Trends To Watch For iOS App Development In 2024

In today’s digital environment, it’s clear that business owners want to develop an iOS App for digital solutions that allow them to stay on top of the growing trends and yet meet customer expectations.

It all started back in 2008 when the App Store launched its first-ever 500 applications. Today, the App Store stands at an astounding 2.29 million apps available for download. With such numbers, it’s no secret that companies are greatly investing in iOS app development and developing feature-rich iOS applications that entertain iPhone users globally.

According to a recent report, the Apple App Store will touch $89.3 billion market value alone in 2023. Sensor Tower’s forecasting states the App Store will eventually see a CAGR of 21% by the year 2025, reaching almost $185 billion.

This gradual app market share increase is expected on a Y-o-Y basis.

If you want to maximize profit returns on your iOS app development services as well, here’s an article that’s going to guide you on some of the top trends to develop the most interactive applications.

These trends will eventually help you capture the heart of your customers and outpace the marketplace.

Swift UI and Declarative UI Development

SwiftUI is a declarative UI framework for the iOS platform powered by Apple in 2019. It allows app developers to create dynamic and interactive user interfaces for all Apple platforms including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Swift UI uses declarative syntax to enhance code readability and maintainability. On the other hand, Declarative UI development enables developers to achieve desired UI outcomes contrary to imperative programming without programming the sequence of steps to achieve the outcome.

Advantages of Swift UI

• Declarative Syntax: Developers describe what the UI should look like and how it should behave, rather than specifying the step-by-step instructions to create it.
• Unified Framework: One framework for all Apple platforms, simplifying cross-platform development.
• Live Previews: Real-time preview of the UI in Xcode, allowing developers to see changes instantly as they code.
• Automatic Data Binding: Simplifies data handling and ensures UI components automatically update when the data changes.
• Composable and Reusable Components: UI elements are modular, making it easier to reuse components across different parts of an app.

Advantages of Declarative UI

• Simplicity and Readability: Code is often more straightforward and easier to read, as it focuses on the desired outcome rather than the process.
• Reduced Boilerplate Code: Developers can write less code compared to imperative programming, as the framework handles much of the underlying complexity.
• State Management: Declarative frameworks typically offer better ways to manage and react to changes in application state.
• Consistency: Ensures a more consistent and predictable UI, as the framework handles rendering and updates based on the declared state.

5G Technology and Enhanced Connectivity

It’s no secret that 5G technology promises a revolutionary impact in the iOS app development market. The technology will allow faster data processing speed, lower motion, and high availability networks. In the coming days, 5G will open newer channels for iOS app multimedia content, fully equipped to deliver remarkable quality iOS app solutions, offering real-time streaming and more immersive experiences. 5G’s high-speed internet will minimize latency and revolutionize streaming and cloud development services. You can stream FHD and 4K content with an improved overall responsiveness. 

Advantages of Implementing 5G Technologies 

• Immersive Multimedia Experiences: 5G’s high-speed connectivity supports 4K video, AR, and VR, enhancing user engagement and entertainment.
• Edge Computing and Latency Reduction: Edge computing processes data closer to users, reducing latency and improving app responsiveness for instant interactions.
• IoT Integration: 5G supports many connected devices, enabling smart city initiatives and enhanced control through iOS apps.
• Enhanced Healthcare and Remote Monitoring: 5G allows real-time patient monitoring, enabling faster diagnoses and better healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
• Transportation and Autonomous Vehicles: 5G’s low latency and reliability improve transportation apps, support autonomous driving, and enhance road safety.
• Accelerated Development and Innovation: 5G enables the creation of next-generation apps, driving innovation and transformative user experiences.
• Improved Network Slicing and Customization: 5G network slicing offers tailored connectivity for specific applications, ensuring reliable and secure connections.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Integration 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are becoming the two widely adopted concepts. Its implementations will not only be limited to a certain specificity, but it will also extend into the iOS app market. App designers and developers will eventually leverage AI and ML algorithms to create personalized app experiences for customers. It will carve a path for a smarter and more intuitive mobile app experience for users. Not only will it make the interaction of the end user seamless, but it will also make the app’s processing more efficient. The benefits of AI and ML integration are vast; from user satisfaction to increased operational efficiency for businesses, it will offer a smart choice for everyone. 

