5 Mobile App Development Trends You Can’t Miss in 2019
Mobile app development trends have come a long way since the introduction of the first ever iPhone in 2007 and the subsequent revolution of Android smartphones. At the time of writing, Android has celebrated its 10th Anniversary, and iOS continues to make its software better with each update.
Between nine versions of dessert-themed androids and twelve versions of the iOS have come many trends and technologies which were used and left a mark. Come 2019, and many similar trends in the Mobile App Development world are expected to get the competition to greater levels in this industry. Here goes a brief list of the top mobile app development trends you need to have an eye on in the year coming ahead.
1. Progressive Web Apps
Progressive web apps are web apps which perform almost similar to a complete mobile app, except that it doesn’t need to be separately installed on a device, yet can be stored on the homescreen locally and directly accessed from a web browser.
The core USP of PWAs is its ability to operate even on low-bandwidth network and work smoothly on low-spec smartphones. Many companies including Alibaba and Flipkart have successfully integrated PWAs into their website platforms and have derived significant benefits out of it.
Progressive web app development is expected to boom in the next year, as these apps hold a tremendous potential for businesses catering to smartphone users in developing markets.
2. Android Instant Apps
The introduction of Android Instant apps created a new way for developers and companies to market their apps to customers. With Instant apps, users can try a demo version of the app directly through a link without having to install the app itself.
Unlike PWAs, Instant apps can also work for games in addition to apps. Though Instant apps haven’t exactly progressed as was expected of it in 2018, the next holds a lot of promise as more new Instant apps and games are becoming available with each day.
These trials held make users a better choice before having to take the trouble to install an app locally. At the same time, it acts as a business opportunity for developers to attract more customers and give the best first impression that it could deliver.
3. IoT apps
With the top guns in the IoT world such as Amazon and Google firing in every direction with a variety of IoT devices, the need for controlling the connected hardware is expected to increase in 2019. Google has already collaborated with Nest, a major Home security camera manufacturer for leveraging IoT with their own app ecosystem. Its rival Amazon has also stepped up the game in IoT with a slew of new Alexa powered devices making their way into the homes of customers.
With more connected devices on networks, the need for simpler applications to maintain synchronization will increase. This will push mobile app development companies to create innovative solutions to make the best use of the controller device, i.e., the smartphone!
4. Breaking through the “Ecosystem”
Google, Microsoft, Amazon and perhaps all the top players in the mobile app development scene are in an attempt to trap users into an ecosystem of apps and services which make it hard for them to stop using them. Take for example, an iPhone user addicted to iMessage. The lack of integration of apps like iMessage with other platforms such as Android makes it difficult for users to switch platforms.
Google does the same with a few of its Android application features being exclusive to its flagship Pixel series of smartphones. Microsoft is always in a desperate attempt to push users into its Edge browser, but failing at it all the time.
However, times are changing and the consumers today are often able to find alternatives to their favorite apps one way or the other. Another reason forcing companies to think beyond the ecosystem is the increasing rate of inconsistency shown by users with their app usage patterns. With new trends and technologies coming at warp speed, the new age customers no longer prefer to stick with a particular set of apps or devices.
5. The rise of Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality app development has witnessed an incredible amount of growth in the previous year. What started with the success of the popular game Pokemon Go has resulted in the creation of a whole new realm of productive possibilities. Android and iOS platforms are already supporting AR app development and are themselves looking for the best ways to integrate it within smartphones.
At its I/O 2018 annual developers conference, Google displayed the potential of its Maps app with AR, and how it can bring virtual objects and smart graphics into the real world to guide users to their desired locations.
Since the past year, AR has seen some incredible use cases; from lame filters on snapchat, selfies with Iron Man on the Pixel 3 devices to some highly useful implementations in the form of Ikea Place app, which lets users place furniture virtually at homes to determine the perfect match and fit for their purchases. AR has a long way to go, and 2019 might just be the year when everyone finally uses their phone cameras for something other than just photos and selfies