The number of smartphone users is set to exceed 7.6 billion by 2027, which explains the thriving mobile app industry and its readiness for new ideas and opportunities. However, the industry is bound to evolve with the influence of Covid-19 pandemic, the advent of 5G technology, and the increasing need for convenience. In light of these developments, mobile app development will transform, experiencing a significant shift in speed, relevance, and connectivity. 

This transformation will require a fresh approach, including innovative thinking and strategic development to accommodate new programming languages, new-age technologies (such as Blockchain, AR, and AI), and the closure of vulnerabilities. 

Let’s examine the top trends that will shape the future of mobile apps:

1. Touchless UI

It’s true – touchless interfaces are quickly becoming a prominent trend in mobile app development. By 2023, more than half of all major business apps are expected to incorporate some form of touchless experience, according to Gartner.

While touchless user interfaces are not entirely new to users – think biometric authentication for payment apps – there are new developments in gesture control. In fact, soon users may be able to control apps using head or screen movements, or even eye tracking for scrolling. These emerging trends will undoubtedly revolutionize application development.

As mobile app design continues to evolve, we can anticipate exciting transformations in the years to come. From streamlined designs to augmented and virtual reality interfaces, the possibilities for app development are endless. With that said, let’s delve into the latest iOS and Android mobile app development trends.

2. Camera focused mobile apps

With the rise of remote working, businesses have turned to video conferencing app development resulting in skyrocketing revenues. This trend has been fueled by users’ insatiable appetite for broadcasting videos, connecting with friends, and building social networks, as evidenced by a record-breaking 62 million downloads of such apps. Among the most popular of these is TikTok, which has amassed a staggering market revenue of over $9.89 billion. Additionally, mobile development trends centered around camera-based technologies have found niches in streaming entertainment, broadcasting, and social media networking.

3. Low code/No code

The current mobile app landscape is being greatly impacted by the low code or no code movement, which has emerged as a major trend in the market. For developers, low code tools present a unique opportunity to create interactive applications in a shorter timeframe by providing exclusive shortcuts. Zapier, for example, offers plug-n-play interactions with other services and features, while Bubble helps non-technical designers and business owners build full web apps. Recently, Google acquired Appsheet, a no-code mobile app platform that was valued at $60 million at the time. According to a 2022 survey conducted by Statista, Google Appsheet was the most widely used low code/no code tool, with approximately 40% of business owners and developers leveraging its capabilities.

4. Double down on motion design

If your app users are struggling to stay engaged with complex and stagnant designs, consider incorporating Motion Design to capture their attention. By adding motion design icons to your app, you can enhance interactivity, engage users, facilitate animated scrolling, and encourage macro interaction.

Take Domino’s app as an example, where Appinventiv’s UI/UX experts incorporated motion design features that resulted in a conversion rate increase of 23%. Not only do motion design features improve engagement, but they also save users time and offer an exceptional experience.

5. AI: The mainstream design tool

The latest mobile UI design trends would be incomplete without a nod to the remarkable impact of Artificial Intelligence. Thanks to AI, “computational design” has become a buzzword that denotes the ability of automated programs to create app interfaces instead of relying on designers to craft them.

Simply put, AI and machine learning accelerate the design process and minimize the likelihood of major changes. AI design programs are designed to mimic the human decision-making process and therefore yield similar results. In addition, AI is gradually expanding beyond the basics to encompass UX design iteration.

For instance, AI can produce multiple versions of a single landing page in record time. The upshot is that AI’s rapid, precise, and consistent approach to design offers a distinct advantage over human designers in terms of speed and quality.

6. Smart and inclusive UX app designs

If your app design doesn’t reflect the users’ diversity, they won’t feel that the app was built for them. Take, for example, “Rust”, a survival game that generated buzz for its decision to randomize skin color for each player. This UX design decision ensured representation of every demographic and made the game a success. Therefore, it is crucial for mobile UX app designers to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity to better serve their app users.

7. New audio-focused social media platform

Although video and camera-based social media apps are garnering attention as the next big thing, the traditional audio-based format is still making waves in the social space. A prime example of this is Clubhouse, an audio-based conversational social media app that has already amassed over 10 million active users. What sets Clubhouse apart is its spontaneous nature, giving users the ability to easily switch or jump into any chat room and participate in conversations. With 100% growth over the past four years, it’s clear that this innovative voice-based app has sparked a meta-trend that extends far beyond just social media platforms.

8. Customized apps for foldable devices

The advent of the Samsung Galaxy Fold in 2019 marked a significant milestone in the US market as the first foldable smartphone. Following suit, Motorola released the folding RAZR a few months later, creating a trend in foldable android mobile apps. Despite holding multiple patents related to foldable smartphones, Apple has not yet entered this market.

