Emerging Technologies to Watch Out for in Mobile App Development

Mobile apps are becoming more sophisticated and tech-savvy every day. These days, there's an app for virtually every task, from buying groceries to reading newspapers. In the current scenario, it seems impossible to imagine life without mobile phones and apps.

Like all technological services, mobile apps are being enhanced by various new technologies. This article will explore some of these emerging technologies and their impact.

Emerging Technologies in Mobile Apps

1. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT technology has disrupted how businesses operate over the last few years. It is being used extensively in sectors such as transportation, logistics, retail, healthcare, finance, and more. 

According to the latest State of IoT – Spring 2024 report, IoT remains a top-three corporate technology priority, while AI has become the top technology priority. Recent surveys from PWC, KPMG, and BCG show that respondents ranked IoT second or third after AI in terms of investment prioritization for emerging technologies, with AI coming in first across the board.

IoT enables mobile apps to interact with sensors and devices such as wearables, smart home devices, and automobiles. This connectivity allows for the automation of manual tasks, leading to improved productivity and efficiency. IoT-based apps have the capability to gather large quantities of data from connected devices, which can then be analyzed to gain insights into user behavior.

2. Beacon Technology

This technology has been utilized by various industries, from retail to hospitality.  It can add advanced functionality to almost any mobile app. The process of how beacons work with mobile apps is relatively straightforward. 

Let's say you're a mobile app reseller who develops apps for retailers. Your clients place beacons in their stores to communicate with the smartphones of potential customers via Bluetooth and the app installed on their devices. When these individuals walk by the store, the beacon will send out a promotional message about any ongoing sales or offers.

The other use of beacons is to track buyers' behavior at the stores. It can detect a particular aisle where a buyer has spent a large amount of time. Later, the app can send push notifications for conversions. 

3. Mobile Wallets & Payments

Apple Pay and Google Pay are mobile wallets and are increasingly popular. A recent study by Forbes Advisor shows that more than half (53%) of Americans use digital wallets more often than traditional payment methods. In fact, they are becoming the preferred payment method for many consumers, with 64% using them as much as traditional methods. 72% are open to using digital wallets as their primary payment method for shopping, and 58% for travel. Generation Z is leading this trend, with 91% considering digital wallets for shopping and 86% for travel.

Smartphone users are gradually adopting mobile payments and utilizing wearable devices and app features for these transactions. As a result, integrating wallet functionality has become essential for apps handling transactions. While not all apps currently have this feature, mobile wallet usage is expected to grow significantly in the near future.

4. 5G Technology

In Q1 2024, global 5G adoption continued to rise, reaching nearly 2 billion connections with 185 million new additions, based on data from 5G Americas and Omdia. Mobile app development companies are designing their apps to incorporate 5G technology.

It is projected that by next year, almost half of all smartphones will be equipped with a 5G connection. The advantages of 5G technology for mobile apps are substantial. This technology is 100 times faster than 4G, which means that video streaming apps will experience improved performance due to higher screen resolution and faster speeds.

The integration of AR and VR into mobile apps will be more advantageous, as these technologies require higher network speeds. The use of 5G technology will create more opportunities for innovation.

5. Foldable Devices Apps

Although foldable devices are still not very common among mobile users, this will certainly change in the near future. As a result, mobile app developers are considering foldable devices when creating apps. 

It is essential that new mobile apps work seamlessly on foldable devices, which is no doubt challenging. Foldable devices have larger screens, which basically means more immersive experiences. The multi-windows feature allows mobile users to multitask.

Gaming and video streaming apps can benefit most from foldable devices, as they can use the extra screen space for more controls and information. 

6. Wearable Devices

You must have either used or noticed wearable devices, such as smartwatches, fitness bands, and smart glasses, around you. These devices are connected mobile apps on your phones that allow you to control, display, and analyze data. 

In late 2023, Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 8. The new version featured enhanced health monitoring capabilities, including improved heart rate sensors, blood oxygen monitoring, and advanced sleep tracking. Additionally, Oura Health, the maker of the Oura Ring, secured $100 million in funding in 2023 to expand its product line and enhance its health-tracking features. The company's focus is on sleep and activity monitoring.

App developers and businesses should strive to create exceptional apps that offer an immersive experience on wearable devices. It is important to design apps that can connect to these devices, as they are increasingly incorporating AI and machine learning to provide personalized health insights, predictive analytics, and real-time data processing. 

7. Advanced Security

Cybercrime has steadily increased over the past few years, and mobile app security is a major concern. Security is a top priority for apps that process funds transfers or online payments.

User data also needs to be protected from hackers who want illegal access to vital information. As a result, mobile app developers are using advanced security measures, such as two-factor authentication, data encryption, and secure code.

App developers should consider essential security features when building mobile apps. For mobile payment solutions, implement robust security protocols and fraud detection systems powered by AI and machine learning. Prioritizing data security and user privacy is crucial to building trust with customers.

8. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has existed for more than a decade, but its mobile app integration is still emerging. It has a wide range of applications in mobile app development. 

Cloud storage can improve the performance of mobile apps at the user's end. Apps can not only store data on the cloud but also carry out complex processes. This streamlines operations and is a cost-effective development solution.

It is estimated that 83% of enterprise workloads are cloud-based. So, if you are building business apps or internal workforce apps, make use of cloud technology for better efficiency and performance.

9. Low-code Development

Low-code development is transforming the traditional app development process by allowing developers to use pre-built templates and components instead of starting from scratch.

This means that developers with little or no coding knowledge can quickly build custom mobile apps using drag-and-drop tools. Low-code development is especially beneficial for startups and SMBs that lack sufficient resources.

10. Blockchain

Blockchain is no longer restricted to bitcoins and the finance sector. Its decentralized nature enhances the security of mobile applications. Integrating blockchain technology with mobile apps will help create smart contracts and DApps(Decentralized Applications). 

This integration also facilitates cross-border payments, identity management, secure in-app transactions, and decentralized storage solutions.

On a Closing Note

The future of mobile app development looks very promising, driven by rapid technological advancements. As we move forward, developers and businesses can anticipate a more seamless integration of innovative technologies that enhance functionality, security, and user experience. The ongoing evolution of mobile technology is poised to redefine how we engage with apps, making them more intuitive, efficient, and secure.

App developers need to stay ahead of these trends, embracing new tools and methodologies to build apps that not only meet but exceed user expectations. The convergence of technologies such as 5G, IoT, and AI will create unprecedented opportunities for innovation, enabling more personalized, immersive, and efficient mobile experiences. The coming years will undoubtedly bring transformative changes to the mobile app landscape, making it an exciting time for both developers and users.

Author Bio

Victor Ortiz is a Content Marketer with GoodFirms. He likes to read & blog on technology-related topics and is passionate about traveling, exploring new places, and listening to music.