5 Trends in Mobile App use and Development that will re-define the Industry in 2018

As numbers from the 2017 Christmas season continue to pour in, we are seeing some impressive statistics as the mobile app industry continues to grow. According to recent report, 2017 holiday spending on apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions rose by 12.3 percent from last year. 

As we get deeper into 2018, mobile app developers are building new ways to connect with consumers. By this time next year, the mobile app world may see itself re-defined by these trends.

#1 – More Mobile Wallet use

Current estimates suggest there to be as many as 1.5 billion mobile wallets in the world. As this number grows in 2018, mobile app developers are looking to turn smartphones into the ultimate personal payment solution. Any brand that has not yet offered mobile payments to its customers may want to consider jumping on board before they get left behind the curb.

#2 – Is Better Mobile App Security Possible – the hope is Yes

Concerns regarding app security continue to permeate the industry. Apple and Google are among the brands who have committed to making their devices a safer, more secure place. Mobile app security should be among the highest priorities throughout code encryption all the way through to release. Test the security up and down and every which way to ensure everything is prepped accordingly.

#3 – More AI Chatbots say Hello!

Artificial intelligence and mobile are likely forever entangled. Expect more chatbots to arrive in 2018, as consumer demands lean increasingly towards personalized 24/7 customer service. The costs of AI chatbots and building them into mobile applications have significantly lessened, meaning more corporate brand names jumping on board. According to a recent study, 52 percent of consumers prefer to interact with businesses through smartphone messaging rather than over the phone or face-to-face. In response to information like this, expect big names to enact different variations of AI messaging.

#4 – VR v. AR; two realities doing battle

VR and AR are going to have a big role to play in mobile app development in 2018, already being used successfully by brands like IKEA and Wayfair. As more resources are devoted towards AR, we may see augmented reality explode in the coming twelve months. More examples of augmented reality are beginning to see the light of day including in travel where simulations of travel routes can be explored, in real estate where homes for sale can be virtually toured, and in automobile sales where it’s now possible to complete a virtual test drive.

#5 – Entertainment continues its move to on-demand servicing

Non-gaming apps grew in sales in 2017 by 66 percent due in part from on-demand streaming services such as Netflix and HBO NOW. When entertainment apps are separated from other non-gaming apps, we see even bigger sales growth as consumer spending increased 98 percent over last year. The next few years may see an influx of on-demand apps relating to a variety of things, including restaurants, getting a haircut, renting a bike, and more.

As evidenced, mobile app development is changing and consumers are largely leading the charge on where the industry is headed next. As developers continue to accommodate consumer needs, it’s meant big brands evolving the way they do business. To keep a competitive edge and stay ahead of the curve, companies’ mobile app development continues to grow.