In an age where more than 5 billion people worldwide own a smartphone, app development is increasingly becoming one of the most relevant activities in the tech industry. Thanks to its flexibility and ability to adapt, app development is a powerful tool for businesses to integrate new technology and enhance their customer experience. In fact, you can go as far as saying that app development shapes and will continue to shape how we interact with digital services.
In this article, you can read more about what the future might hold for the app development industry and how it can connect with innovative emerging technologies.
Increased Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
With the rise of programs like ChatGPT and Dall-E, Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. But AI has been present on our smartphones for longer than we realise. Apple’s Siri or Google’s Assistant for Android have been around for many years, using AI to perform tasks or respond to prompts provided by the user..
There are many possible uses for AI in mobile apps, such as productivity apps, for example, whose popularity is rampant. These apps help the user expand their productivity by prioritising tasks, helping categorise emails, and suggesting schedules. For businesses, automated chatbots can help enhance the relationship between businesses and customers, making it easier for companies to communicate and provide better results for customers.
Rise of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
In recent years, mobile games like Pokémon GO or Harry Potter: Wizards Unite allowed users to walk along real-life streets, catching little monsters or casting spells.
For app developers, integrating Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in app development opens the door to a new world of possibilities for businesses and institutions who seek to improve their service and user experience. These interactive, immersive technologies can transform not only the entertainment industry but also foundational fields of society, such as education and healthcare.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
Progressive Web Apps are built using web platform technologies, like HTML or CSS. They incorporate some of the best parts of websites and platform-specific apps, in the sense that they can run on multiple platforms and devices, operate offline, and be integrated within the device and other previously installed apps.
By running on different devices, a PWA eliminates the need for building separate apps for different platforms, thus reducing costs associated with development and time spent.
A relevant benefit of PWAs is the discoverability allowed by search engines. PWAs can be found in every search engine after a quick search, just like regular websites. That is extremely important for an organisation because it improves visibility, reaching and potentially converting new customers.
5G Technology and Its Influence on App Development
5G technology has been one of the biggest technological breakthroughs of the decade, allowing for impressive Internet speed while using mobile data outside. Although it is still not widely available to the public, there is a general enthusiasm around it due to the possibilities it brings to the online world.
5G speed allows for seamless streaming outside of the house, something that seemed impossible just five years ago. The benefits to organisations of any kind are also easily noticeable. By supplying its fast speeds to businesses that work outside of the office, it guarantees that information can be easily synced and shared with the main systems back at the office.
In Conclusion
App developers will have tons of work in the upcoming years. From the integration of AI in mobile apps to the use of AR and VR and the implementation of 5G technology, the possibilities and applications for mobile apps are increasing at a fast pace.
All cities, especially the world’s major technological hubs will benefit from the advancement of mobile apps, be it for work or fun-related purposes, which means great opportunities for app development in London and other major cities all across the globe.