We are living in a time when mobile app have become a versatile trend. What becomes the source of inspiration at the start of the year, eventually turns into an obsolete concept later down the road.
Imagine, we are in the year 2026.
The mobile app ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation. The once-popular notion of standalone mobile apps has given way to more interconnected app experiences. The focus has eventually shifted from individual apps to larger app ecosystems & robust platforms.
In this hypothetical future, the concept of “app convergence” has taken center stage.
Users no longer have to download and manage many individual apps. Instead, they subscribe to a single app platform that meets all their needs.
Such a platform becomes a one-stop digital shop. It brings many services and features, all under a single platform.
Today, there are countless such app solutions with trendy mobile app designs which are flooding the market. Business owners are now facing a challenge to search and find the right partner for their mobile app requirements.
Many individual brands have come up on the surface, and are now investing in innovative solutions.
Some of these solutions have set the stage for breaking the surface of the multi-billion-dollar mobile app industry. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2021, the global mobile app market size was valued at an impressive USD 174.61 billion. According to industry experts, this market is projected to witness a staggering Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.10% between 2024 and 2032.
This expansive growth sets the trajectory for the future of the mobile app development industry promising a great deal.
Now you might be thinking why a mobile app should matter for your business?
You want to save your hard-earned money. And, you need a unique mobile app. Here’s an article that will offer you a few areas to start.
Let’s explore the best mobile app trends so you are better prepared to make decisions. Today, we are going to talk about the top mobile app trends which are shaping mobile app development in the year 2024.
So without further ado, let’s read everything about mobile app trends in 2024.
Top 5 Trends to Shaping Mobile App Industry in 2024
Let’s explore the most interesting ones to help you make that decision.
1. Internet of Things Apps
The Internet of Things (IoT) has become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s smart home appliances or mobile apps, the IoT ecosystem has changed the industry globally. We now have so many interconnected devices and most of them have revolutionized how we interact with technology. As of 2023, the global IoT market has shown an impressive $318 billion, and almost $226 billion is contributed by software, including mobile apps.
Statista shows that the IoT market is expected to grow by $1.6 trillion by the end of 2025. In fact, this massive growth of IoT-based applications is already appearing across different industries including household devices, automobiles, display services, smart devices, and healthcare as well.
With such expansive growth, it is no secret that IoT-enabled smart home devices are quite abundantly used in controlling lighting, temperature, & security systems remotely. In fact, it has significantly enhanced convenience and energy efficiency. In the automotive industry alone, IoT has allowed car owners to perform a series of tasks with an IoT-powered app for getting real-time traffic updates, remote diagnostics, and autonomous driving.
Such growth of IoT-based app solutions definitely carves the path for the future.
2. Apps for Foldable Devices
According to 2019 research conducted by USA Today, more than 17% of iPhone users and almost 19% of Android users are inclined to purchase foldable designs. Today, we have phones like Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, and many other similar models. We are now seeing foldable phones emerging in Google, OnePlus, and Motorola which have led the charge against Samsung.
With so much happening in the foldable phone industry. It’s no secret that people are now seeking app-based solutions for the foldable variants. Coolest Gadget foldable phone statistics by shipment show a 7-year analysis ranging from 2021 to 2027. And extends from a mere 18.6 million units of foldable smartphones in 2023 to a staggering 35.7 million units by the end of 2024.
With such numbers, it’s no secret there will be quite a dramatic success in foldable mobile app trends alone in 2024. It will open doors to a larger industry, expanding into the mobile app development market.
3. Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) Powered Mobile Apps
Times are changing and so does the fact how we interact with technology. Gone are the days when we would spend hours in front of a smart screen. Now, all it takes is issuing a voice command. With things like Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and many other voice-activated technologies trending within the market. VUIs will take center stage in an era of conversation-based interactions.
However, the implications of VUIs extend beyond convenience. VUIs is one such technology that is expected to redefine how we connect with the digital world. They are set to make interactions a whole lot more intuitive and user-friendly. Users will no longer require tapping in, typing up, or swiping an app’s interface. This will simply converse with the technology just like they would with a person.
No more waiting for complex menus, or waiting to engage with customers in a conversation. The new mobile app design trends for VUI solutions will offer more personalized support to audiences.
4. 5G Powered Apps
The advent of 5G technology has indeed had a significant impact on the mobile app market. And it continues to be a top trend in 2024 and beyond. According to research conducted in 2021, there were approximately 3.5 times more strong 5G connections available in the market compared to 2020.
The number of connections is expected to grow exponentially between 2022 and 2024, with even more growth anticipated in the following years.
So, what does this mean for mobile app development and the app market as a whole?
Firstly, the revenue potential for the app market is expected to increase dramatically.
With 5G technology, there will be a significant decrease in latency, resulting in a 10x improvement in network responsiveness. This will boost network efficiency and increase traffic capacity, allowing for smoother app experiences regardless of the mobile network operator.
5G technology is expected to be up to 100 times faster than its predecessor, 4G. This means that apps will load faster, downloads will be quicker, and overall app performance will improve. For app developers, this opens up new possibilities for creating more immersive and interactive app experiences, especially for apps that rely on real-time data, such as gaming, streaming, and augmented reality apps.
Furthermore, with the roll-out of 5G, we can expect to see an increase in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and apps that leverage this technology. 5G networks will enable faster data transfer and better connectivity for a wide range of IoT devices, from smart home appliances to autonomous vehicles.
This presents a whole new set of opportunities for app developers to create innovative solutions and enhance existing apps to work with IoT devices.
5. Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are indeed gaining momentum and offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional native mobile applications.
PWAs combine the best features of web and mobile experiences, providing an engaging user interface that works across various devices and platforms.
One of the key advantages of PWAs is their speed and performance. PWAs are designed to load quickly, even on slower network connections, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. They also offer offline functionality, allowing users to access certain features and content even without an internet connection. Its capability increases the overall usability and reliability of PWAs, making them comparable to native apps.
In the coming years, PWAs will gain momentum. They offer a low-cost solution for businesses. The businesses want to provide a high-quality mobile experience. PWAs can reach a wider audience and engage users better. They will transform how we make mobile apps and play a role in shaping the future of mobile app development.
This trend will likely lead to more app market competition. It will drive innovation and improve the user experience. This will happen on many devices and platforms.
Concluding Thoughts
The mobile app market is going at an immense pace and it’s no secret. AI and machine learning have brought a big change to mobile app experiences. Technology will keep evolving, so the app solutions that power them will too. Above, we have shared a few good mobile trends taking center stage this year in 2024. Who knows what else we can achieve in the coming years? And how will it help businesses and people?
When it comes to mobile app development, Branex is a trusted custom mobile app development company. They specialize in custom solutions. We are your one-stop brand solution for everything mobile. And we have the perfect mobility solution for you. We have solutions for hybrid apps, native apps, Android apps, and iOS apps. Talk to one of our mobile app developers or project managers today and get a mobile app that stands the test of time.