15 Hot Mobile Application Development Trends for Your Business in 2024

“Think of digital transformation less as a technology project to be finished than as a state of perpetual agility, always ready to evolve for whatever customers want next, and you’ll be pointed down the right path,” - said Amit Zavery, Vice President and Head of Google Cloud Platform.

And this expression applies to the topic of our article.

Reading this article, you will discover the upcoming mobile app development trends to follow in 2024. So will have the ability to outperform your online competitors. We approach the end of 2023, so let's be fully prepared!

Below is a thorough list of 15 hot mobile app development trends for 2024.

1. Greater focus on UX/UI

A neat and simple design is always actual for mobile screens, considering their small size. In recent years, it has become even more evident that smartphone users prefer minimalistic, clear interfaces. Such design makes content simpler to read and perceive.

Now, in the world of mobile app development, there is a greater emphasis on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) than ever before. Why?

Because people nowadays use their mobile devices for more than just sending emails and making calls. They use them for such activities as banking, shopping, entertainment, and more. Mobile app developers must ensure that their applications are visually attractive and easy to use.

The focus on UX/UI has led to many innovative ideas for attracting users. For example, you can do it by paying attention to aspects that can be overlooked by other businesses – like colors!

Below is a perfect example of the successful web design of the Sweetgreen business. It is a mobile app with which users can pre-order food. The overall color scheme is very eye-pleasing. The lines are neat and classy. The icons are clear. The photographs of the ingredients and salads are of the high-quality.

Read also: 15 Most Common Web Design Mistakes Startups Make

2. More camera-focused apps

Let’s consider the next one of mobile app trends.

The coronavirus pandemic caused a push in the massive work-from-home trend. Nowadays, people are making video calls much more than they used to.

Zoom, Google Meet, and even old-school Skype have grown fast. The video-based social apps like YouTube and Facebook Watch are skyrocketing, too.

Socials also actively use the mobile app development trend for video. For example, Instagram offers a function for video calling. Also, this social added the function of the Reels making. These short, entertaining videos let people express themselves the same as on TikTok.

By the way, at Codica, we also use Reels on Instagram.

People can't get enough mobile apps to help them broadcast videos, entertain, and connect with friends.

According to Statista, the videoconferencing market is expected to reach 27.3 billion U.S. dollars by 2026. So, apply this mobile development trend and catch the wave now!

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3. Augmented reality and virtual reality development

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) bridge the physical and online worlds. Virtual reality technology completely changes the environment around us. To receive a great virtual reality experience, you should choose the fitting VR kit.

Some options for getting to know VR using special gadgets and mobiles are Samsung Gear VR, LG 360 VR, and others.

Augmented reality greatly expands how our devices can assist with everyday activities. These can be searching for shopping, some information, and expressing yourself.

For example, a world-known Ukrainian company, FFFACE, creates wonderful AR projects for digital businesses. This studio made the first digital blogger in Ukraine, which is called Astra Starr. The FFFACE agency also actively collaborates with fashion brands to develop digital garments.

In general, mobile apps utilize AR and VR to encourage users to try out:

• Paint colors,
• Furniture,
• Clothing,
• Hair colors and styles,
• Eyeglasses,
• Makeup.

As Statista research states, the global VR and AR market will gain $250 billion U.S. dollars in 2028. So, this is also one of the mobile app development industry trends for 2024.

At Codica, we successfully create AR solutions for businesses. The project in the video below is a cloud-based real estate portal. This cloud web solution provides virtual 3D tours. It lets users see an accommodation on the screen as if they are already there.

We made this cloud platform easy to use, fast-loading, and responsive. It loads smoothly on desktop devices and smartphones and provides the best user experience.

Below is a video that shows how this solution that uses cloud technology works.

4. 5G technology

Simply put, 5G is the new world wireless standard after 4G. 5G allows for establishing a modern network type. It delivers data faster and supports more users, devices, and services. With 5G, all these processes become more efficient.

The 5G technology has existed for a while. But in 2024, it will become a buzzword. Tech businesses have started implementing 5G at full scale.

Below you can see how 5G connections globally are forecasted to grow in the following years.

