It is predicted that mobile app development will yield over $600 billion in revenue by 2025. Not only is the app development industry benefiting from the increase in demand for mobile app developer but the future rewards to be experienced by businesses and users are exciting and dramatic.
Here are six trends that a mobile app developer UK will continue to explore in the coming years.
- 5G speed is a game-changer
Fifth-generation wireless technology (5G) has been expected for a decade, but most carriers only started allowing access to 5G in 2021.
The focus of 5G is speed but the ultimate benefit is an improvement in how society functions. The capability of 5G means it can operate at 100 times the speed of most existing networks. And that’s a game-changer because it allows anyone, from individuals to enterprise networks, to connect with wearables, devices, machines, and of course phones. Information is transferred in milliseconds and benefits are vast. Be it users watching HD videos on their devices without buffering or 5G-enabled healthcare ecosystem with apps, internet of things (IoT), and wearables where patients monitor their health and quality of life better. This could help to identify diseases earlier and reduce healthcare costs by approximately $2,000 per patient according to PWC.
- AR & VR break free of gaming
Augmented reality (AR) technology adds artificial images onto real-life objects. In contrast, virtual reality (VR) creates an artificial environment. Meta’s Oculus Quest 2, for example, allows users to do physical exercise, explore new countries, and watch concerts created in an immersive world, all whilst not leaving their home.
However, the reach of AR and VR is no longer limited to gaming. These technologies are rapidly expanding to other industries, kick started by the COVID 19 pandemic, such as house buying and travel, all via bespoke mobile apps.
- AI will transform financial services
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t new but as AI and machine learning become more sophisticated so too will mobile app capabilities. Algorithms can learn from past behaviour and then predict the next move.
AI is likely to crucial in future app development by offering facial and speech recognition, particularly as biometric markers to enhance safety features, improve data security and help spot fraud. The need for AI to help prevent fraud is only set to accelerate as the adoption of phones and wearables as payment devices also increases. McKinsey estimates the potential annual value of AI in the global banking sector to be over $1 trillion.
- Blockchain more than just cryptocurrency
A blockchain is a digital ledger that securely records transactions. Once a transaction is on the blockchain, it’s virtually impossible to alter or remove it which makes blockchain technology useful for tracking digital assets and securing identities.
Mobile wallets and person-to-person (P2P) payment apps are increasingly using blockchain technology to improve transaction speed and security. In January 2021, 5.6 million blockchain wallet apps were downloaded.
Because of the added security features, blockchain technology along with IoT and smart contracts, will proliferate across various industries, such as shipping and logistics, to settle disputes, reduce costs and improve supply chain inefficiencies.
- Wearables get smarter
Wearables, including watches, earbuds, and clothing, already allow users to access and interact with all the functions found on a smart phone. There are approximately one billion connected wearable devices in use worldwide. In 2021, the wearable technology market was valued at approximately $116 billion, rising to $265 billion by 2026.
Healthcare is likely to benefit from wearable bespoke apps with the likes of an electrocardiogram app to monitor heart irregularities. Security will also make use of apps with the ability to create smart locks and house keys using your wearable or smart wallet.
- Improved security is a must
As more personal information goes online, the need for heightened security around mobile apps is paramount.
Two innovations are addressing this concern. One is biometric authentication, which uses eye, facial, fingerprint, or voice recognition to verify a user. This helps to provide the first line of defence against fraud or stolen information and is easy for consumers to use. The second innovation is the use of distributed ledger technology (DLT), of which blockchain is one part. This technology can help boost IoT security on mobile and other smart devices through additional layers of encryption.
What is the future of bespoke mobile app development?
The future of mobile app development is an exciting one. There are plenty of innovations and new technologies that can enhance the capabilities of apps as well as the functions and usability they can offer to individuals, businesses, and societies. From security to healthcare, future bespoke mobile app development is set to improve the lives of their users and reduce costs and inefficiencies of businesses.
OTS News on Social Media