We are approaching the end of a decade that has seen the role of mobile applications expand exponentially. Technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain and the cloud have gained prominence throughout the 2010s, laying the groundwork for more connected and automated workplaces moving forward.
Leveraging a mobile device is an integral part of professional life in 2019 and beyond. After all, according to the new Global Digital reports, about 5 billion people now own smartphones—a 4% increase from 2017. The fact that owning a smartphone has become the norm means that businesses of all kinds need to capitalize on mobile technology in order to stay competitive. Here are the most prominent mobile app development trends we foresee in 2019 and 2020.
#1: The Expansion of Cloud Integration
It’s surprising how many businesses still use traditional servers to power IT infrastructure. However, hosting on local servers is simply too clunky and slow for this modern era.
With the cloud, though, businesses can run a number of servers simultaneously. Other benefits include:
- Scalability: The cloud makes it easy to scale up and down in a fraction of the time it takes traditional servers.
- Lower Costs: The cloud lowers hosting costs by offering tools that make it easier for multiple teams to collaborate on a project simultaneously.
- Increased Efficiency: This technology also allows for a bolstered loading capacity and the automation of a large number of operations.
- Better Security: The cloud is solving many security issues while also making apps faster and more reliable.
- More Powerful Apps: Apps that run on the cloud require less storage space, offer higher speeds and provide lower latency.
Incorporating the cloud into a company’s servers is becoming increasingly more affordable, and this trend will continue in 2019. Expect the cloud to make waves in mobile app development this year as businesses develop sleeker, faster and more powerful apps.
#2: Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
There is plenty of hype surrounding augmented reality and virtual reality—and for good reason. AR adds digitally overlaid content to the real world via a device’s camera, while VR takes users to a completely simulated environment. While both technologies began as tools to create more immersive, multi-dimensional gaming experiences, both are gaining prominence in the professional sphere as well.
We can expect to see more apps with AR and VR in 2019-2020 and more creative uses for the technologies. For example, social media platforms are using AR filters that can turn human faces and other images into digital characters, allowing companies to market their products to younger audiences.
AR and VR are also disrupting a number of industries by bringing products and services to the home. IKEA Place, for instance, allows users to see a realistic picture of what a piece of furniture would look like in their home. The education sector is also set to benefit with apps like Google Expeditions, which takes students on a virtual tour of a historic site. In addition, retail companies are using AR to create virtual fitting rooms and streamline the shopping experience, so we can expect to see this mobile app trend continue indefinitely.
#3: Mobile Wallets and Payment Gateways
More mobile applications are making use of mobile wallets and payment gateways since these forms of payment are more secure than many alternatives. The latest mobile wallets offer the highest level of encryption in the payment space. As a result, the mobile payment space will reach an estimated $503 billion by 2020, according to Business Insider.
A growing number of banks are also offering mobile banking services, encouraging consumers to manage their money via mobile devices. People like having alternatives when making digital payments, which is why a number of businesses offer support for payments completed using cryptocurrencies.
It’s only a matter of time before making payments through your mobile device is the norm, garnering more revenue than credit or debit cards.
#4: Blockchain
Blockchain uses decentralized ledgers to transfer information from one place to another. It serves as the backbone of cryptocurrencies due to its ability to securely complete transactions from any place in the world to another in seconds with low payment fees.
However, blockchain has uses beyond cryptocurrencies. For instance, blockchain allows for the creation of decentralized mobile apps—meaning apps that are not owned by anyone. As such, the mobile app industry is slated to become more decentralized moving forward. These apps operate using smart contracts, which are computer protocols that ensure that all parties follow the agreement in a manner that can be tracked. This ability is especially useful for industries such as the real estate field in which contracts are critical.
The global blockchain distributed ledger is slated to reach roughly $5.43 billion by 2023, according to Allied Market Research. Thanks to the consistency, security and flexibility of the technology, we can expect this mobile app trend will continue as an increasing number of mobile apps use blockchain.
Capitalizing on Mobile App Development Trends in 2019-2020
In the coming years, we will see mobile applications adopt more sophisticated technologies to create a more immersive and secure mobile experience. Businesses will continue to leverage mobile apps to streamline operations and improve the customer experience as more people rely on mobile devices to complete everyday tasks.
Having a mobile app is important for businesses to stay competitive, but first, you need to select a group of developers to work with. The team at 7T specializes in custom mobile app development and offers services in many cutting-edge technologies, such as Internet of Things, machine learning, artificial intelligence and natural language processing. Whatever your vision for your mobile app is, we can bring it to life.
While 7T is headquartered in Dallas, we also serve clients in Austin, Houston and across the U.S. If you’re ready to discuss your app development project, we invite you to contact us today.
