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10 Most Popular Mobile App Development Trends of 2022

Although there are already more than five million mobile apps available, the demand for new ones is still on the rise due to the rapid advancement in technology and people’s need for more innovative approaches.

 

Undoubtedly our society is rapidly becoming more reliant on mobile devices and, by extension, mobile applications. And innovations in technology provide opportunities not only for developing new solutions but also for enhancing existing ones.

 

In fact, more almost 90% of the time spent on mobile devices today is used on apps, mainly because of the pandemic and all the time spent at home.

 

But this is nothing new – mobile apps have been a star trend for a few years now. However, technology evolves faster and faster every year, and as a result, new and more challenging mobile trends emerge.

 

So, keeping up-to-date with the latest mobile app development trends can help you build a successful app, attract users and get them to use it regularly. More importantly, you will be able to deliver new solutions based on what your users’ pains are and satisfy their needs better.

 

Mobile App Development visual, Latest Mobile App Development visual
Source: Xavor

 

But if you feel that you are not prepared for the new year don’t worry.  In this article, we will present a list of the most popular trends in mobile app development of 2022, and get you started on the right foot.

 

Let’s dive in!

 

Top 10 Mobile App Development Trends of 2022

1. 5G

As you know, 5G technology has existed for some time now, though it has not always been in the spotlight until quite recently. So, what does this mean for mobile apps?

 

Basically, 5G is a new generation of telecommunications network innovation that supports advanced applications in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), streaming of 4K and 360 videos, and interconnected IoT devices.

 

 

Not to mention that, by comparison, 5G will be 100 times faster than 4G. Thus, the expansion of 5G will enhance mobile app functionality, causing new mobile app development trends. You, developers, resellers, and creators, will soon see a complete change in the way mobile apps are used.

 

To recap, compared to earlier technologies, 5G promises to bring you increased speed and bandwidth, lower latency, and improved connectivity, ensuring minimal interruptions and smooth connectivity. we can only imagine all the changes that will be brought about by this new technology, so no wonder it is considered a trend in its own right!

 

2. Augmented and Virtual Reality Integration

As you know, social distancing technologies have boomed since 2020, when COVID-19 started affecting a wide range of industries. However, did you know that mobile apps have gained popularity and are being used in the business space? By using them, sellers and service providers can engage with their clients more personally.

 

Using AR and VR, businesses can showcase their products and services in the best possible way. Furthermore, customers are able to see what a specific product like a piece of clothing will look like on them before purchasing it. Hence, VR and AR are beneficial to both sellers and buyers.

 

Along with the commerce benefits, AR and VR can improve learning experiences and make mobile apps more appealing and engaging, too.

 

3. Blockchain

Blockchain technology is among the newest mobile app development trends of 2022. There has always been a big concern among app users about security and misuse of data. Fortunately, blockchain solves these problems.

 

This technology allows you to create decentralized databases, which is why it is an emerging trend. To put it simply, a decentralized database does not need a single service provider or company to act as the gatekeeper.

 

Blockchain visual
Source: Pixabay

 

Due to its characteristics, apps that use this technology are more secure, since no one individual can alter user databases to access sensitive information.

 

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Mobile phones have already begun to use AI and ML for facial recognition quite some time ago. But, this feature is increasingly being incorporated by application development companies to enhance user security, better functionality, and overall a greater user experience.

 

In fact, mobile app security has been redefined thanks to this trend. Among the online payment solutions that make use of facial recognition and biometrics to identify users and protect them are PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

 

You can significantly cut your app development time by using machine learning (ML). However, AI and ML can also reduce mistakes that human programmers would have missed if they had used them. A number of existing apps are now incorporating AI elements, including chatbots, as well as personalizing certain elements of the user experience.

 

As a mobile app development trend in 2022, AI and machine learning will be used extensively to provide geolocation, a better gaming experience, and advanced software development to users.

 

5. Beacon Technology

Numerous industries already utilize beacon technology, e.g., healthcare, eCommerce, museums, hotels, etc. Although it was introduced in 2013, it has only recently become popular. By using this technology, online and offline worlds can be connected in quite a unique way.

 

For example, beacons allow you to better understand the behaviour of your customers by analyzing how they interact with your mobile apps at your physical stores. Among the beacon technology trends will be beacons for mobile payments, AI-enabled chips, and AI and ML tools.

 

 

Using low-energy Bluetooth technology, beacons send signals to other smart devices. More precisely, a store beacon connects with the customer’s phone via Bluetooth and offers sales and promotions. The customer will receive all sorts of information about products or sales nearby.

 

Furthermore, using beacons, you can monitor a consumer’s behaviour and detect if they spend a considerable amount of time on a particular category or service. However, the predominant advantage of beacon technology is proximity.

