2020 has changed our life and the way we use smartphones. Pandemic forced people to stay home and changed shopping behavior. We started to buy more online and use our phones like big shop places with various services and products. Besides, the pandemic didn’t stop the development of technology but rather stimulated it.

Companies to get through hard times have been starting to invest more in developing mobile apps. These factors shaped the latest trends in mobile app development. 

Artificial Intelligence 

Artificial intelligence or AI is a global trend in technology in recent years. More and more development companies implement AI in their products to improve user experience. According to International Data Corporation, global investment in AI will grow to $79.2 billion in 2022. 

The crucial benefit that AI brings is a maximum of personalization. Mobile apps with AI can collect and analyze personal user information. It allows companies to provide a personalized experience for every customer with specific recommendations. Besides, AI provides text recognition, image recognition, and even user emotions recognition to improve user experience. 

For example, Nike developed an app for scanning feet to determine size shoes. Users can save size shoes in the Nike app and use them for future purchasing. 

Another feature of AI is machine learning or neural networks. Machine learning makes possible speech control and language recognition. Such technology is used for virtual assistants like Siri or Cortana. AI assistant improves user experience, optimizes the searching process, and provides additional information. In summer 2020, Amazon allowed mobile developers to connect AI assistants Alexa to mobile apps. 

Leading technology companies aim to improve the AI experience. For example, Apple presented the A14 Bionic chip in September 2020. It can process up to 11 trillion operations per second. The company believes it gives wider opportunities for development companies to create outstanding mobile apps.

We are excited about the emergence of machine learning and how it enables a completely new class. It takes my breath away when I see what people can do with the A14 bionic chip.” – said Tim Millet, Apple’s Vice President of Platform Architecture.

5G Technology

The 5th generation mobile network opens new opportunities for mobile apps. 5G provides high-speed mobile internet connectivity, better stability, and the ability to process a massive amount of data. 

On 4 March 2021, Samsung set a 5G data transfer speed record: 5.23 Gbps. They downloaded a 4GB full-HD movie in 6 seconds. 

5G shrinks latency from 50 milliseconds to one millisecond. It allows mobile apps to work with minimum hindrance and delays. This feature can take to the next level mobile gaming and video streaming industry. 

Combinations of low latency and high speed make IoT implementation smoother. 5G could prove to be an indispensable technology for companies that develop connected device apps.

Due to its capabilities, 5G reduces battery consumption for smartphones and IoT devices. Verizon’s CEO, Lowell McAdam, in 2018 assumed that 5G ensures four weeks one charge life for smartphones. 

As of August 2020, 38 countries launched 5G. Experts predict an adoption record of 5G technology – one billion users in 3.5 years.

Cloud-Native

Cloud-native-based mobile apps don’t require a separate server for hosting. Developers build and run apps in cloud service solutions like Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS. This approach makes mobile app development more scalable, faster and requires fewer expenses. 

IBM Cloud-native development report reveals that 55% of applications will include cloud-native solutions. 

One of the main cloud-native solution benefits is auto-scaling. Developers can apply the auto-scaling for particular code parts. These parts automatically scale during traffic splash. Companies don’t need to plan traffic capacity for hosting servers. Cloud-native solutions automatically prevent downtimes and system crushes.

Containers are part of a cloud-native architecture that allows easy portability. Developers can isolate the app from the real environment which they actually run. It facilitates the work of software testing services and development management.  

Mobile commerce (M-commerce)

In 2020 the volume of m-commerce skyrocketed. Quarantine reshaped the way people buy and changed shopping behavior. New conditions forced companies to adapt. As a result, many companies invested in mobile apps development to stay in touch with customers. Other companies that followed the offline retail model suffered losses or went bust.

According to Statista, mobile commerce will generate  53.9% of US e-commerce retail in 2021. Furthermore, according to BusinessWire research, the m-commerce compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will increase up to 27% by 2024. 

There may be several reasons for this rapid growth. The number of smartphone users is growing every year. Nowadays, almost half the population of the globe has a smartphone. Research shows that the number of users will increase by several hundred million in the next few years.

Another reason is expanding access to the internet. Now, 4.3 billion people have an internet connection and this number will be growing in the future years. 

And as we said before, pandemic Covid-19 sped up switching to an m-commerce shopping pattern. Consumers find mobile commerce more appropriate as it includes various payment solutions, different services, and lower prices. 

Internet of things (IoT)

This technology will shape a new generation of mobile applications. The IoT market is expanding and growing. It shows that people want to interact with devices in a new technology way. 

According to Statista, there will be around 50 billion connected devices by the end of 2030. Among the things that can connect with smartphones through the mobile app are light bulbs, coffee machines, and even cars and flats. For example, Tesla owners can summon the car from a parking spot to a place where they stand.

Many providing technology companies invest in IoT development. Microsoft created connection technology Intelligent Systems Service to make connected devices more manageable. With Google’s Nest, customers can interact and control smart home devices like a thermostat or home security system. 

HomeKit from Apple can work with Siri to facilitate home control. 

Wrapping up

Pandemic didn’t stop the technology and mobile app development. On the contrary, it stimulated companies to look for new solutions and alternatives. 

New limits and challenges shaped mobile app development trends in 2021. 

Trends show that users want a more personalized and friendly user experience. They want wide access to services, shop places, and devices. 

So, every company should pay closer attention to how to make the user experience smooth and seamless. 

Also Read: 8 Trending Mobile App Development Ideas You Must Know