Tools & Libraries for Implementing AI & ML Algorithms 

Core ML: Apple’s Core ML framework allows developers to configure trained ML models into iOS apps. The Core ML will allow on-device inference for image recognition, sentiment analysis, and text analysis. 

TensorFlow Lite: TensorFlow Lite, Google’s open-source framework offers on-device inference with reduced model size and improved performance supporting a wide range of ML tasks, including image and text recognition. 

Create ML: Create ML is Apple’s own machine learning framework allowing developers to create and train models using Swift. It offers an intuitive interface making it easier for iOS app developers to create. 

Voice Interface & Conversational UI

The growing demand for voice-based interactions and a more conversational UI is becoming quite a popular choice among app users. It’s somewhat contributing to the growing iOS app ecosystem and shaping the landscape of iOS development as well. Voice interface and conversational UI help users control their devices with voice recognition in a hands-free natural way. It’s no secret that its implementation in the iOS app market is creating a much better convenience in the iOS app user experience. App integrations with virtual assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant with iOS devices have definitely made it easier for apps to respond to natural language queries & commands. 

Today, the app market has hundreds and thousands of apps which are powered by voice interaction. 

Advantages of Having Voice Interactions 

Improved User Engagement – Enable voice interactions to offer improved user engagement and loyalty using voice commands and chatbots. It makes the overall interactions more intuitive and accessible. 

Natural Language Processing – Natural Language Processing (NLP) advancements enable better voice recognition. With NLP, you get more contextually relevant responses, & an improved accuracy of voice assistants. 

Sirikit for Development – Developers make use of SiriKit which allows easy integration into the iOS app. It empowers them to create Siri-based innovative app solutions which are backed by voice-controlled functionalities. 

Augmented Reality (AR) Application Integration

Augmented Reality is one of the emerging technologies, it has now become a popular concept and a way to engage with digital content. With the launch of Apple’s AR Kit, it’s no secret that AR integration has become quite a popular iOS app trend. Its implementations are now observed in the retail industry, gaming, healthcare, and education and have earned significant dominance across multiple domains. 

Today, app developers are using AR technology to create immersive gaming experiences. 

AR allows retailers to offer customers a virtual try-on experience and allows them to actually observe a product before its real-world purchase.

Differentiation and Competitive Advantage:

Adopting AR sets businesses apart as it introduces innovative features which attract and engage users. It also nurtures a sense of trust, breeds loyalty, and creates the ultimate satisfaction for customers. 

Gamification and User Engagement: AR naturally supports gamification, allowing developers to add gaming elements to non-gaming apps, boosting user engagement and interaction.

ARKit and Developer Tools: Apple’s ARKit provides a robust framework for incorporating AR into iOS apps, offering tools and support for creating seamless AR experiences.

Social AR and Collaboration: Social media platforms integrate with AR to create social AR experiences, allowing users to interact and collaborate in augmented reality.

Enhanced Shopping and Retail: AR enhances online shopping by letting users visualize products in their space before purchase, increasing confidence and reducing returns.

Education and Training: AR revolutionizes education and training with interactive, immersive learning experiences, improving knowledge retention and engagement.

Constant Innovation: AR technology is continuously evolving, and Apple regularly updates and enhances AR capabilities in iOS, keeping AR implementations fresh and exciting.

Sustainability & Green App Development 

Businesses have now become more environment-centric. By adopting green app development practices, they are now creating app solutions which reduce energy consumption. Green app development begins at the coding level. Most app developers optimize the code to improve its efficiency. Its trend is becoming quite the popular choice in the iOS market as well.

Many iOS developers now employ techniques such as code splitting, lazy loading, and the use of efficient algorithms to create apps which are both fast response and environment-friendly. Sustainable development practices give developers a chance to become a part of this environment conservation movement.

A Few Examples of Green App Development 

Here are a few good examples of eco-friendly apps.  