Source: eMarketer.com

What does the popularity of 5G mean for mobile app development? 5G will modify the way we create and use applications. Efficiency and speed will greatly improve. Below we mentioned some things we can expect:

• 5G will be up to a hundred times quicker than 4G.
• With less latency, higher resolution, and faster performance, video streaming applications will improve.
• Latency will lower from 50 milliseconds allowed by the 4G technology to 1 millisecond.
• 5G will provide more opportunities for AR and VR. For example, integrating them into the application will be simpler.
• Transferring data between devices will be quicker and smoother.
• 5G will enable mobile app developers to create new functions. By the way, developers get this opportunity without negatively affecting mobile application performance.
• Mobile payments will be more secure and faster. It will happen due to the quicker processing of biometric data for identification.
• Generally, the 5G technology will make using apps faster, smoother, and more efficient.

5. Beacon technology

Beacon technology is the use of portable, small devices to send out a radio signal that can be obtained by other adjacent devices. The beacon technology is used in many fields. From healthcare to retail, beacons can enhance the functionality of nearly any mobile application.

However, over recent years, great advancements have been made to this technology.

Now we will consider the example of how beacons operate with mobile applications. Let's assume you're a mobile application reseller that makes applications for retailers. Your customers can install beacons in their shops that connect with people's phones via Bluetooth if the app is on their device. When users go by a beacon, they will be immediately informed about a sale or special offers for products in that shop.

Beacons can also assist in tracking shopper behavior in stores. They can determine if a user spends significant time in a certain aisle. The application can automatically send push notifications to entice a sale of products in this area.

What is the main benefit of beacon technology? It is proximity marketing. This type of marketing ultimately enhances the UX within a mobile application.

Based on Statista’s data, the beacon technology market is being enhanced at a compound annual growth rate of 59.8%. By 2026, its projected value will gain $56.6 billion. That's more than 10 times higher than the $519.6 million worth from 2016.

So, we can definitely name this technology one of the hottest new trends in mobile app development in 2024.

6. Super apps

A super app is the next mobile app development trend we consider. A super app is one large application into which smaller applications are integrated. These can be mini-apps or services. For example, popular super apps in Europe and USA are Uber, Klarna, and Bolt. In China, there is WeChat.

One super app can include delivery, purchasing, finance, entertainment, and other services. The person uses a super application and gets access to a mobile bank, insurance, utility bills, and ticket booking. It can also be restaurant reservations, ordering flowers, and so on.

These apps are becoming more and more trendy because the pace of life is becoming faster. By the way, the research by PayPal and PYMNTS states that one in three people in the world uses super apps.

E-commerce is also actively developing in this direction. The Codica team has huge expertise in building e-commerce products, including solutions with super-app features. Recently, our app developers created a large multi-vendor marketplace platform. The specific of this platform is that users can do many actions using one marketplace by switching between its parts.

Watch a brief video below about how this mobile app operates in real life.

7. Focus on superior app security

Mobile apps generate much data about us and our everyday lives. So, securing mobile apps for this information is of great importance. Why? Mobile applications are often targeted by cyber attackers. They can strike the users or the business itself. If a malware attack aims at a mobile device, the consequences could comprise:

• Stolen login credentials;
• Identity theft;
• Stolen and resold credit card details;
• Unauthorized access to business networks;
• SMS messages can be copied and scanned for personal information.

Some modern mobile solutions can help secure your mobile app. Let’s consider them.

ID confirmation

Identity verification prevents cyber-criminals from stealing the personal data of users. A reliable verification process validates that the users are who they are. This assists in preventing scammers' attacks.

Strong two-factor authentication

The hijacking of accounts is widespread trouble, and passwords quickly become obsolete. If your account is secured only by a password, it is often not robust. So, it is easy for attackers to hack it and access confidential data.

An additional layer of account protection is two-factor authentication. Besides entering a password, you need to enter a one-time code. This code comes to the phone or mail. In such a way, you verify your identity.

In case you activate this protection, in addition to the password, the attacker should enter a code to log in to your account. Also, you will get a notification when someone attempts to access your account.

Biometrics

Biometrics is an easy and secure way to sign in to mobile applications using data obtained from your own body. There is no robust way to define who is entering the password. The app developers can only identify if the entered password matches the password key in the back end of the software system.

