Keeping an eye on trends in app development can ensure your app development project is up-to-date with what consumers expect out of certain types of apps. Below are some trends that we’re seeing in app development that we expect to become more prominent in the coming year. This article was brought to you by the top Austin app developers at Enola Labs Software. Enola Labs specializes in software development, technology consulting, and legacy migration led by our team of senior engineers and architects.
- AR and VR continue to find their place
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have been bubbling the past couple of years in the tech world. However, finding applications for these technologies that consumers actually want and need have been harder to find. In 2019, we expect to see leaders in tech look for more useful areas to apply VR and AR technology where it can really make a difference in peoples lives.
- Cloud-based apps
Applications are more frequently being built on the cloud and for the cloud. This is unique from conventional native app development, where the mobile application is built to run on a specific mobile device and is downloaded directly to the device. A cloud-based application lives on the cloud and is not downloaded to a specific device, making it easier to update and saving consumers valuable space on their devices. A cloud-based app uses the mobile device’s internet browser to function. It also a less expensive method for developing an app.
- Mobile-payment based applications
Mobile payments are absolutely revolutionizing the way we use our mobile devices. Mobile payments make it super easy to make in-app payments, making mobile apps easier to monetize than ever before. Apps focused primarily on mobile payments also saw a huge uptick in 2018, so this trend is not expected to slow down. We may also see more brick and mortar stores accepting mobile payments as a result as they integrate mobile payments into their own apps.
- Apps made specifically for wearables
The Apple watch and other smartwatches are absolutely making their way into the mainstream. A few years ago, many apps were made to work with wearables but offered a better experience on a mobile device. As wearables become more common, we are seeing more apps being developed specifically for the Apple watch and other smartwatches. These are more user-friendly to watch wearers and have some awesome functions that aren’t available on mobile devices.
- Less passcodes, more face ID
Passcodes were the gold standard for app security a couple of years ago, but with new features integrated into smartphones — a passcode isn’t going to cut it. We are already seeing many mobile payment applications utilize the Face ID feature as an extra security protocol and expect to see that trend continue in mobile application development.
This article was brought to you by the top Austin app developers at Enola Labs Software. Enola Labs specializes in software development, technology consulting, and legacy migration led by our team of senior engineers and architects.