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by Mathew Politansky | Dec 3, 2020 | Blogs, Mobile App Development
Throughout 2020 there have been many noteworthy app development trends.
Consumer demand has meant that apps have become integrated into our everyday lives. Often assisting us with day to day tasks, such as becoming our wallets, helping us collaborate, and providing on-demand services.
The app development trends of 2020 show us that applications are becoming an integral part of our society, which many of us rely on.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an app development trend that refers to the connectedness that billions of devices have when on the internet. These devices are constantly collecting and sharing data with each other. The IoT does not only include smart homes and devices but also assists in enterprises and businesses, allowing them communication and connectedness through wireless networks. By harnessing the power of the IoT your business is able to stay ahead of others, you will drive your growth as a company, and transform your processes to be more efficient.
Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality
The demand for Augmented and Virtual Reality apps is what makes this one of the most noteworthy app development trends of 2020. AR and VR have worked their way into almost every industry, innovating the way corporations work. Some industries that have been impacted the most by AR and VR apps are:
- Health Care: VR and AR allow health care professionals to train in interactive 3D environments without putting themselves at risk. They can learn through a hands-on approach, being able to see virtual patients and conduct surgeries on them. VR and AR can also transmit real-time data about patient’s diseases, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Education: VR and AR technology allow an immersive experience when it comes to education. It takes the student out of the classroom and allows them to experience virtual simulations relevant to their studies. The potential which AR and VR have is almost limitless when it comes to education. The technology has the ability to adapt to almost any scenario.
- Industrial Design: AR and VR can both be used to create virtual models of designs and products before manufacturing. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a form of VR commonly used by architects and engineers in order to design their buildings in a virtual environment. After the VR and AR models are approved physical models can then be made. VR has the ability to save Industrial Designers thousands of dollars from prototype development.
Mixed Reality
Mixed Reality (MR) is similar to VR and AR in some ways, however, it is much more advanced. While the technology is relatively new it is an app development trend to watch out for. Hardware such as Microsoft’s HoloLens has allowed an immersive app experience, where the virtual world is able to interact with the real world. Much like AR and VR, Mixed Reality has the same potential to innovate industries. In the healthcare sector, MR has been used to help treat and find a cure for COVID-19 patients, through the HoloPatient app. When it comes to industrial design the HoloLens offers the ability to communicate plans and prototypes between on-site and off-site professionals. MR allows you to interact with the virtual world you see, enabling adjustment by your touch and voice. See more about the HoloLens and MR technology here.
Artificial Intelligence
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with mobile applications is able to save your business a lot of money, while also improving your user’s engagement. Chatbots are one of the most notable uses of AI technology within businesses. They are a quick and easy way to interact with your customers and have their questions answered as quickly as possible. AI can also increase your business’s cybersecurity. The technology’s ability to constantly learn means that it can detect new threats easier, and prevent an attack from happening entirely. AI has also been used to help the environment, with smart technology and sensors being able to reduce emissions. It is AI’s adaptability to situations that make it an app development trend that has been integral throughout 2020.
Apps for Foldable Devices
With the creation of technology such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, apps have been created and altered in order to adjust to a screens’ changing size. Apps now need to seamlessly adjust their display according to how the screen is being used. Statista states that 3.2 million foldable phones were shipped in 2019. This is estimated to have reached 50 million units by the end of 2022. Foldable mobile apps are an interesting development trend in 2020, and could possibly be the future for mobile application development.
Cloud-Based Mobile Apps
Cloud-based technology is one of 2020’s interesting app development trends. The year saw an increased demand for technologies based around collaborative work, due to the pandemic. This meant that cloud-based apps were desired, as their collaborative nature made it easier for people to work from home and in a team. Cloud storage technology can also improve your app’s performance, they are able to store data and undertake complex tasks without taking up your device’s storage. Cloud technology is able to streamline your operations, while also keeping costs down. It is estimated that in 2020 83% of enterprise workloads will be in the cloud.
Beacon Technology
Although beacon technology was first developed in 2013 it has recently grown in popularity. App beacons allow an app installed on your customer’s device to send a notification to their phone when passing a ‘beacon’. In a retail sense, this means your app can notify a consumer of a sale when they’re in range of your store. Beacon technology has been applied in a range of industries, including retail, healthcare, and hospitality.
Beacon technology allows proximity marketing, ultimately improving the consumers’ experience with your application. Beacon technology in your app can improve functionality.
Mobile Commerce
Mobile commerce is a huge part of app development trends in 2020, as they have been for many previous years. Apps prove to be a huge way to drive revenue and sales for your business. They streamline the buying process for your customer, making it easier for them to engage with your brand and products. It is estimated that by the end of 2020 70% of e-commerce sales will be undertaken on mobile devices.
Mobile Wallets
Mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay are increasing in popularity. Statistics show that Australia ranks 5th in the world in regards to mobile wallet use. With 19% of people using mobile wallets in some way. Mobile wallets are most popular in younger generations, with just under half of smartphone users engaging with them. Another 32% stated that they were interested in the idea of using one.
On-Demand Apps
On-demand apps have been growing since previous years. Apps such as Uber, Deliveroo, Menulog, and Fiverr have grown in popularity. These apps target people who need fast services and convenience. The apps focus on providing a particular service such as food delivery or ride-sharing. These apps have become a part of everyday life for most people. In 2019 Uber overtook taxis, showing that a convenient and easy to use on-demand app greatly impacts how consumers use your business. On-demand apps are an interesting app development trend, as it reveals that customers want applications that are easy to use and efficient. This is something to keep in mind when wanting to create your own business app.
2020’s App Development Trends
In conclusion, these 10 app development trends of 2020 are ones to keep an eye on and also consider for your business. The app development world is constantly changing with the creation of new technologies. In order to have an app for your business that improves your efficiency and revenue, you must be ahead of these trends and understand your business needs. This is why it is often much easier to hire an app developer to assist you in creating business apps. An app developer can cut your costs, and ensure that the product delivered to you meets your business needs.
