Main Mobile App Development Trends for 2024

The mobile app development market is experiencing significant growth, with organizations increasingly investing in app development. According to Grandview Research, the estimated global market size of mobile apps in 2023 is USD 228.98 billion, and revenue is forecasted to reach USD 567.19 billion by 2030.

Mobile app development is a dynamic field marked by constant evolution and the emergence of new trends and technologies. In this digital race, staying ahead means being relevant. For developers, it's about mastering the latest tools and languages. Businesses thrive when they keep up with what users want, and users like apps that match today's trends. Keeping up isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must. While predicting the future is always theoretical, looking at past patterns can give us an idea of potential trends in 2024 and beyond. Foregoing a focus on underlying technologies like 5G or Blockchain, in this discussion, we will focus on trends in the development process and app features.

When talking about the development process, two significant trends are expected to persist in 2024. First is the cross-platform development, which continues to gain traction, driven by its cost-efficiency and time-savings. Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native enable developers to build mobile apps that work on both iOS and Android platforms with a single codebase, saving money, capturing a wider user base, and simplifying both development and maintenance processes. While the complete replacement of native coding by cross-platform development remains a question, it's becoming evident that this approach is shaping up as the future of mobile apps.

The second noteworthy trend in the development process is the increasing popularity of Low-Code and No-Code development, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of mobile app development. Low-code utilizes a visual interface for minimal hand-coding, simplifying complexity compared to traditional methods. No-code goes further, eliminating manual coding and enabling users to create apps without writing any code. Both approaches accelerate development and cater to individuals with limited coding skills. Large and small businesses are adopting these platforms to address their app development needs. The popularity of low-code and no-code development is anticipated to continue growing as these platforms evolve to cover a broader range of use cases. However, it's essential to note that while they offer advantages in speed and accessibility, they may have limitations for highly complex applications.

It goes without saying that superior security measures remain a top priority of any mobile app. Cybercrime affects individuals and large corporations alike, with over 60% of fraud originating from mobile devices and 80% of that from mobile applications. As mobile apps increasingly handle sensitive data, there's a growing emphasis on cybersecurity measures, including secure coding practices and robust encryption. 

Now, let's explore what's in store for specific functionalities within mobile apps in 2024.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies continue to play a significant role in mobile app development. Siri, introduced by Apple in 2011, is an early mobile app with AI features, offering capabilities like answering questions and setting reminders. Beyond its Voice User Interface, Siri employs AI techniques to interpret user input. Now, AI is powering everything from smart assistants to personalized recommendations, medical diagnostics, image recognition, and more. AI in mobile apps is transforming user experiences through personalization. Apps are evolving from reactive to proactive, anticipating needs and automating tasks like scheduling meetings and managing finances based on user behavior. And this trend shows no signs of stopping.

Some prominent examples among numerous mobile apps with AI features are:

• Prisma: Uses AI to turn photos into artwork with various artistic styles like Van Gogh, Picasso, and others.

• Snapchat: Uses AI for various features, including filters, facial recognition, and augmented reality effects. Also now includes a ChatGPT bot for its users.

• Netflix: Incorporates AI algorithms for content recommendation, personalized suggestions, and a more customized viewing experience.

• Google Photos: Utilizes AI for facial recognition, automatic tagging, and smart album organization.

• Lensa AI: Enhances portrait photos through automatic skin tone, facial features, and background adjustments using AI.

• Fitness AI: Tailors workout plans based on individual fitness levels and goals, adapting the regimen as users progress.

Youper: An AI-driven emotional health assistant for engaging conversations, emotional support, mood tracking, and personalized insights.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have been increasingly integrated into mobile apps, offering immersive experiences. Wikitude was one of the pioneering mobile apps that brought AR to the forefront of consumer technology. It allowed users to access information about their surroundings in real-time by leveraging the capabilities of AR.  Wikitude's innovative approach laid the foundation for the widespread adoption and exploration of AR in various fields, shaping the future of augmented reality applications. We have devoted the whole article to VR use cases and apps across multiple industries. This trend will likely continue as developers explore new applications in gaming, education, and retail.