• Ecosia – A search engine app that allows users to plant real-life trees with their searches. It uses ad revenue from searches to fund tree-planting projects and promote sustainability.
• Olio – A food-sharing app that connects people with neighbors and local businesses so surplus food can be shared instead of thrown away.
• JouleBug – This app gamifies eco-friendly activities by rewarding points for each sustainable action. It provides instructions and context for each action, making it fun and educational.
• iRecycle – Helps users find convenient recycling solutions near them. It includes a database of recycling centers and provides information on various materials that can be recycled.
• EcoEasy – An informative eco app designed by Robyn Roux that likely provides tips and resources for sustainable living.

Privacy & Security Enhancements 

We all know that Apple is very concerned about user privacy. It’s one of the reasons why Apple keeps adding exciting new features and advancements within their ecosystem ensuring they guarantee maximum user data protection. In the future, there will be many updates that will provide admin freedom for iOS users and make sure that these apps are reinforced within the iOS platform. 

Best Strategies for Implementing Robust Security Measures 

Secure Coding Practices – App developers must implement secure coding rules, including input validation, output encoding, and secure session management. These practices help mitigate and eliminate various security vulnerabilities.

Regular Security Audits – App developers should conduct frequent vulnerability assessments to identify security issues within an iOS app. This proactive step helps uncover potential malicious intent and protects against exploitation.

Compliance with Regulatory Requirements – App developers must adhere to privacy laws and data protection regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, to ensure legal and regulatory compliance. By doing so, they can avoid hefty fines and penalties while maintaining user trust.

Blockchains & Cryptocurrency Integrations 

Blockchain and cryptocurrency integrations are more likely to become a prominent trend in the iOS app market. It will eventually shape the future of mobile applications in the coming days. One of the amazing things about blockchain technology is how such integrations offer a secure and transparent framework, one that’s more relevant for storing data and conducting important transactions. Transactions performed through iOS apps which are powered by blockchain & cryptocurrency protect user information and are relatively easy and secure compared to traditional practices. 

The Benefits of Having Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Integrations

• Blockchain introduces a decentralized platform for the central authorities or intermediaries. The centrally distributed system offers better trust and greater control over all kinds of digital interactions. It also provides a secure and autonomous experience ensuring all financial assets are highly secure. 
• Blockchain also holds significant potential to revolutionize different industries including finance, supply chain, and retail. iOS developers can make use of multiple creative innovative ways to design iOS applications, such as secure digital wallets & decentralized supply chain tracking. 
• Blockchain and cryptocurrency integrations expand the global reach of iOS apps. iOS app developers are capable of developing app solutions which can inclusively be used by users from around the world. Regardless of where you’re located in the world, blockchain & cryptocurrency-powered integrations help iOS apps expand their financial infrastructure limitations. 
• The rise of Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi) is closely tied to blockchain & cryptocurrency. iOS app developers can tap into this trend by creating “super apps” bringing a range of financial services, such as decentralized banking, lending, and investing, all within a secure and autonomous environment.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for iOS Apps 

Progressive web apps (PWAs) are a type of web app that offers an app-like experience with all the important features such as offline support and more. It includes interesting features such as push notifications & also offers a responsive web design which can easily be accessed through a web browser.

iOS is considerably strong as a platform offering maximum support for PWAs. It may have its fair share of limitations; however, the OS on these platforms allows iOS devices to adapt to PWA by offering a rich experience. It’s no secret that this particular platform will not become a growing trend for the iOS app market. 

Conclusion

The iOS app development landscape is constantly evolving. 

Businesses must stay ahead of the curve to maximize their success. By embracing these trends, developers can create innovative and engaging apps. These apps will stand out in the crowded App Store.

Key trends include SwiftUI and 5G integration. AI/ML and AR enhancements are also important. The future of iOS apps is bright. The focus will be on delivering immersive, efficient, and sustainable experiences. 

Apple continues to raise the bar for user privacy and security. Developers must prioritize these aspects to earn user trust. The integration of blockchain and cryptocurrency is another significant trend. 

This will offer secure and transparent transactions.

The iOS app market is set to reach new heights. 

It will cater to the evolving needs and expectations of users worldwide.

Are you in search of a custom mobile app development company to build your next-gen iOS mobile app? Branex is your ultimate destination for mobile app solutions. 

From wireframing to initial mockups, we take care of everything right until we create the final prototype and launch your app in the beta phase. Let’s create the perfect iOS app for you.