The use of mobile phones is becoming more and more prevalent in daily life, and this trend is only being driven by cheaper and faster internet. These days, we use our mobile devices for everything—from browsing for recipes to purchasing groceries to purchasing tickets for overseas travel.

Without our phones, we feel empty; therefore, companies are looking for mobile app development services to create unique and interesting apps that will increase their reach.

On a daily basis, how many apps do you use? Most likely over ten. You most likely open your app more than fifty times a day if you’re a millennial. Upon reflection, this shouldn’t come as a shock.

The majority of consumers use applications for over 90% of their online time, with over 2.9 million apps available on the Google Play Store. Businesses must enhance mobile app development with trendsetting features to differentiate themselves from rivals as the number of users continues to rise. 

In this blog we will share 5 emerging mobile app development trends for 2024 that businesses need in order to outsmart their competitors.

Emerging Mobile App Development Trends 

#1 Internet of Things (IoT) Technology Integration 

IoT is by no means a novel idea. However, the increased use of mobile devices in a wide number of industries and categories has given the Internet of Things what seems like limitless prospects. The use of technology to enhance daily living has become second nature to people.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the expanding network of gadgets that are linked to the Internet and offer customers automated convenience and control. One prime illustration of the growth of mobile app development and the Internet of Things is smart home technologies.

Mobile apps can be used to connect to home security systems, lock or unlock front doors, and control thermostats in houses from a distance. Mobile apps can be linked to refrigerators and other household equipment as well. 

The global market for Internet of Things ( IoT ) has already reached $318 billion in 2023 and it is expected to grow even further in the next coming years.

#2 Immersive Experience with Augmented Reality Technology 

Google experimented with (and once tried to revolutionize) virtual reality experiences on smartphones via Google Cardboard and Google Daydream a few years ago. Despite the fact that technological constraints prevented this vision from being fully fulfilled, the goal of giving people immersive experiences continues to be pursued in the form of more widely available technologies like augmented reality. In 2023, augmented reality developers will have more tools at their disposal than ever before, enabling users to accomplish far more than just catching Pokémon. 

When applied to mobile devices, augmented reality offers several advantages. First of all, due to their widespread use, cellphones are a terrific medium for sharing immersive experiences with your audience and are far more useful than heavy, costly headsets. Because AR apps include more realistic and interactive aspects, they can result in higher levels of user engagement. Beyond consumer areas, augmented reality technology also offers useful answers to issues, demonstrating potential in business settings. 

Using a user’s location to improve augmented reality experiences and turning real-world subjects into 3D objects are two of the most significant augmented reality trends in mobile app development. 

#3 Integration with Wearables 

For several years now, wearable technology has also been on the rise. This isn’t exactly a market-changing invention. Smartwatches, fitness trackers and fitness bands have been around for a while now.

However, wearable technology is still not at its full potential. The wearables revolution has altered and will continue to alter the process of developing mobile apps.

For example, during WWDC 2019, Apple made a significant announcement on wearables and app integration. The Apple App Store is now available on Apple Watch thanks to watchOS 6. For these smartphones, independent apps are being developed especially. For content producers and app distributors, this has opened up a huge potential.

By 2024, wearables will play a much bigger role in mobile app development and more apps will be available to download right from the wrist of users.

With wearables and mobile app connectivity, we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface and this category will expand more in  the upcoming years.

#4 Beacon Technology 

This is one of the trends in mobile app development that is now attracting a lot of attention. It uses low-energy Bluetooth signals to establish connections with mobile devices that are within a 100-feet radius. Many different sectors have adopted beacon technology. Beacons may enhance almost any smartphone app with sophisticated features, ranging from retail to healthcare and hospitality.

Back in 2013, the first mobile app beacons were created. However, this technology has advanced significantly in the recent few years. 

Beacons are tiny wireless transmitters that can link to and interact with surrounding mobile applications. Retailers place the beacons, which, if the app is installed on the phone, pair with devices using Bluetooth. A user can receive alerts about exclusive deals that are offered in that store while they are in close proximity to a beacon.

According to Fortune Business Insights, this industry is growing at a rate of 48.9% CAGR and is expected to reach $30 billion by 2026. The industries that are using this technology for app creation the most include retail, real estate, healthcare, and other fields.

#5 Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Integration 

Although neither of these technologies is the newest in mobile app development, their continued popularity can be attributed to the incredible advancements in the field. By 2024, these two technologies are predicted to have advanced much farther.

In essence, machine learning (ML) involves providing vast amounts of data to computers so they can identify and comprehend patterns, behaviours, etc. ML is used by AI to provide intelligent answers and solutions. ML models have been employed in IoS app development to provide users with incredibly immersive experiences.

Consumers who were previously unable to access LLMs, or large language models, are now begging for more thanks to ChatGPT. Currently, a lot of firms are focused on conversational LLM consumption, which implies that customers will receive this experience through mobile apps.

According to research, In 2021 AI was valued at $2.14 billion USD in mobile markets and it is estimated to grow to $337.8 billion value by 2027. 

Final Thoughts

The process of developing mobile apps is always evolving. You will not be able to remain competitive if you are developing apps today with data from two or three years ago. Trends in the mobile app market have the power to make or destroy your project’s success.

You can take the 2024 mobile app trends as your bible if you’re a reseller or mobile app development company. You can have an advantage in your area by doing this. It is imperative that every mobile app developer in your team comprehends current trends in mobile app development and integrates them into the app development workflow.

It is not necessary to incorporate every trend into each and every app you develop. However, in order to adjust, you must have a general awareness of how the market is changing.