.
Trend 4: Gamification
Gamification refers to the use of game elements in a non-game application context. The purpose of gamification is to make users not quickly bored when using the application. Hubspot mentions that more than 2.2 billion mobile games will be active in 2022. One of the mobile applications that implement gamification is Duolingo.
Duolingo applies gamification of difficulty levels, points, badges, and awards. The details of this game make users want to try it repeatedly, to repeat levels, or earn badges. Gamification is a great way to drive user satisfaction with apps. They will be more loyal, and application retention will increase.
Trend 5: Beacon Technology
Beacon (Bluetooth Low Energy) uses a small, portable device to transmit radio signals to nearby devices. For example, when a user in a store receives beacon-based notifications with coupons and special offers. Beacons can also help track shop consumer behaviour. They can determine whether users spend much time in certain sections.
Statista mentioned that the beacon's annual growth rate was 59.8%. Then in 2026, its value is estimated at $ 56.6 billion. This figure has increased ten times compared to 2016.
Trend 6: Super apps
In Malaysia, several applications are classified as super apps, such as Grab, Shopee, Lazada, and Touch 'n Go. These applications may feature delivery, purchasing, financial, entertainment, and other services. Users can do many things through just one application.
Trend 7: IoT (Internet of Things)
Mobile apps also greatly benefit from the Internet of Things advances. This technology focuses on computer networks that work together to achieve business and consumer goals.
Examples of IoT applications are in the manufacturing business. The IoT integrated with the mobile application can give engineers real-time information about the machine's maintenance status. IoT can track products with beacons in retail business and analyse store traffic.
Trend 8: Voice Search
Statista estimates that by 2026 the global speech recognition market will increase to $27.26 billion. It's no wonder that voice technology will soon become one of the most popular mobile app development trends.
Voice technology enables the device to interpret the directions spoken by the user. These directives help the machine to do things in the app. Several financial and banking businesses have implemented voice technology in their applications. Garanti Bank has become one bank that uses virtual assistants with voice. Customers can transfer money or other banking services by voice.
Stay on top of Trends
Mobile apps are rising, and many companies are trying to provide a unique experience to their customers. In the coming years, the trend of mobile application development will have an impact on business strategy. And cellular is one of the leading in the competitive market.
Then, there are more than 5.7 million mobile applications on the App Store or Google Play. So how do you ensure your mobile app is better than other businesses? The most compassionate way is to know the trend and how to make the most of it. So, are you ready to build your mobile app? Because VirtualSpirit is ready to assist you in thriving your business. Book us a call now!
