If you're reading this, you're most likely aware of the benefits of mobile apps for start-ups and businesses looking to transform their reach and that custom mobile app development can increase revenue and brand awareness when it's done right.
As a leading mobile app development company, we stay on top of the trends as they emerge. Mobile app development trends are always evolving, and while some of what emerges prove to be passing fads, some trends are here to stay and offer huge potential.
The software development landscape continues to evolve, driven by emerging technologies and shifting user preferences. In this article, we look back on the top mobile app development trends of 2022 and at the trends we predicted would follow them.
Which mobile app development trends emerged in 2022?
Rise of 5G
The 5G network rollouts in 2022 facilitated faster data speeds and lower latency, with 3.6 billion 5G subscriptions estimated by the end of the year, as per Ericsson Mobility Report. These advancements allowed mobile app developers to create improved real-time communication, AR, and VR experiences, enabling businesses to offer more immersive and responsive services to their customers.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
According to Gartner, in 2022, AI and ML integration in mobile apps reached new heights, with 40% of organisations adopting AI in their operations. This adoption included features like chatbots, predictive analytics, and image recognition, enabling businesses to automate processes, personalise user experiences, and enhance decision-making.
Internet of Things (IoT) Integrations
IoT devices saw a 14.7% growth in 2022, reaching 35.82 billion connected devices worldwide, as reported by Statista. Mobile app developers responded to this trend by creating apps that connected and managed IoT devices, such as smart home appliances, wearables, and industrial equipment, streamlining automation and data collection.
On-Demand Apps
The likes of Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Ocado set a precedent for on-demand location-based delivery of goods via custom apps. Demand rose sharply through lockdown, seeing small to large businesses across the food industry tapping into the trend on a significant scale.
On-demand apps, like food delivery and ride-hailing services, maintained their popularity in 2022, with the global online food delivery market expected to reach £134.25 billion by 2023, as projected by Statista. Developers focused on creating user-friendly solutions with optimised performance, location-based services, and seamless payment integrations to cater to the growing demand for convenience. We have experience in this post-pandemic market, working with start-up Dish Dash Dine and growing multi-chain business Juice Jar.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
In 2022, the global AR and VR market was valued at around £16.8 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.6% from 2021 to 2028, according to Grand View Research. Mobile app developers leveraged these technologies to create more engaging and interactive experiences, spanning industries such as gaming, retail, and education. Key development tools, like ARKit and ARCore, facilitated the creation of robust AR apps for iOS and Android devices.
Which mobile app development trends should you look out for?
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential for businesses looking to maintain a competitive edge. As a leading mobile app development agency, we have our finger on the pulse of the latest app development trends, ensuring our clients receive cutting-edge solutions tailored to their unique requirements. By partnering with our team of expert app developers, business owners can harness these innovations to drive growth, enhance user experiences, and stay ahead in the ever-changing world of mobile technology.
1. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is revolutionising how businesses handle data, with a global market value forecast to reach £27.6 billion by 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence. App developers and agencies can leverage blockchain technology to create decentralised applications (dApps) that offer enhanced security, transparency, and data immutability. These features are particularly beneficial for finance, supply chain, and healthcare industries.
Technical Advice: Developers should familiarise themselves with blockchain platforms like Ethereum, Hyperledger, and Corda, which provide tools and resources for building dApps. Additionally, programming languages such as Solidity, Java, and Python are crucial for implementing smart contracts and developing blockchain-based mobile apps.
2. Metaverse Applications
As the metaverse concept gains traction, mobile app developers are exploring ways to create applications that enable users to engage with virtual worlds. According to a report by Bloomberg Intelligence, the metaverse could be worth between £4.4 trillion and £6.1 trillion by 2030. Businesses can tap into this opportunity by developing mobile apps integrating with various metaverse platforms.
Technical Advice: App developers should familiarise themselves with tools and SDKs for creating metaverse experiences, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and SpatialOS. Knowledge of 3D modelling, virtual reality, and augmented reality development will also be crucial.
3. Edge Computing
Edge computing is set to transform mobile app development, bringing processing capabilities closer to the source of data. This technology reduces latency and enhances app performance, making it ideal for real-time applications, IoT devices, and AR/VR experiences.
Technical Advice: App developers should focus on learning edge computing frameworks like AWS Greengrass, Azure IoT Edge, and Google Cloud IoT Edge to capitalise on this trend. We're currently using Azure IoT in several of our live projects. These platforms enable seamless integration with existing cloud infrastructures and offer tools for developing, deploying, and managing edge computing applications.
4. Wearable App Development
Wearable devices are gaining traction, with the global wearable technology market projected to reach £54 billion by 2023, according to GlobalData. As a result, there is an increasing demand for mobile apps from app users that integrate with wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, to provide users with real-time data and insights.
Technical Advice: App developers should familiarise themselves with wearable app development, including platforms like watchOS for Apple Watch and Wear OS for Android devices. Knowledge of health and fitness APIs, such as Google Fit and Apple HealthKit, will also be valuable for creating apps that cater to the wearable technology market.