Biometrics comprises an additional trust indicator. It validates the identity of the person providing the biometric sample for verification. Because the fingerprint, iris scan, or facial recognition is displayed in real-time.

All these mobile app development trends can significantly improve the security of customer data. It also increases the credibility of businesses.

You may also like: Web Application Security: The Ultimate Guide

8. Mobile commerce

A significant lifestyle shift has happened after the coronavirus pandemic. From big retailers to small online shops, everyone has started relying on mobile applications. Mobile commerce is another of the most popular mobile application trends in 2024.

You have to admit that mobile shopping has become simpler and more convenient. So, as more people access mobile devices, the mobile shopping experience continues to rise.

Thus, it is recommended for businesses adapt to the mobile commerce trend. Otherwise, they will lose many customers.

To shop from smartphones, people use online mobile wallets. This enables them to make in-app purchases without entering the details of their credit cards each time.

Besides, digital wallets are forecasted to grow in popularity over the next few years. For example, giants such as Alibaba and Amazon use wallets successfully to simplify the payment process for customers.

So, businesses should capitalize on this mobile app trend by creating mobile wallets. This will benefit them and enable a better UX.

9. Voice search

Voice technology has taken the market by storm. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular mobile application development trends in the nearest future. The world voice recognition market is predicted to rise to $27.16 billion U.S. by 2026.

Source: Statista.com

So, we came to the question: what is voice technology, and why is it so popular?

The implemented voice technology means the ability of a device to get and interpret spoken directives. In simple words, the voice recognition trend allows people to use voice commands. These commands help to manage devices and conduct internet searches.

Nowadays, finance and banking businesses have already implemented voice technology in their applications. Now users can send payments with personal voice assistants.

A great example of implementing this one of the mobile app trends is Garanti Bank's voice-managed mobile banking. Garanti leveraged a virtual assistant. It allows users to conduct banking transactions with voice. In such a way, customers can transfer money and shop by speaking the name of a person or a company.

As you can see, even in such a complex field as banking, the voice assistant can be successfully applied.

10. On-demand apps

By the PwS research, the on-demand service application market is forecasted to reach $335 billion by 2025.

Based on the Harvard Business Review, the on-demand economy continues to grow. It comprises deliveries, freelancing services, beauty and healthcare services, and transportation.

What does this mean for you? Working on on-demand apps can assist you in offering more functionality and features to meet your users’ changing needs. One tendency to look out for when it comes to on-demand applications is that they’re projected to become more personalized.

Below we have collected the most popular types of on-demand mobile applications:

• Transport applications (Uber),
• Food delivery applications (Glovo),
• Social media applications (TikTok),
• Fashion apps (FastAF),
• Delivery of medicines (Epocrates),
• Healthcare applications (Doctor on demand).

By the way, Codica’s writers prepared a thorough article on healthcare mobile app development. You can read this full guide here: Healthcare App Development: Functionality, Approach, and Tips.

11. Artificial intelligence chatbots

People have been using chatbots for more than ten years. In recent years, chatbots have changed and become much more improved.

In brief, a chatbot is a program that imitates a real conversation with a user. What can chatbots do? Chatbots enable users to communicate using audio or text messages on websites or mobile apps.

Besides, many businesses also integrate chatbots into socials. These bots can respond to messages, answer customer questions, and so on. For example, Facebook and Instagram support integrating chatbots into their core system.

Because chatbots are managed by AI technology, their replies are getting human-like. We have already discovered that artificial intelligence technology will continue to grow. So, it will influence chatbot software development.

The global chatbot market hit a value of $ 3.7 billion U.S. in 2021. And it is expected to rise to $13.9 billion by 2027. So, it is also one of the great mobile app development trends for the coming years. You can apply it and be on the wave!

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12. Deglobalization

Deglobalization is another trend in mobile app development in 2024. This concept means the movement of technologies towards a less connected world.

The market for mobile apps for developing countries is one of the fastest growing nowadays. Still, due to the distribution of cheap smartphones, residents of various regions have gained access to mobile content. And this tendency continues.

Many countries have also become interested in their own mobile app development. IT companies have long been researching the promising market. They are investing in mobile application development for the "next billion" users in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Google, for instance, made a special unit for this - Next Billion Users (NBU).

So, by launching new projects oriented on a target audience in a specific geographic area, you have all chances to succeed!