 

6. Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce)

E-commerce and m-commerce often get mistaken for each other. But e-commerce describes the sale or purchase of goods and services through the internet. In contrast, m-commerce, or mobile commerce is only an extension of e-commerce. Simply put, the transaction now occurs online, but via a mobile device specifically.

 

M-commerce has been an extremely growing trend for the past three years, and it will continue to be so in 2022. While COVID pushed mobile commerce, more and more users have adopted it, which means the trend of shopping via mobile devices will not stop anytime soon.

 

And if you’re not convinced, it is estimated that mobile commerce will reach $22 billion by 2022, representing a steady rate of growth. And because of the constant growth of this trend, mobile app developers also have added pressure for better performing applications and even native applications for m-commerce.

 

7. Mobile wallets

Speaking of m-commerce, another up and coming trend is digital wallets which are becoming more popular in the digital era, right?

 

As a secure and convenient option for making purchases, digital wallets are increasingly used by modern consumers. you probably already heard of MobilePay, PayPal, ApplePay, and GooglePay, and you already know how popular they are.

 

But nowadays most banks also have their own mobile wallet where you can easily perform all sorts of financial transactions, from bill payments to online transfers to online shopping, even use your digital wallet in supermarkets and physical stores as a replacement for your card.

 

 

The use of contactless payments via mobile wallets increased during COVID, and the trend will continue as the number of such wallets will rise. So, now more than ever, you should consider expanding your approved payment methods to include these popular digital wallets.

 

8. App Development for Multiple Platforms

Somehow we are always circling back to cross-platform development, aren’t we? As a reminder, with cross-platform development, you can create apps that will run on different operating systems without changing the codebase too much.

 

Simply put, you can build apps that are compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, and the web with one codebase and only a few adjustments to match the native feel for each platform.

 

But this trend is not only growing but it is blurring the lines between software for smartphones and PCs. For example, Apple has already released a chip allowing both iOS and macOS apps to run simultaneously.

 

Through cross-platform apps, you can reach an even larger audience; besides, such multi-tasking will allow the users to choose whichever device they wish to open the app on. Additionally, you’ll be able to develop apps that have a broader market reach and at a lower cost, since you don’t have to develop apps for each platform separately.

 

9. Wearables

You will also observe a rise in wearable mobile application development in 2022. Users love wearables because they are easy to use, easy to carry and offer individualized insights.

 

But mind you, we are not just talking about smartwatches. Wearable technology refers to any device that can be worn on the body or attached to clothing. For example, wearable devices such as smart jewellery, watches, and display devices like Apple Glass are becoming quite popular.

 

Wearables visual
Source: SWG

 

But, within this trend, health-related apps seem to also become quite popular as well. And it’s easy to see why.

  • Fitbits and smartwatches connected to health apps monitor our movement, sleep patterns and overall health status and trigger warnings when we either deviate or need to make healthy changes.
  • Bracelets and smart wearables use IoT to moni tor more in-depth situations. For example, if you fall and need help the device triggers a signal to authorities so they know to come and help.

 

As you can see, it is possible to control these devices either remotely through an internet connection or via mobile apps. And, although they’ve been around for a decade now, their popularity soared significantly in the past few years as the technologies used behind them became better and better.

 

Statista estimates that in 2022 there will be 1.1 billion connected wearable devices. Why would you miss out on this chance? Don’t forget to think about wearables and how they work when you develop your new app!

 

10. Apps For Foldable Devices

In the last decade, mobile phones have gone exclusively to touch screens, with either no buttons or just one button. But over the past few years, we have been hearing about foldable phones again, and contrary to the scepticism of the market, smart foldable phones are now becoming a reality.

 

Samsung Galaxy Fold, Huawei Mate X, and Motorola Razr made headlines in 2019. Clearly, their impact on the user experience was significant. By compressing and expanding screen sizes according to user preferences, these smartphones provide users with larger screens without expanding the overall size of the device.

 

As a result, from a development perspective, you must take into account resellers and content creators while updating or developing mobile apps. When the user folds or opens the mobile device, the app interface changes. Additionally, you can take advantage of this trend to make your apps more immersive and detailed with foldable devices.

 

Bottom line

It’s always a good idea to be on top of the latest trends, as that will give you an edge over your competitors. Your apps would not stand out if you were using old-school developing tactics and trends for app development.

 

Undoubtedly, mobile apps have completely reshaped the way businesses operate but even more than that, mobile apps have become a way for companies to connect with their customers.

 

In this article, we went over some of the most popular mobile app development trends of 2022 that you should look out for. But remember, mobile technologies advance faster than ever, and trends in mobile app development will continually change the industry.

 

So keep an eye out for future articles like this, stay informed, and if you need help building your next-level app, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts and ask for a free consultation. We are here for you!

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