App Development Trends: The Changing Phase

We are getting social, the number of smartphone users in the world exceeds 5 billion. Contrary to what some predicted, the mobile application development was not just a bubble, much less had an expiration date. The culture of mobile apps is part of everyone's life, thanks to the presence of apps that help us in our daily lives. App development trends have evolved to include the usage of all types of applications: from those based on GPS technology to those of augmented reality. According to Statista, applications are expected to generate an income of $188.9 billion by the year 2020.

Worldwide mobile app store revenues in 2015, 2016 and 2020 (in billion U.S. dollars)

According to research and recent app development trends, app development has been gaining even more popularity, and 2020 should be an important year for this market. We will see new development trends and major updates to technologies that are already part of our routine.

With the first tests of the 5G network taking place worldwide, the possibilities of application development should change. The chips that make our smartphones work are improved daily, and in 2020, they are expected to improve even more. This will give developers even more freedom to create what they want. Fans of augmented reality and virtual reality can feel even more excited.

Now, let's talk about the main trends that should take care of the app development in 2020:

1. Pages Made Through AMP and EMM

The AMP (Application Performance Management) lists were integrated into Google in 2016, and since then, developers have not stopped working on them.

By adding this technology within the application framework, developers are able to use simpler versions of pages, to improve the user experience and improve retention. One of the main success stories is Facebook Instant Articles.

These monitoring and metrics tools help with overall performance and should remain in focus this year.

2. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are more present than we think. AI, for example, is present in chatbots. Siri is, in fact, one of the greatest proofs that machine learning and artificial intelligence are already part of the world of applications.

The growing demand for AI and machine learning in the form of virtual assistants and chatbots are in focus and are expected to do much of app development in 2020.

3. Growth of  Wearables and IoT  Devices

Thanks to Apple, accessibility is no longer an issue. Application developers are already and will continue, developing products for wearable devices, especially smartwatches.

Currently, the most invested market in this niche is fitness, but big names, such as Uber, are already investing in solutions of this type. Despite this, they are still in preliminary stages.

2020 promises to bring more IoT devices: watches, fitness bracelets, movement tracking, and more.

4. Integrated Chatbots

According to Statista, the global market for chatbots is expected to grow by $ 1250 million by 2025 - a jump of more than $1,000 million since 2016. It is easy to deduce that chatbots are part of today's digital reality.

Recent app development trends have made chatbots virtual assistants within mobile applications. Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, it is easy to integrate chatbots into applications without involving very complicated hgdsfgjhkjcode.

An interesting infographic from Digital Commerce suggests that more than 50% of B2B buyers prefer self-service CRM. Chatbots are a new way to extend this type of relationship with customers.

5. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Mobile Strategies

Pokémon Go may have faced problems to remain relevant but augmented reality and virtual reality here to stay. Expected to move an additional $ 200 billion by 2020, developers are looking to create incredible experiences with AR and VR. Now that compatible hardware is entering the mainstream market, there is not much left. 2020 promises to be a year of great advances in this area.

[Prefer Reading: “7 Best Augmented Reality Apps for Android and iOS”]

6. Virtual Portfolios and Payment Gateways

Simple payment methods are required today. There has been a gradual but significant change in the way users prefer to shop. We are moving slowly. We left money for cards, wallets, and digital currencies.

Mobile commerce has become a successful way of buying. Therefore, for businesses that want to create a good digital experience, the integration of payment gateways and digital wallets (such as Amazon Pay, Google Wallet, PayPal, etc.) is important. In 2020, this is expected to become even more common in the digital business world.

7. Investment in Integration with the Cloud

It took a while, but the world finally understood the possibilities of computing and integrating with the Cloud. 

Among the main advantages is Streaming capacity, reduced hosting prices, better archiving, loading capacity, and improved user retention. This is drawing developers to the Cloud, and this trend is expected to continue into 2020.

Why Startups Should Consider Cloud Computing

8. Instant Apps

In 2016 we saw the birth of Instant Apps. They are native mobile applications, smaller in size, and much more convenient since there is no need to download. As the name suggests, they can be accessed instantly, without users having to download them.

With users demanding better experiences and less load time, Instant Apps stay in focus in 2020, eliminating waiting and installation time.

9. More Investment in Mobile Security

This is not a new thing, but with big companies facing big scandals every day, app developers need to invest even more in digital security. After all, many of these applications have sensitive data about their users.

The best minds behind the technology we use should focus on improving the security of these apps.

10. Beacon Technology

Beacon technology has been around for some time and will have even more presence in 2020.

Market Value of Beacons Technology Occupied Globally, in 2016 & 2026 (in millions USD) source

We will probably see even more devices communicating through this technology, in places like airports, and we will see many payment systems being used. 

Therefore, the trend will be to create applications that work with beacon technology and make virtual guides for sharing information.

11. Analysis that Influence the Mobile UI / UX

Mobile applications will no longer be just utilities and will become an integral part of the work system. 

Major developers, such as Facebook, Google, and Apple, are already using artificial intelligence for analysis, capable of improving the consumer journey within the UI / UX of their applications. 2020 should bring even more advances in these areas.

12. The increased popularity of on-demand applications

This type of application was once considered a passing trend within application development, but now it has become the future. Industries are adapting to on-demand businesses, and we can expect major technological improvements in these applications. 

Apps like Uber and iFood are expected to continue dominating the market in 2020 and will inspire many other investments.

Key Takeaway on App Development Trends

As every year, novelty comes quickly in the digital world. Application development remains popular, and it must integrate possibilities that previously seemed impossible. 

Therefore, this is the best time to start developing your project. If you want to create a complete application, with all the tools necessary to succeed in this competitive market, Codificar can help you.

With more than 10 years in the development of applications, we have a team that updates itself according to technological innovations. We are the right partners for the development of your business.