5. Low to No-Code Apps
According to a report by Research and Markets, the global no-code/low-code development platform market was expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.1% from 2021 to 2026. This indicates that the demand for no-code/low-code solutions will continue to rise, enabling businesses to streamline app development and reduce time-to-market.
By removing the traditional reliance on traditional app-building software and tools, tech stacks, development frameworks, and programming languages, low and no-code app development is becoming more accessible for tech ‘DIYers’ out there, utilising simple tools such as drag and drop function, all aiding rapid app development.
While low and no-code app development solutions are improving at a gradual rate, they can’t yet deliver commercial-quality apps at the level a team of professional app developers can. While you might know the basics of app development if you're wanting to develop an app that can be taken to market, low/no-code solutions may struggle with that. Make sure you know the limitation of the platform you are using to avoid costly delays to project progression and market entry. If these limitations are already challenging at prototyping phase, it would be worth chatting to a mobile development agency about the other options for early-stage testing.
6. Serverless Functions
As businesses continue to adopt cloud solutions, serverless architecture is becoming increasingly popular. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global serverless architecture market was projected to grow from £6.29 billion in 2021 to £16.6 billion by 2026. This approach allows developers to build and run applications without managing infrastructure, resulting in reduced development time and operational costs. As a leading app development agency, we primarily use Azure Functions for serverless architecture on most of our projects when it makes sense for the project. We prefer developing projects in .Net Core to avoid vendor lock and ensure our clients invest in a proprietary product with intellectual property.
Technical Advice: App developers should familiarise themselves with serverless computing platforms like Azure Functions, AWS Lambda and Google Cloud Functions, which enable the development of scalable and efficient applications.
7. Beacon Technology
Beacon technology is gaining traction in industries such as retail, hospitality, and events, offering businesses new opportunities for location-based marketing and personalised user experiences. According to Allied Market Research, the global Bluetooth beacons market was expected to reach £49.56 billion by 2026. We have worked on a project that utilises Beacon Technology, showcasing our expertise in this innovative field.
Technical Advice: App developers should explore beacon platforms like Apple's iBeacon and Google's Eddystone, along with relevant APIs and SDKs, to integrate beacon technology into mobile apps and deliver targeted content, promotions, and notifications to users based on their location.
8. Omnichannel Mobile Experiences
As customers expect seamless experiences across multiple channels, businesses must adopt an omnichannel approach to mobile app development. This strategy involves creating a consistent user experience across various platforms, such as websites, mobile apps, and social media, to engage customers more effectively and drive brand loyalty.
Technical Advice: App developers should leverage platforms and tools that facilitate cross-platform app development, such as React Native and Flutter, which enable the creation of high-quality applications for both iOS and Android devices. Hybrid apps using Ionic are also an alternative to cross-platform.
Upcoming Mobile App Development Trends: Utilising the right ones could be a game changer
In summary, the mobile app development landscape is constantly evolving, with emerging trends such as metaverse applications, no-code/low-code development, wearable app development, serverless architecture, foldable device app development, omnichannel mobile experiences, beacon technology, and biometric authentication shaping the industry. As a leading app development agency, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve and leveraging our expertise to provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to our client's unique requirements.
Whether you're looking to create an innovative app for the metaverse, take advantage of serverless architecture, or explore the potential of beacon technology, our expert app developers are ready to bring your vision to life. Don't miss out on the opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of mobile technology – get in touch and let's work together to create a mobile app that sets your business apart and drives success now and in the years ahead.
Book a discovery session with us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Are low-code and no-code platforms good enough to build a commercial app?
Low and no-code tools are improving and make app building more accessible through simple drag and drop functions, but they cannot yet deliver commercial-quality apps at the level a team of professional app developers can. Check the limitations of the platform before you commit, and if they already bite at the prototyping stage, talk to a mobile development agency about other options.
What is edge computing and why does it matter for mobile apps?
Edge computing brings processing capabilities closer to the source of data, which reduces latency and improves app performance. That makes it well suited to real-time applications, IoT devices and AR and VR experiences. Frameworks such as AWS Greengrass, Azure IoT Edge and Google Cloud IoT Edge integrate with existing cloud infrastructure and offer tools for deploying and managing edge applications.
Which serverless platform does Myth Digital use?
We primarily use Azure Functions for serverless architecture on most projects where it makes sense, and we prefer developing in .Net Core to avoid vendor lock so clients invest in a proprietary product with their own intellectual property. AWS Lambda and Google Cloud Functions are the other main serverless platforms worth knowing.
How can businesses deliver an omnichannel mobile experience?
An omnichannel approach means creating a consistent user experience across websites, mobile apps and social media so customers can move between channels without friction, which helps engagement and brand loyalty. Cross-platform tools such as React Native and Flutter help teams build high-quality apps for both iOS and Android, and hybrid apps using Ionic are another alternative.
What is beacon technology used for in mobile apps?
Beacon technology is gaining traction in retail, hospitality and events, where it supports location-based marketing and personalised user experiences. Apps can integrate platforms such as Apple's iBeacon and Google's Eddystone, along with their APIs and SDKs, to deliver targeted content, promotions and notifications to users based on their location.
