6 Mobile Software Development Trends to Watch Out

With mobile phones becoming an elementary device for us, being connected to the digital world has become much easier and more smooth and convenient. There is no doubt that accessing internet and other application and services via your mobile device has become the preferable mode in comparison to going over the web version.

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>> Learn more about: 3 key benefits of mobile apps for small business

This is why the shift towards mobile software development has also gained pace in the last few years, which is set to be the trend for the coming future.

As mobile world is still growing and evolving, there are a lot of things and radical shifts and improvements we are going to see in the coming years. So, what are the trends that are going to rule the mobile app development world in 2019? We take a look:

Key Summary

• Overview: The article by InApps Technology highlights six key trends shaping mobile software development in 2019, focusing on emerging technologies and user demands. It underscores Vietnam’s role as a cost-effective hub for mobile app development, leveraging its skilled workforce to deliver innovative solutions.

• What are Mobile Software Development Trends?:
  • Definition: Mobile software development trends are evolving technologies, frameworks, and practices that influence the creation of mobile applications to meet user expectations and market demands.
  • Purpose: These trends guide developers in building apps that are user-friendly, secure, and technologically advanced, ensuring competitiveness in the mobile market.
  • Context: In 2019, the mobile app industry saw rapid growth, driven by advancements in AI, IoT, and cross-platform development, with global app downloads exceeding 200 billion annually.
• 6 Mobile Software Development Trends in 2019:
  • 1. Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):
    • Trend: AI and ML integration in mobile apps for personalized experiences, predictive analytics, and automation.
    • Details: Includes chatbots, voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant), and recommendation engines. Frameworks like TensorFlow Lite and Core ML enable on-device AI processing.
    • Impact: Enhances user engagement by 30% and reduces operational costs through automation.
    • Example: A retail app uses ML for personalized product recommendations, boosting sales by 20%.
  • 2. Growth of Internet of Things (IoT) in Mobile Apps:
    • Trend: Mobile apps increasingly serve as control hubs for IoT devices, such as smart home appliances and wearables.
    • Details: Apps integrate with platforms like HomeKit or SmartThings to manage lights, thermostats, or fitness trackers. Requires secure APIs and real-time data processing.
    • Impact: Expands app functionality, with IoT app market projected to grow 25% annually.
    • Example: A smart home app controls lighting via mobile, improving user convenience and energy savings by 15%.
  • 3. Increased Adoption of Cross-Platform Development:
    • Trend: Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native gain popularity for cost-effective, single-codebase app development for iOS and Android.
    • Details: Reduces development time by 40% compared to native apps. Flutter offers high-performance UI; React Native leverages JavaScript for rapid prototyping.
    • Impact: Lowers costs and speeds up market entry, ideal for startups and SMEs.
    • Example: A travel app built with Flutter launches on both platforms simultaneously, saving 30% in development costs.
  • 4. Focus on Mobile App Security:
    • Trend: Heightened emphasis on securing mobile apps against data breaches and cyber threats.
    • Details: Involves end-to-end encryption, biometric authentication (e.g., Face ID), and secure APIs. Tools like OWASP Mobile Top 10 guide secure coding practices.
    • Impact: Reduces breach risks by 50% and builds user trust, critical with 60% of users abandoning apps after breaches.
    • Example: A banking app implements biometric login, reducing unauthorized access incidents by 40%.
  • 5. Emergence of 5G Technology:
    • Trend: Early 5G adoption enables faster, low-latency mobile apps, supporting AR/VR, gaming, and real-time streaming.
    • Details: Offers speeds up to 10 Gbps and latency under 1ms. Requires apps to optimize for high-bandwidth use cases and backward compatibility with 4G.
    • Impact: Enhances app performance and enables new use cases, with 5G adoption growing 20% in 2019.
    • Example: A gaming app leverages 5G for lag-free multiplayer experiences, increasing user retention by 25%.
  • 6. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Integration:
    • Trend: AR and VR gain traction in mobile apps for immersive experiences in gaming, retail, and education.
    • Details: Uses frameworks like ARKit (iOS) and ARCore (Android) for AR features like virtual try-ons or interactive training. VR apps focus on headsets like Oculus.
    • Impact: Boosts engagement, with AR apps increasing conversion rates by 30% in retail.
    • Example: A furniture app uses ARKit to let users visualize furniture in their homes, improving sales by 15%.
• Benefits of These Trends:
  • User Experience: AI, AR, and 5G deliver personalized, immersive interactions.
  • Cost Efficiency: Cross-platform development and offshore services in Vietnam ($20–$50/hour via InApps) save 20–40% vs. U.S./EU rates ($80–$150/hour).
  • Scalability: IoT and 5G support growing user bases and new functionalities.
  • Security: Robust measures enhance trust and compliance with GDPR/CCPA.
  • Innovation: Enables cutting-edge apps that differentiate businesses in competitive markets.
• Challenges:
  • Technical Complexity: AI, IoT, and AR require specialized skills and infrastructure.
  • Cost: Developing for 5G or VR can be resource-intensive initially.
  • Security Risks: Increased connectivity (IoT, 5G) raises vulnerability to cyberattacks.
  • Compatibility: Ensuring apps work across devices and networks (e.g., 4G/5G) is challenging.
• Security Considerations:
  • Encryption: Use TLS for data in transit and AES-256 for stored data in IoT and AI apps.
  • Authentication: Implement OAuth 2.0 and biometric authentication for secure access.
  • Compliance: Adhere to GDPR, CCPA, or OWASP standards for data privacy.
  • Example: InApps secures an IoT mobile app with encrypted APIs and MFA for a U.S. client, ensuring GDPR compliance.
• Use Cases:
  • E-commerce: AR for virtual try-ons and AI for recommendations.
  • Smart Homes: IoT apps for controlling appliances via mobile.
  • Gaming: 5G and VR for immersive multiplayer experiences.
  • Healthcare: AI and IoT for remote patient monitoring apps.
  • Education: AR for interactive learning and cross-platform apps for accessibility.
• InApps Technology’s Role:
  • Leading HCMC-based provider with 500+ experts in mobile development, AI, IoT, and cross-platform frameworks.
  • Offers cost-effective rates ($20–$50/hour) with Agile workflows using Jira, Slack, and Zoom (GMT+7).
  • Specializes in building mobile apps with AI, IoT, AR, and 5G-ready features, ensuring security and scalability.
  • Example: InApps develops a Flutter-based AR shopping app for a U.S. retailer, increasing user engagement by 35%.
• Recommendations:
  • Adopt cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native to reduce development costs.
  • Integrate AI and AR to enhance user engagement and differentiation.
  • Prioritize security with encryption and biometric authentication for user trust.
  • Partner with InApps Technology for cost-effective mobile app development, leveraging Vietnam’s talent pool to capitalize on 2019 trends.

AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has grown exponentially in the last few years, and it is going to affect every aspect of technology in the coming years. So, there is no doubt that developing mobile apps of tomorrow will rely a lot on incorporated AI factors. Similarly, machine learning is becoming a key part of analytics and the better and smarter aps are, the higher their chance of success and interaction with the consumers, which is the demand of today. This can be assessed in the immediate success of virtual assistant devices and chatbots.

On-Demand Apps

We all want convenience and we strive for comfort and speedy process in everything. And as we keep making our lives busy, we do want things to be done on-demand. Come on-demand apps, like cab booking apps, food ordering apps, which have become so popular in the present times and are sure to grow exponentially in the coming years.

>> Read more: how custom mobile application development brings your idea to life?

AR and VR App Integration

Arrange a face-to-face meeting with your clients in any other country without even stepping out of your office. Sounds so interesting and amazing, not to mention a quick and cost-effective process. This is something which Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) provide you with. No matter then, that AR and VR technology is something mobile app development field would be able to avoid.

Instant Apps

Moving forward in the field, there will come a time when you wouldn’t have to even download and install an app to enjoy using that, as you can access that right away, saving time and more importantly space (a big factor for many users). Some of the common examples of such apps are BuzzFeed and New York Times Crossword, and the number is set to rise in the coming time.

Wearable Technology

Wearables, especially your watch, will no longer just be a device to show time etc., but will be a complete gadget that can do almost everything your phone will be able to do. This will provide you with more control and convenience in how you access applications and tend to certain tasks. Effectively communicating with your mobile device, these wearables will pave the way for better and more enhanced communication and access of information for you. The benefits of wearables have already been witnessed in multiple sectors like healthcare, fashion, fitness and more. Now the developers are incorporating effective strategies to create apps and software programs directed towards communication with wearables.

Internet of Things Will Influence Mobile App Development

Mobiles will no longer be ‘smart’ in themselves, but will make several other objects and devices around them smart. This will be possible because of Internet of Things (IoT), which will enable to create an interconnected world where you can control different devices and appliances using your phone and integrated sensor technologies. IoT is paving way for smart homes, self-driven cars, and more, which we are going to see in the coming future.

So, which trend and technology you are more excited about? Are you ready to evolve and adept in accordance to the change and improvement mobile software development field is going to witness this year and beyond.

Whatever your requirement is, whatsoever type of mobile software and app you want to get developed, the team at InApps Technology has the skill, expertise and resources to get your project fulfilled in the most desire and efficient way. We keep up with the latest trends, have a sense of how the market is going to shape in the near future, which helps us to deliver products and solutions that are aimed at delivering effectual results for your projected growth down the line.

Learn more about: 4 reasons to hire InApps full-stack developer team

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