The future of mobile apps: Lessons from top performing apps

Go to any mobile app storefront online, and you’ll likely see the same suite of universal social media, games, and productivity phone apps. That isn’t because the development companies behind these apps have better marketing. It is because they are leveraging the tools, techniques, and integrations leading the world in future mobile app development.‍

From ordering food to managing finances, mobile apps offer convenience, efficiency, and endless possibilities. As technology evolves, so does the landscape of app development. Here are some key technologies and future features you should consider when upgrading or developing a new phone app.

How App Development is Changing

Gone are the days of basic mobile apps with limited functionalities. App development has undergone a remarkable transformation, enabling developers to create apps that offer seamless user experiences, advanced features, and unparalleled performance.

With the advancement of technology, agile development, and no-code/low-code tools, you can get pretty much anything you want to be made. With the global market demand for app developers expected to increase from 17% to 24% by the end of 2026, you can count on the trend for new tools to accelerate. That is why working with an experienced team willing to listen to your needs and the custom desires of your target market is crucial to success.

Future Mobile App Features

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1. Touchless Control Integration

Imagine a mobile app that responds to your voice commands or recognizes your gestures. Touchless integration is a game-changer in the mobile app industry, and top-performing apps have embraced this technology. By incorporating voice and gesture recognition, apps can offer a hands-free experience, making tasks more convenient and accessible.

These types of new integrations have come a long way since first being introduced. NLP (natural language processing) and computer vision technologies leverage advanced algorithms to predict our needs. When you design a mobile app with touchless control in mind, you benefit your users by making the use of the system more convenient. A busy mom with her hands full can still check her notifications all based on voice or gesture control.

A great example of this tech-driven app design is the Swedish startup GoCam. This will allow people to take selfies and groupies using touchless tech. Everything will be triggered by gesture-based indicators up to a distance of 3 meters.

2. 5G Communication

Moving from 3 or 4G into the world of 5G is opening up lightning-fast internet speeds and lower app latency. Many app developers jumping on this opportunity. This is because you can create better rates of real-time experiences through smoother video streaming and much quicker downloads.

This boost in communication means your mobile app experience will improve because of significantly faster data transfer rates. The final outcome is an app that can easily handle bandwidth-intensive tasks such as high-definition video streaming, augmented reality, Web3-based apps, and real-time multiplayer gaming. Additionally, the low latency of 5G networks ensures that app interactions feel instantaneous, enhancing user satisfaction and engagement.

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3. IoT Connections

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The number of IoT (Internet of Things) devices will triple from 9.7 billion in 2020 to over 29 billion by 2030. That is massive consumer demand for app tools that will open up new avenues for profit and social benefits. Learning how to harness the power of IoT connections ensures app experiences that integrate with all kinds of smart devices, wearables, and home automation systems.

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Leveraging this type of integration allows mobile apps to communicate with a wide range of smart devices, including thermostats, door locks, lighting systems, and even kitchen appliances inside the home. For instance, an app developed for home automation can enable users to control the temperature, turn on/off lights, and receive notifications about the status of their home security system. That saves Mom and Dad tons of time when getting everyone ready for school, work, and family vacations.‍

‍4. Broader Mobile-Ready Payments

‍How we make payments is evolving, and mobile apps play a crucial role. It doesn’t matter if you are local to Sweden paying for a bakery item, or visiting the UK for a hot toddy. You need mobile-ready payment systems. Having these systems inside your native mobile app allows consumers to quickly pay for everything from groceries to clothing without having multiple bags for physical cash.

‍Integration with popular payment gateways, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, enhances security, and simplifies the checkout process, reducing friction and increasing conversion rates. Then there is the crypto/blockchain world to consider. Having apps with payment systems in place for Bitcoin, Binance, and Tether goes a long way to opening up your mobile app to new target markets. In the US alone, more than 21% of adults use crypto, and that number is only expected to grow.

‍5. Boosted AR/VR Benefits

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Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have gained tremendous popularity. By incorporating AR/VR features, apps can offer immersive experiences, such as virtual try-on for retail apps or interactive gaming elements. By leveraging AR/VR, your app can stand out from the competition and provide users with a truly engaging and captivating experience.

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AR technology superimposes digital content onto the real world, while VR technology creates fully immersive virtual environments. These new tools combine the world we physically interact with a digital overly of exiting gameplay or interactive tools like picking out new furniture to see how it looks in your living room.

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6. Cloud-Native Mobile Apps

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A growing number of users, around 26%, reported using multiple public cloud services in 2022, up from 21% in 2021. When you design mobile apps that leverage the cloud, you benefit from increased scalability, improved storage capabilities, and real-time collaboration. With cloud-enabled apps, you get the power to support varying workloads while still delivering outstanding app performance.

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This approach eliminates the limitations of device storage and processing power. That means your final phone app will be able to handle larger volumes of data movement, analytics, and elevated computational systems. We all could use that flexibility in mobile app development!

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Any visitor to Stockholm has experiencing this type of app if they have ever used SL – Reseplanerare och biljetter. This give real-time information and updated plans on moving around the city via public transportation. You get alternative routes if there are accidents, road work, or crowds so you can explore without interruption.

‍7. Using Progressive Apps (Instant Apps)

‍Progressive apps, also known as instant apps, are gaining traction in the app development landscape. These apps allow users to access specific in-app features without needing installation from a mobile app store. This way, you can give users a small taste of what you have to offer, without placing too much demand on individual devices.

‍The significant benefit of instant apps is space-saving technology. By not having to install anything, users get the features of your app without the mobile phone slowdown. You see a lot of eCommerce companies and tourism industry apps bridging into progressive app development.

