A survey conducted in 2023 indicated that Americans spend over four hours on their mobile devices and check the phone 144 times daily. In fact, we are more connected than ever, with millions of products demanding our attention at exactly the same time, each moment of every day.
Today’s consumers are interested in solutions that are simple, unobtrusive, and create value for them. Thus, the adoption of these trends allows organizations to adapt to user needs and properly allocate their resources to maximize the possible outcome.
We identified ten leading trends in the mobile application development sector: AI and machine learning, Internet of Things technologies, the 5G market, AI, and more. This article seeks to explore how these tendencies will change the digital environment and help businesses drive change to improve solutions in their clients’ lives as we move toward 2025.
1. IoT App Integration
The Internet of Things is defined as the increasing number of objects or devices that are internet-capable and give users control and tight control. A clear example of this now is the adoption of smart home technology, which is closely tied to the advancement of adaptations for mobile applications.
The software enables users to control their homes through thermostats, doors, and home security systems from a distance. Devices like home fridges can also be coordinated with the help of these interconnected mobile apps.
Last year, the size of the IoT market was $318 billion, and software, including smartphone apps, accounted for $226 billion. This figure is expected to rise to USD 1.5 trillion in 2030.
2. Apps for Foldable Devices
With the resurgence of foldable smartphones, app developers must adapt their designs to leverage these devices’ unique capabilities. Software must fluidly adjust interfaces based on whether the device is folded or unfolded, enhancing user experience. As the market for foldable devices grows, 48.1 Million Units with a market value of $42 billion in 2027, According to IDC. Therefore, enterprises should prioritize compatibility in their program updates.
3. 5G Technology
The fifth-generation web is now ten times faster than 4G, currently covering 40% of the world’s population. We can expect that, by 2030, more than half of all mobile connections will use 5G. Interest in non-terrestrial networks is also increasing, enabling developers to incorporate more complex features without compromising performance.
In 2022, the United States had nearly 162 million active enhanced broadband (eMBB) devices, almost double that in 2021. 5G devices make up almost one-third of all wireless links, and this growth is expected to continue.
Across the pond, the European Commission wants to speed up the implementation of digital systems. Public investments, including Nokia’s commitment of €360 million in Germany and projects supported by the Connecting Europe Facility, still support low latency network initiatives. While there is a focus on expanding primary connections, the launch of standalone services is currently limited.
4. Development for Wearable Devices
Wearable technology has many uses, including monitoring health, providing entertainment, and being used for personal and industrial purposes. Smart accessories typically include advanced sensors, low-power electronics, wireless connectivity, and small batteries in a compact and sleek design. These products must withstand daily wear and tear, such as exposure to water and sweat, as well as vibrations and impacts. Medical devices have additional regulatory requirements that must be met.
This industry is growing steadily, with Apple recently announcing the Apple App Store for the Apple Watch. This move has created opportunities for app resellers and content creators, with independent apps developed specifically for portable devices.
Looking ahead, we can expect a surge in the development of smartphone apps tailored for body-mounted solutions, allowing users to access a wide range of apps directly from their wrist. The potential for wearables and mobile app integration is just starting to be explored, and we expect significant progress in this area in the coming years.
5. Cloud Computing Integration
Cloud integration solutions were made to break down data silos, improve connectivity and visibility, and ultimately optimize business processes. Data integration tools respond to the need to share data among cloud-based applications and unify information components.
Remote server storing has become more popular as Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions continue to increase. Studies have shown that over 90% of enterprises use a multi-cloud strategy, and SaaS usage will soon surpass traditional product delivery.
In addition, more businesses are using a mix of SaaS and on-premises applications, creating a greater need for advanced virtual storage data integration methods.
6. Mobile Commerce
Mobile commerce is a dominant trend that shows no signs of slowing down. With over 72% of e-commerce sales projected to occur via portable devices, businesses must prioritize app development as a critical channel for driving sales. Features like streamlined payment systems and personalized shopping experiences will be crucial for staying competitive.
7. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been part of mobile app development for many years. But there’s still more potential to use these advanced technologies.
When we think of AI, we often think of virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa. However, automation can do much more in software development. It can potentially improve app intelligence and overall performance in all parts of development, from backend processes to front-end user experiences.
App intelligence means that software relies on data-driven insights and advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to improve user experience. This includes personalization, predictive analytics, and automation. With this transformation, programs can learn from how users interact with them, improve performance, and provide customized content to keep consumers interested. In 2025, we can expect automation to change how apps are made.
8. Electronic Wallets and Payments
Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are experiencing significant growth. According to a Fact. MR report, demand is projected to accelerate at a CAGR of 22%, reaching over $1,965 billion by 2033. This surge reflects the increasing adoption of smartphone payment solutions and the growing preference for digital transactions among consumers.
The electronic wallet market is anticipated to double in the next two years. More and more smartphone users are starting to use online transactions and are using app features to make transactions on connected wearable devices.
App development in 2024 and beyond should consider mobile wallets. Wallet integration should become a standard feature for every app that handles transactions. Although this is not the case, contactless payment use in apps is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
9. Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics can significantly enhance the user experience by tailoring content and recommendations based on user behavior. This approach, already used by giants like Netflix, will become increasingly accessible for software creators.
10. On-Demand Apps
The demand for on-demand mobile app development is growing in 2024. Apps like Airbnb and Uber have been very successful in this area. Users spend $57.6 billion per year on on-demand services.
Some examples of how apps are changing the on-demand industry include laundry service, on-demand doctors, virtual tutors and coaches, food delivery, house cleaning, maintenance services, fitness on-demand, pet care, and barber and beauty salon services. The opportunities for on-demand apps are vast.
If you operate as a mobile app reseller, this presents a significant opportunity to expand your customer base. By utilizing on-demand capabilities, your clients can enhance the functionality of their apps, leading to increased profits for everyone involved.
Conclusion
If you are developing apps today using information from two or three years ago, you stand no chance of being competitive. Far too many trends in the mobile app industry come and go so quickly that not understanding them can be the cause of the success or failure of the project. Therefore, it is only natural for all the software creators in your workforce to know these trends and incorporate them into the development processes. You don’t need to incorporate all the trends into your applications, but it is helpful to know about general market tendencies to be able to respond.
