The mobile app development industry has seen quite a few changes in the past few years, with new trends emerging every day. While some of these trends are only transitory and can be ignored, others are here to stay, promising to completely alter the way the industry works by 2022. If you’re interested in starting or growing your business in this industry, keep reading for our list of 8 startling trends that will shape the mobile app development industry by 2022.
1) Consumer mobile app usage will continue to grow
Today, consumers spend 80% of their time in mobile apps, and that number is expected to grow to 90% by 2020. At that same time, business-to-business app usage will increase substantially: Approximately 45% of businesses are expected to have adopted a comprehensive mobile strategy for employees and teams by 2021.
2) Growth of high-quality apps by independent developers
The growth of high-quality apps through independent developers is one trend that will have a huge impact on mobile app development over time. Consumers’ willingness to pay for apps is increasing, and people expect more from their free app experience. It is becoming difficult for an individual developer or startup to be able to create a fully featured product without a team of full-time developers.
3) Mobile apps will develop new design languages and trends
Apps will become more intelligent, immersive and adaptable in appearance and behavior. Mobile apps will have a better understanding of human behavior, so they’ll be able to optimize for that. You’ll also see an increasing number of chatbots or artificial intelligence (AI) assistants embedded in mobile apps. This new approach will create a higher level of interaction with your audience. Mobile app developers are being trained to develop these new skill sets, so you may want to make sure your team is ready for it as well!
4) Increased use of chatbots on mobile apps
As our lives become increasingly busy, we are starting to rely on chatbots for quick answers and solutions. Chatbots can provide us with real-time answers to complex problems, saving us time and energy in other aspects of our lives. Chatbots use AI to learn from interactions, allowing them to continue improving their skills over time. As chatbots improve their ability to understand human speech and body language, they will be able to answer more complicated questions and have a higher level of interaction with customers.
5) Apps are replacing web browsers
Have you ever tried to use your phone or tablet to book a flight online? If so, you’ve experienced what’s becoming a more common trend in online retail. These days, many people aren’t using their laptops or desktop computers to book flights; they use their mobile devices instead. Mobile device usage is on the rise and with it comes an increase in demand for mobile apps capable of doing everything that we used our browsers for just five years ago.
6) The role of privacy in user experience
Privacy is often overlooked in terms of UX design, but it’s becoming increasingly important to mobile app users. In fact, a recent study revealed that people consider protecting their privacy more important than anything else when making use of apps. Additionally, several countries are now implementing stricter data privacy laws (such as GDPR), which will have a huge impact on how companies manage and maintain user information.
7) Security has become more important than ever
Nearly every company, no matter its size or industry, has a mobile app. This level of adoption has brought with it heightened security concerns. In fact, 84% of consumers believe that organizations don’t do enough to protect their information from cybercriminals and 56% will abandon a purchase if they feel their personal information is at risk.
8) Wearables will change how we interact with apps
Our smartphones are already part of our daily lives, and wearables will only make that connection stronger. Apple, Google, and Microsoft have already released products in their new smartwatch lines—meaning it’s time for app developers to start thinking about how these devices will work with apps. For example, a sports-related app could let users track their stats on a smartwatch while they run or play.