Some prominent mobile apps with VR/AR features are:

• Pokemon GO: An augmented reality game that combines the virtual world of Pokémon with the real world.

• Augment: Allows users to visualize 3D models in real-world environments. The app is popular among businesses for product demonstrations and marketing. 

• Snapchat: Integrates augmented reality features into its filters and lenses, enhancing user selfies with various effects.

• Google Maps AR Navigation: Utilizes augmented reality for features like Live View, offering real-time navigation using your phone's camera.

• Giphy World: Lets users place and interact with 3D animated stickers and objects in their real-world environment.

Lens Studio: Allows users to build and distribute their AR experiences on Snapchat, enhancing user engagement.

Gamification

Gamification of apps involves applying game principles to non-game activities to motivate and engage individuals. One of the earliest and notable examples of an app incorporating gamification elements is often considered Foursquare. Launched in 2009, Foursquare combined location-sharing with game-like features, allowing users to check in at different places, earn badges, and compete for mayorships. Now, gamification is commonly used in various aspects of daily life, such as learning, collaboration, shopping, and fitness. Rewards play a significant role in gamification, triggering positive feelings and encouraging continued participation. Key features of gamification include progress bars, points, stars, badges, levels, rewards, leaderboards, and quizzes, each contributing to the overall effectiveness of the approach. These elements tap into human tendencies for competition, recognition, and the desire for achievement. The lines between an app and games are blurring thin with each passing year, and in 2024, this tendency will likely prevail. 

Many apps make daily tasks and learning more fun, but here are some of the best ones that use gamification features:

• Duolingo: Gamifies language learning with lingots, social interaction, competitiveness, and achievement badges.

• Codecademy Go: Incorporates badges, progress dashboards, and points to gamify software development and coding education.

• Todoist: Employs a point-based reward system, unlockable levels, and social engagement features to gamify task completion.

• Mint: Gamifies budgeting and finance, offering personalized insights and tools to track and manage spending.

• Habitica: Turns habit-building into a game where users create avatars, earn rewards, and level up by completing real-life tasks.

• MySugr: MySugr gamifies diabetes management, turning routine tasks into an engaging experience with progress tracking and rewards.

Voice User Interface 

The advent of Voice User Interface (VUI) has transformed our interaction with the digital world, replacing traditional tapping or swiping with natural conversations. The pioneering "Dragon Dictation" by Nuance Communications in the early 2010s showcased the potential of VUI technology, allowing users to dictate and transcribe text. However, the industry breakthrough occurred in 2011 when Apple introduced Siri for voice interaction with the iPhone 4S, marking the first widespread virtual assistant. Following this, Google launched a voice-enabled search in 2012, building the foundation for Google Assistant. And finally, Alexa entered in 2014 with the launch of Amazon Echo, a smart speaker that integrated virtual assistants into households. While Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa paved the way for voice-activated technologies, VUIs are now taking center stage, promising an era dominated by conversation-based interactions. In 2024, VUI will be increasingly prevalent in mobile apps, indicating a continued shift toward seamless voice interactions. 

Explore these mobile apps showcasing VUIs:

• Waze: Enhances navigation and incident reporting with a hands-free Voice User Interface.

• Yelp: Empowers users with voice search, facilitating the discovery of local businesses and services by speaking their queries instead of typing.

• Evernote: Allows users to create voice notes, enabling hands-free note-taking and capturing thoughts using voice commands.

• Discord: Elevates the gaming and community experience by integrating voice channels for real-time audio conversations.

• TuneIn Radio: Provides access to live radio and podcasts and incorporates voice commands for hands-free control while driving or multitasking.

Shazam: Allows users to identify songs by holding their phone to the audio source or using voice commands.

AI Chatbots

Chatbots have a history spanning over a decade, with the pioneering AI chatbot ELIZA developed by Joseph Weizenbaum at MIT in the mid-1960s. However, only a fraction integrate chatbots among the millions of apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. In 2022, chatGPT, an AI-driven chatbot, marked a breakthrough, elevating chatbots to a new level of human-like interaction. With the rise of AI and AI-driven chatbots this statistics is now changing. With the ascendancy of AI, chatbots have evolved, offering advanced features and 24/7 availability, reducing costs and enhancing customer satisfaction, thereby driving business growth. A notable trend is the emergence of chatbot-dedicated apps, where the chatbot becomes the central and often exclusive feature.