‍8. Robust Motion Sensor Integration

‍Motion sensor technology has become increasingly sophisticated, and  top apps have leveraged this advancement. Integrating motion sensors into your app enables innovative features such as fitness tracking, gesture-based controls, and immersive gaming experiences. Robust motion sensor integration opens up possibilities for app developers, catering to users’ evolving needs and preferences.

‍Motion sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, can detect various movements and orientations of a mobile device. This data can be utilized to track physical activities, such as steps taken or calories burned, allowing users to monitor their fitness progress within the app. Motion sensors also enable gesture-based controls, where users can perform specific actions by shaking, tilting, or rotating their devices. In gaming apps, motion sensors provide a more immersive experience, allowing users to control gameplay through physical movements.

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Another critical feature to note here is accessibility. Around 16% of the world’s population experience some form of disability. Having mobile apps that address these needs is crucial to your future success.

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9. Moving to Wearables

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Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, have gained widespread popularity. By extending your app’s functionality to wearables, you can offer users seamless access to essential features on their wrists, ensuring they stay engaged and connected even when their phones are out of reach.

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Wearable devices provide users convenient access to information and services directly on their wrists. For example, a music streaming app can provide playback control and song information on a smartwatch, allowing users to enjoy music while on the go without reaching for their phones.

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10. AI/ML Apps

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) continually change app development. These tools are morphing in leaps and bounds daily. With such algorithms, you can automate all kinds of tasks or boost your personal mobile app that acts as a “virtual assistant.”

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With AI, you also get advanced analytics to deliver a more personalized mobile app. With so many consumers shifting to companies that address their unique needs and personalities, it only makes sense to take advantage of such tools. For instance, a language learning app can utilize AI to create personalized study plans based on the user’s learning style and progress. In contrast, an eCommerce app can leverage ML to predict user preferences and suggest relevant products.

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Want to see AI in action? Download Aimo and get real-time updates on available parking spaces in facilities around Stockholm, Goteborg, Malmo, Orebro, and more. This uses centralized cloud-based databases to communicate how many cars have entered specific car parks and then generates available spaces remaining, so you don’t have to keep circling the block waiting for something to open up.

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11. Security-Conscious Development

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As the number of mobile apps continues to rise, security and data privacy have become paramount concerns. At Qarbon IT, we emphasize security-conscious development, implementing robust encryption, authentication mechanisms, and stringent privacy policies. Adopting a security-first approach in your app development process can instill trust and confidence in your users, safeguarding their sensitive information.

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Implementing two-factor authentication and biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, enhances the security of user accounts in your mobile app development project. Transparent privacy policies and compliance with data protection regulations are also essential to ensure that users’ personal information is handled responsibly.

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12. Using Beacon Tech

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Beacon technology is shifting the way businesses engage with their customers. This type of hub and traffic technology is leveraged frequently in airports, hotels, resorts, and public spaces like schools and institutions. It works by having a central beacon send out information via targeted notifications, provide indoor navigation, and facilitate proximity-based interactions, enhancing user engagement and driving customer loyalty.

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Beacons are small Bluetooth devices that emit signals that nearby mobile devices can detect. By leveraging beacon technology, mobile apps can deliver contextually relevant information to users based on their physical location. For example, a retail app can send personalized offers or discounts when a user is in proximity to a specific store. Beacons also enable indoor navigation within large venues, such as airports or shopping malls, helping users navigate complex spaces and find desired locations within the app.

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13. Emerging Super Apps

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Super apps have gained immense popularity, offering users diverse services within a single platform. This future mobile app integration aims to keep users inside a single ecosystem. You can provide everything on one platform, like social media, email, scheduling, etc.

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These phone apps aim to become the go-to platform for users, offering a wide array of services and functionalities beyond their core offerings. Google is one of the best examples. Even though the company has multiple individual apps, they integrate tools like Notes, Gmail, calendar, and Docs into each of its offerings.

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14. Greater FPS Support

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Smooth and fluid animations are essential for creating delightful user experiences. You must prioritize FPS optimization so your app can provide users with visually stunning graphics, smooth transitions, and responsive interactions, enhancing overall user satisfaction.

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FPS refers to the number of frames or images displayed per second in an app’s animations or visuals. Higher FPS values result in smoother and more fluid animations, providing a visually appealing experience. When you optimize for FPS, you get powerful hardware acceleration that minimizes rendering issues across your graphical interface.

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15. Foldable Devices

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Foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold4 are an incredibly exciting new form factor in the mobile device industry. When you adapt your mobile app for smartphones and tablets that fold or roll out, you get expanded screen real estate, multi-window capabilities, flexible form factors, and an emerging market that sets you apart from other competitors.

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These breakthrough devices offer displays that can be easily folded or unfolded, allowing users to transition between phone and tablet-like experiences seamlessly. Think of the myriad of uses through entertainment, gaming, map navigation, and even business presentations and peer-to-peer communication.

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Of course we want to toot our own horn and feature an app that we helped upgrade. Impily is a crypto based application that helps users purchase, learn, and utilize digital currency. They needed a boost to their UI/UX to garner more interest. When you redesign apps for modern devices, foldable or not, you increase their usage.

Conclusion

‍The future of mobile apps holds excellent possibilities and endless innovation. By looking at successful apps and incorporating new technologies and features, your app can stay ahead in the mobile app industry.

‍There are many ways to create exceptional mobile app experiences, such as integrating touchless features, utilizing 5G communication, embracing AI/ML capabilities, or optimizing foldable devices. These avenues provide opportunities for exploration and growth.