Top 10 Mobile Application Development Trends
Experts forecast that, there will be more than 2.15 billion smartphone users worldwide in 2016 And this massive number is enough to prove the growing importance of mobile app development. As we are nearing the 2nd quarter of 2016, let us examine what is trending and why for mobile app developments.
1. Cloud is the way to go
Cloud-based mobile apps will rule the market in 2016 and beyond. Developers are realizing the numerous benefits the cloud brings. From keeping the size of apps small so that memory and bandwidth issues can be managed effectively, to enabling users to sync their apps across various smart devices, thanks to cloud’s compatibility feature, it’s a win-win.
2. Security gains more importance
According to a Gartner report, before the start of 2015, 3 out of every 4 mobile applications (75%) failed basic security tests. This is the area that developers will continue to give more focus as more sensitive and personal transactions such as social security numbers, bank details and NFC payments are carried out using smart devices and they simply cannot afford to risk apps security protocol measures.
3. Wearable technology
Apple Watch has brought everyone’s attention to Wearable Technology. Until now this technology was dominating only the healthcare and fitness industry, but in 2016 it is expected to be explored by other industries including fashion and textiles. Now mobile app developers will also have to focus on building wearable applications.
4. IoT is here to stay
Internet of Things (IoT) is here to stay. According to a popular report, more than 5 billion people and more than 50 billion things will be connected to each other by 2019. Around 53% of all app developers are already involved in some form of IoT and the percentage is expected to grow tremendously over the years. Without a doubt 2016 will see iOS and Android giving more importance to IoT.
5. It’s more about free apps
Gartner reports that around 75% of the total apps are free and this number is expected to rise an astounding 93% by end of 2016. However, in-app purchases will be the key revenue generator for both iOS and Android and the total number of mobile apps will be somewhere close to 310 billion. This also opens up opportunities for hybrid apps or mobile web app growth.
6. Beacon and location-based services are in vogue
Integrated location-based service apps like Apple’s iBeacons are popular. Wi-Fi usage will no longer be confined to the corridors of hotels, retail, restaurants and in health-care. The usage of applications with Wi-Fi support is expected to rise beyond these traditional requirements, and can be of immense use to provide people with relevant location-based information. Apple has already shown the way with iBeacons, and Android is expected to catch up soon.
7. Android vs. iOS battlefield
As expected, the big giants in the mobile OS market - iOS and Android - will continue to dominate the market in 2016. With Android having 82.8% of the market share and iOS at 13.9%, it will be interesting to see what these giants will be up to in 2016 to solidify their positions.
8. Swift is the language
Swift is the big programming language, which will rule the minds of developers. Many mobile-app developers confirm that it is much easier compared to Objective – C. However, although Swift is not going to replace it any time in the near future, it will gain lot of traction. With the release of Swift 2 which has a host of new, developer-friendly features, this new language is here to stay.
9. Shorter app development cycles
As the markets gets competitive day by day, mobile app developers need to find ways to help them capture their market share. In 2016, many of them will start focusing on faster app development, i.e., shortening the app development lifecycle of course without compromising quality.
10. App ad expenses will rise
For most of the mobile app developers, in-app advertisements will continue to be a major revenue earner in 2016. So that means they will continue to spend money to increase in-app advertisement content and quality without compromising the user’s app experience.