With consumer demand propelling this trend into 2023 and beyond, a Statista report projects that global shipments of foldable smartphones will exceed 50 million units this year. This presents a unique opportunity for business owners and app developers to optimize their apps for foldable devices, which boast larger screens and the ability to display multiple windows at once. This innovation could potentially shape the future of mobile app development. Similarly, the trend of customization extends to wearable devices, allowing app developers to cater to their target audience’s preferred wearables.

9. Predictive analytics

The trend of mobile app development has been discussed numerous times and involves the use of predictive analytics to forecast events through machine learning, AI, data mining, and modeling. Netflix is a common example of this practice by offering shows based on a user’s previous watch history. In the future, mainstream adoption of predictive analytics will enhance customer experiences, allowing for unique app experiences tailored to individual users. Personalized product suggestions and services can be offered based on each user’s behavior history. Alongside this trend, on-demand apps and Extended Reality (XR) are also revolutionizing mobile app development.

10. Extended Reality (XR)

Mobile apps have popularized the use of extended reality technology through AR filters and gaming interfaces such as Pokemon Go. Major enterprises have followed suit, employing XR for virtual training and onboarding processes. According to Statista, the extended reality market revenue is projected to hit $52 billion by 2027. In addition, augmented and virtual reality are increasingly embraced as effective marketing strategies for businesses. This provides new product owners with the opportunity to leverage XR for maximum attention and conversion, facilitating the introduction and enhancement of their services.

11. On-demand apps

The Harvard business review reveals that on-demand app development is a lucrative market with over 22 million users and investments nearing $60 billion. As the on-demand economy continues to grow, on-demand apps are considered the future of application development. This trend offers great potential for app developers and business owners to cater to their audience’s evolving needs with diverse features and functionalities. Additionally, the platforms used by on-demand apps could streamline the mobile app development process. Apart from generating revenue, these mobile app trends could also help enhance brand awareness and expand customer base, thus establishing the business’s authority in its niche. To embark on your preferred mobile app trend, consider collaborating with a professional Mobile app development company.

12. 5G Technology

The mobile app development arena has undergone a revolution, all thanks to the advent of 5G technology. With its incredible attributes such as faster data speeds, reduced latency, and expanded network capacity, app developers can now create more intricate and captivating app experiences that are sure to enthrall their users.

With the unparalleled speed and lower latency of 5G technology, app developers can leverage new and exciting opportunities to craft highly interactive, data-intensive, and imaginative applications. This cutting-edge technology can overhaul industries and unlock better user experiences like never before, ushering in a new era of innovation.

13. Beacon Technology

Beacon technology is a significant advancement in mobile app development, utilizing the latest Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices to provide location-based services. These small wireless transmitters are capable of connecting with nearby mobile apps and communicating with them seamlessly.

By seamlessly integrating beacons into mobile apps, developers can offer tailored content, notifications, and exclusive offers that are relevant to the user’s specific location. The incorporation of beacon technology enhances user engagement, elevates the consumer experience, and unlocks new opportunities for innovation in app development across a diverse range of industries.

14. Chatbots

Chatbots have emerged as a significant trend in mobile app development owing to their ability to offer users customized and engaging conversational experiences. These conversational agents utilize natural language processing and machine learning technologies, which make them increasingly efficient and intelligent. As a result, they facilitate seamless interactions and enhance user satisfaction in mobile app usage. Their ability to provide real-time assistance and respond to queries in natural language conversations has further contributed to their effectiveness.

15. Cloud Computing

The realm of mobile app development is being redefined with the revolutionary technology of cloud computing. This innovation allows developers to access a highly flexible and scalable infrastructure, enabling them to store and process data remotely, relieving the device resources of any burden. With the help of cloud services, the user experience is seamless across multiple devices, ensuring consistency.

The benefits of cloud computing in mobile app development do not end here. It enables developers to effortlessly maintain and update apps, fostering efficient collaboration among teams. This potent technology paves the way for the development of resource-efficient, data-driven, and innovative mobile app solutions, which are the need of the hour.

Conclusion

Remaining ahead in the ever-evolving domain of mobile app development necessitates staying current with the most recent trends. Xicom offers cutting-edge and innovative techniques within our mobile app development services to ensure that your app stays current and applicable with the latest mobile app development trends.

Technology continues to develop, with novel iterations arriving on the market every year. These mobile technology trends create many new opportunities for app developers. Keeping abreast of these trends is vital to remain competitive in the mobile app development sphere. Wearables, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing are some of the technologies that will gain more momentum in 2023. Xicom, as your mobile app development partner, can help you realize your vision and provide you with the best performing app.