Recommended reading: An Online Marketplace Marketing Strategy That Works

13. Mobile apps for wearables

Wearable technology has been evolving for a long time now as well. This was a trend for 2024, too. We’ve used different trackers, smartwatches, and fitness bands. However, these devices have yet to achieve their entire potential.

Per the report by researcher Technavio, demand for wearable electronics will expand. It will happen because wearables integrate advanced technologies. These are AI and VR, and contactless payments.

By the way, the fastest-growing devices are smartwatches. They have become a bright product for businesses like Apple. For example, Apple Watch Series 8 has new safety and healthcare functions. These are car-crash detection, ovulation tracking, and others you can see in a brief overview below.

In 2024, more mobile apps will be made with wearables into account. Users will have the ability to download tens of thousands of applications immediately from their wrists.

We’re only touching the tip of the iceberg with wearables and mobile application integration. The following years will be genuinely progressive in this sphere

14. Gamification

With more mobile applications appearing on the market, it is more challenging to stand out among competitors. Nowadays, people of generation Z and millennials tend to get bored quickly because of the variety of entertainment.

Thus, it would be best if you had something fascinating and challenging to keep these users constantly involved. And this is about the gamification trend.

According to Hubspot research, there are more than 2.2 billion active mobile gamers globally as of 2024. Another report states that games far outpace other Apple App Store categories in 2024. And this trend will be actual for 2024.

In general, gamification is one of the most working user engagement approaches. Many apps use gamification. Below you can see an example of gamification by Duolingo, with more than 300 million users.

Duolingo is one of the most popular languages learning resources. The exercises on Duolingo are part of the play environment. The following gamification features make the app's users run it again and again:

• Choice of difficulty. When starting a new game, the user can set a level based on experience and the difficulty they want to overcome.

• Boss battles. Duolingo introduces tests before moving to the next level in language learning. Thus, users can fell feel a sense of accomplishment as they make progress.

• Achievement badges. Each module a user completes on Duolingo is saved as a badge. These badges show what users have learned.

15. Personalization and customization

Not everyone wishes for the same services or things. The ability to personalize your experiences and choices significantly improves user satisfaction. When a business offers a product or service relevant to a specific audience's needs, it provides a quality custom solution. And when a user receives exactly what they want, they experience positive emotions.

Customization is one of the approaches to lucrative mobile app development in 2024 for any business.

An effective way to stand out from the competition nowadays is to find your target group and satisfy the needs of each individual. Applying the custom approach, you can create a unique brand with products or services necessary for the target audience.

At Codica, we offer a custom mobile app development service. It means that we created software exclusively for the needs of a specific user group. We distinguish these needs with the help of the project discovery sessions.

The discovery phase means the collection of information about the idea, the formalization of product requirements, and the verification of business hypotheses. This stage allows the development team to assess and determine further the mobile app development process.

This is a short video about the deliverables you get at the end of these sessions.

The next method is personalization. Personalization aims to recognize the customer and their previous requests. And then show them only relevant content. It means the necessary information (products or services) and helpful tips.

When implementing the customization and personalization approaches, collecting analytics data about web users is essential.

For example, Netflix uses your browsing history and then suggests recommendations. According to Netflix's statistics, 75% of all views are reactions to these same recommendations.

Let’s summarize. For customization and personalization, user knowledge is critical. Keep in mind that both customization and personalization require work and support. To make sure the right content goes to the suitable profiles, personalization requires constant checking of reviews. And customization should allow users to make changes as their preferences and interests change.

Read also: How to Create a Successful Custom Web Product Step by Step: Codica's Experience

Stay on top of trends with your mobile app

According to Statista, there are 5.7 million apps on the Apple App Store and Google combined. How would you make sure your mobile app stands out from other businesses?

The truth is you can’t stand out unless you get an idea about the latest trends in mobile app development. You should also know how to leverage them to develop reliable, feature-rich apps.

In this article, we have considered the top mobile app development trends for 2024. For the coming year, pay attention to such aspects as mobility, user orientation, app security, speed, and entertainment.

Do you see yourself creating one of these modern technologies we mentioned in the article? Contact us, and the Codica team will assist in implementing your idea effectively using best practices in the mobile app industry.