Here are some examples of prominent mobile apps that have incorporated AI chatbots:

• H&M: Integrates a chatbot for helping users find and purchase clothing items based on preferences and style.

• Kayak: Utilizes a chatbot for travel-related queries, assisting users to find and book flights, hotels, and rental cars.

• HealthTap: Utilizes a chatbot to answer health-related questions and provide medical advice.

• Bank of America: Uses a chatbot for customer support, helping users with account inquiries and transactions.

• Sephora: Utilizes a chatbot to offer beauty tips and product recommendations and assist with shopping.

• Starbucks: Incorporates a chatbot for order placement, helping users customize and purchase their favorite beverages.

Internet of Things

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Predictive Analytics stands out as a significant trend in shaping the future of mobile apps. While there are apps embedded directly on IoT devices, a growing category of apps integrate with IoT, residing on users' smartphones or tablets. These apps enable remote communication and control of IoT devices, including smart home gadgets, wearables, and other connected devices. Nest's Learning Thermostat, introduced in 2011, is a notable example of early IoT integration with a home appliance. Today more and more mobile apps are being developed to interact with a growing number of IoT devices. While it may not apply to every type of app, its potential spans across various industries and use cases. The integration of mobile apps with IoT is likely to expand.

Here are some examples of the IoT driven mobile apps: 

• Moovit: Integrates with IoT data to provide real-time transit information, service alerts, and trip planning in cities worldwide.

• Citymapper: Integrates with various transit systems and IoT data to provide real-time information on public transportation, bike-sharing, and walking routes in cities worldwide.

• Nest: Integrates with IoT devices like smart thermostats, cameras, and lighting systems. It allows users to control and monitor their home's energy usage for efficient energy management.

• Bushel Farm (formerly FarmLogs): Integrates with IoT devices and sensors to provide farmers with insights into crop health, weather conditions, and field analytics for precision agriculture.

Withings Health Mate: Integrates with IoT devices, including smart scales and blood pressure monitors, providing users with a holistic view of their health data.

Super Apps

Super Apps emerged from the concept popularized by China's WeChat, which started as a messaging app and expanded to incorporate various services. Now, such apps are gaining traction worldwide, addressing the need for all-in-one platforms that cater to diverse user requirements by consolidating multiple services within a single application. Key criteria for Super Apps include accessibility, data security, and reducing hassles of accessing various services. Entrepreneurs leverage Super Apps for streamlined management, improved scalability, and a powerful online presence, enhancing customer service and profitability. Users benefit from streamlined access, reduced device storage usage, and the convenience of accessing a wide range of services through a single application. While the concept of a single, all-encompassing super app similar to those found in certain Asian and Latin American markets has not gained widespread popularity in the United States yet, the rising global interest in Super Apps indicates a potential shift in user preferences towards comprehensive, multifunctional platforms. 

Some of the most prominent Super Apps include:

• WeChat (China): Started as a messaging app and expanded to offer various services, including social networking, payments, shopping, and more.

• Grab (Southeast Asia): Originally a ride-hailing app, Grab evolved into a Super App, providing services like food and groceries delivery, ride-sharing, payments, and financial services.

• Rappi (Latin America): Offers food delivery, pharmacy services, financial services, and services for events, concerts, travel, and hotel stays.

• Alipay (China): While primarily a payment platform, it expanded its services to include social networking, shopping, movie ticket bookings, transportation, and various financial services.

• PhonePe (India): Provides services like digital payments, recharges, bill payments, and online shopping, all integrated into one platform.

• Hugo (Central and Latin America): Offers a variety of services such as ride-hailing, delivery, and payments through its Super App.

The mobile app industry is dynamic, so in 2024, we can expect the emergence of new trends and updates to existing ones. Together, they will shape the mobile app development landscape, impacting industries and our daily lives. Keeping up with industry changes, integrating new features and technologies into app development processes, and embracing innovative approaches to improve user experience are key for businesses, developers, and tech enthusiasts to stay relevant and competitive.

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