As of 2024, mobile development is not just following technological trends but shaping them. In this article, I want to highlight the key directions defining mobile technology trends this year.
Features of 2023.
The past year in mobile development was marked by two main changes: the adaptive design of applications and the addition of artificial intelligence elements. Thanks to the former, mobile applications now adapt to various screen sizes and offer a more individualized approach to the user experience. This means that applications become more intuitive and accessible, offering interfaces that consider individual preferences and conditions of use. Thanks to the latter, the degree of user interaction with the application increases.
These trends will continue solidifying in 2024, along with increased applications integrating neural networks. Let's start by looking at the numbers:
- Users spend about 13 hours weekly on social networks and 12 hours on video games.
- Generation Z consumers spend more time on games and apps than watching TV.
- Active participation in the entertainment sphere is growing. People spend an average of 4.3 hours daily on applications or content creation."
At the same time, mobile devices have come to dominate access to media. More and more people are using smartphones for entertainment and learning.
On mobile devices, people spend time on social networks, listen to podcasts and music, use apps, and consume gaming content. In this regard, the popularity of apps is higher than gaming. For example, 60% of users spend time in various applications, and 55% periodically play games.
All this demonstrates to us that mobile development is at its peak. Modern mobile applications are becoming accessible to an increasingly wide range of users.
Artificial Intelligence.
In 2024, artificial intelligence will become one of the most significant driving forces in mobile development. It allows for the creation of applications that adapt to user behavior and preferences to provide a personalized experience and contributes to the automation of various development processes. Moreover, thanks to AI, many modern applications are created without the involvement of programmers, making every trend increasingly ascendant.
According to arecent report, about a third of developers use AI in at least one business function. Furthermore, 40 percent of developers say their organizations will increase investments in artificial intelligence due to new advancements.
Data Security and Privacy Issues.
In addition to AI, several key trends are in focus for 2024. The first is an increased attention to user data security. Research shows more than 8 billion accounts were exposed to data breaches last year.
As a result, user data security is at the forefront for mobile developers. Adding extra protective elements, such as biometric authentication, fingerprint scanning, and facial recognition, is becoming more common, providing an additional layer of security. Naturally, developers are also complicating data encryption, which protects confidential information.
The importance of data privacy continues to grow, especially in light of tightening legislation worldwide. Users are becoming more aware of how their data is used, requiring developers to ensure data protection and provide users with transparency and control over their information.
AR and VR.
The proliferation of 5G networks opens new horizons for mobile applications thanks to their improved performance and higher data transmission speeds. This means faster and more reliable communication and lays the groundwork for more complex applications, including advanced augmented and virtual reality capabilities. More and more large companies are investing in developing these technologies, and 2024 has every chance to become a breakthrough year in this area.
63% of retailers have stated that they will either implement AR/VR technology or are considering possibly implementing it in the next two years. These technologies will become more widespread in mobile development as retailers aim to connect with mobile shoppers.
Other Trends.
Among the slightly less widespread but significant trends, one can mention voice technologies, chatbots (76% of developers are either implementing this technology or considering its implementation in the next two years), and cloud computing. More and more mobile applications will use cloud technologies to improve performance, scalability, and reliability.
Adopting cloud technologies is critical in many of the most transformative trends in cloud computing, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), cloud security, zero-code technologies, etc.
In conclusion, 2024 will be significant for mobile development, highlighting the role of innovation and technological progress in shaping the future. From improved user interfaces to breakthroughs in AI, AR, and VR technologies, as well as updated security issues, these trends not only define the industry's current state but also chart the course for future innovations. For developers and businesses, it is critically important to stay abreast of these changes to adapt and respond to the rapidly changing needs of users and the technological landscape.