2020 has done more for global digital transformation than the entire last decade. Technology took on a whole new relevance in everyday life, setting the stage for a whole new set of trends in mobile app development by 2021.
While each New Year brings new trends and predictions with it, including some trends that always remain new to the charts, 2021 is different. The coronavirus that it inflicts on our entire lives is still absolutely crude. The threat is still real and the world is still a bit uncertain.
While technological advancements and consumer preferences set trends every two years, mobile app development trends are more at stake for 2021. A global health crisis and an over-reliance on mobile apps for every human need more Small and bigger is an important factor for these new trends. Additionally, factors such as the launch of the 5G spectrum, new foldable phones, better wearable devices, and much more will lead to the development of better applications.
So let’s take a look at how the digital landscape is changing and what mobile apps have in store for the new year. These are the top mobile app development trends for 2021 that will drive innovation and push the boundaries of human-machine interaction.
1. The native applications will be reapplied
While hybrid apps and cross-platform apps are great at what they do and are a smart investment for most companies, many companies are starting to shift towards native app development.
Many companies have had to downsize or even close their traditional businesses to focus solely on digital. Mobile apps are no longer an add-on functionality, but the backbone that your business sits on. This requires an extremely rich user experience with flawless execution.
So for those who can afford it, native app development will take center stage in 2021.
As cumbersome as it may sound, it is the most authentic way to create mobile applications.
Native apps, coded for 100% platform compatibility, are faster, smoother, and appear more authentic. They provide an immersive experience and unmatched device integration. When using external APIs, device integration features, and other functionality, they run smoothly and provide an unmatched user experience.
Native apps have a longer lifespan and can therefore catch up with a long series of updates before having to rebuild with new code.
Native applications offer much greater scalability and customization.
However, the notable and defining trend for app development for 2021 will be a return to native apps.
2. More advanced AI applications
Another defining trend for app development for 2021 is the best AI apps. Artificial intelligence has already enabled companies to provide better customer personalization, better predictive analytics, and higher revenue.
In 2021, with economies reeling from forced lockdowns and the desperate consequences of the pandemic, delivering humanoid experiences despite minimal human contact will require a heavy reliance on artificial intelligence.
That’s the great power of AI: constantly building itself to make things better, more productive and better than ever.
In 2020 there was a massive exodus towards digital alternatives for all possible services under the sun. From online classes and home work to commerce, fitness and recreation, everything was online.
Therefore, artificial intelligence or AI will be a major trend in application development in 2021.
3. AR and VR applications to mediate the misery of staying at home
With the new form of Coronavirus causing another wave of lockdowns and panic, the problems of staying indoors and strictly minimizing outdoor travel will continue for at least the first few months of 2021 and possibly beyond. Regardless, activities like shopping and leisure travel will slow down smoothly for most of us for a long time.
In this scenario, AR and VR applications will play a monumental role in a wide variety of use cases, creating a dominant application development trend in 2021.
2020 brought a number of unique needs. With people spending all their time at home, home improvements and renovations became hugely popular like never before. To avoid the ensuing feelings of confinement and boredom, people have given a great push to make their homes more stylish and welcoming.
This requires a lot of shopping though, and unfortunately that was the challenging aspect. Visiting stores was out of the question, and buying products like furniture, fabrics, and decorations online raises a wide range of concerns about things like size, color, aesthetics, and more.
Augmented Reality came to the rescue of all these consumers and companies.
All the major household items, including Ikea, Wayfair, Amazon, and others, that have been involved in AR and VR technology for a few years, have made great strides in 2020. Using AR and VR to visualize a piece of furniture or accessory on your space and see how well it would fit and fit.
In 2021, this technology will be adopted more widely, not only by major brands, but also by smaller retailers using AR / VR to sell products.
4. 5G, finally
2021 will be the year that 5G will definitely enter our lives. While we’ve been anticipating 5G in app development for a while, 2021 will be the year mobile app developers can do it all with 5G and create faster, sharper, and richer apps.
With too many people working online, too many students studying online, and some people relying on technology to ‘meet’ their families, the pressure is on mobile apps to provide better connectivity, a richer user experience, and apps. more efficient.
With 5G, developers can build applications that run faster than ever, which means faster file transfers, improved video quality, better audio for business calls or conferences, and much more. Video calls become more fluid and intimate.
In fact, 5G will enhance all other services that are trending in their own right, such as AR / VR, IoT, Instant Apps, and more. With the improved accuracy of 5G, the Internet of Things with GPS will work more efficiently. Performance and responsiveness of applications are improved due to shorter load times.
5. Mobile finance
Fintech has made remarkable progress in recent years. In 2021, this technology will continue to grow and become simpler and more accessible to the masses.
The use of cash is becoming obsolete for more than one reason. First of all, going to ATMs is a major no-no. If successful, exchanging cash between hands is a violent practice of avoiding contact, and bills are very difficult to clean.
Expecting the general public to walk around without cash and pay for the hot dog stand with their smartphone is fast becoming an everyday activity.
Mobile apps that make this process as simple as possible are probably the most sought after technologies in mind. An app that reduces the steps of scanning a QR code, entering the amount, and processing the payment in seconds (even longer) would be a definite winner.
However, when it comes to mobile finance, a good balance between speed and security is paramount. Fintech leaders are already offering excellent services. Developing even better applications in 2021 is a challenge for innovators. Malware and phishing attacks are on the rise. Cybercrime is becoming more sophisticated every day. Fintech apps in 2021 should be much more effective against all of these crooks while delivering super-fast, fluid experiences in real time.
6. Weae technology will become widespreadrabl
Wearable devices and the applications designed for them are not new in 2021. So far, however, they have only been adopted by a few adventurous users.
However, things are changing and wearables are becoming more mainstream and friendlier for budget shoppers. With prices becoming more affordable, wearable devices will be more widely adopted in 2021, increasing the demand for wearable applications.
These portable applications can be of various genres. Fitness is clearly the top category. Several other categories will also emerge in 2021. Many people who are cutting back on screen time would try to distance themselves from phones. However, they still need to be connected, and therefore they need communication applications like email and SMS on their portable devices.
7. Foldable phone apps
What’s even more exciting is the great creative appeal this has for app developers. The larger screen makes room for many more immersive experiences. On phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, the dual displays offer multitasking like never before. Now is the time to create apps that run in the background so users don’t skip the beat.
App development is an exciting and exciting world. 2020 was a pretty bleak year with unprecedented challenges at all levels.
We hope that 2021 brings better health and much-needed healing to the world. For all the challenges that persist, mobile app developers will continue to innovate and find solutions to the hottest problems. Mobile apps take on a whole new meaning in the new normal and often become the only way to get things done. To that end, we stay on top of trends and provide you with better, faster, and more secure apps to help you solve your problems and save more time, money, and common sense.
Janhavi Ahirwar's Blog 