App building trends to look out for in 2024
It’s always exciting to keep yourself up to date with the ever-evolving world of apps. Apps have been around since the early days of mobile phones if you count basic features like calendars, calculators and simple games like Snake. However, these devices normally had black-and-white screens and were very limited when it came to download opportunities, processing power and connectivity compared to the incredibly powerful and colourful devices we have today.
The Rise of Apple
There have been numerous big moments in the history of apps. The arrival of the Java Platform, Micro Edition enabled phone manufacturers to add a wider range of mobile applications to their devices, but the concept of the phone app really took off when the first iPhone was unveiled in 2007. Apple introduced the iPhone and the App Store in the late 2000s. This meant developers were now able to create third-party applications for phones. It was also easy for users to download and install these apps on their devices.
The rise of Android
The Android Market was also launched in 2008, and this enabled people to download apps on other non-Apple devices. This marketplace was later renamed Google Play. There was a huge amount of growth in the app market in the 2010s when apps became more and more sophisticated. By the time we reached this point, there was an app available for almost everything imaginable, including social media, e-commerce, fitness, music, video, radio, productivity and much more. App development tools and frameworks also saw more development, which made it easier for developers to create high-quality apps.
The 2010s also saw more monetisation of apps. There was a great deal of growth when it came to paid apps, in-app purchases and advertising. Many ‘freemium’ apps were introduced, which users could download the ‘premium’ versions of when they wanted to pay for extra features and upgrades. Other platforms including BlackBerry and Windows Phone also had their own app stores, but these weren’t as popular as the Apple and Android stores. Advancements in cross-platform development frameworks meant developers found it easier to create apps which could run on different operating systems. By the end of the decade, apps weren’t just being downloaded onto smartphones but tablets, smartwatches, TVs and other devices.
By the early 2020s, apps were also being used to control devices and appliances at home including washing machines, TVs and lights. This became known as the Internet of Things. Today, mobile apps give users a host of services and entertainment around the clock. More and more people are carrying out activities like shopping, playing games and managing daily tasks through their devices.
If you’re a developer who wants to remain at the top of their game or a business owner who wants to offer first-class apps to their customers in order to gain a real edge over the competition and drive more sales, it’s essential to keep yourself up to date with what’s happening in the world of app development. Let’s take a look at some of 2024’s biggest and most talked-about mobile app development trends according to the experts.
Integrated digital health tracking
Health tracking is becoming part of everyday apps and seamlessly offering personalised wellness guidance. As more people use wearables and health data becomes widely accessible, our regular apps will use this information to create highly personalised fitness plans and offer advice on nutrition and lifestyle changes.
App factories for medical apps
In 2024, healthcare systems will increasingly centralise mobile app development by creating a “mobile app factory” model with partners. This approach involves using pre-approved components to save time, enhance security and quality, speed up deployment and reduce development cost variations.
Development through no-code and low-code software
In 2024, it’s likely we will have more simple ways to create mobile apps without much coding. This will be great for business owners or tech developers who want a mobile app but lack the time or resources to build one from scratch. It opens the door to flexible and accessible options for creators in all industries.
AR navigation
Improved navigation apps are using augmented reality to give us real-time directions by placing digital information in the physical world. These apps are getting more advanced and user-friendly, making navigation easier in cities, shopping malls, airports and other complex environments.
Improved accessibility
AI will be crucial for 2024’s mobile apps. Adoption rates are already high, and more integration is expected. This should lead to improved user experiences and personalisation. There will be big enhancements in accessibility, thanks to progress in computer vision and speech-to-text technology, making mobile experiences better for everyone.
Progressive web apps
In 2024, Progressive Web apps (PWAs) are expected to become more popular in the world of mobile app development. PWAs combine the strengths of both web and mobile apps to offer a smooth experience on various devices and platforms. They come with quick loading, work offline and respond quickly. PWAs can give users a more efficient and accessible app experience.
Integrated voice and recognition and command
The use of voice recognition and command technology will increase significantly in 2024. This allows hands-free interactions with devices, creating memorable user experiences. Developers incorporating this technology into their products can expect to have a competitive edge.
Emotional intelligence
Expect mobile apps to include emotional intelligence features, understanding user’s feelings from facial expressions and voice tone. This trend improves user engagement by adjusting app responses to emotional cues. Developers should focus on creating empathetic app interactions for a more personalised and emotionally connected user experience.
AI-driven personalisation
In the world of mobile app development, another major trend is using artificial intelligence for personalisation purposes. Developers are working on tailoring user experiences, from content to interface design. The reason for this is to boost user engagement and satisfaction by making apps more intuitive and responsive to people’s preferences and behaviours.
Microinteractions
In the coming year, small, focused experiences called micro interactions in apps are likely to take over, replacing complicated menus with easy gestures and voice commands. Imagine dynamic home screens, smart suggestions and smooth multitasking. Microinteractions will make the user experience better by increasing engagement, reducing stress and personalising app usage.
Decentralised user feedback
Since the 2016 election, mobile apps have faced issues with bots and misinformation. X (the service we used to know as Twitter) now has Community Notes. This feature lets all users, not just X employees or algorithms, add context or corrections to posts. In the future, more apps are likely to use decentralised user feedback systems to empower their users.
Multiplatform functionality
More and more apps will work on multiple devices. People will expect to see the same app on their phones, tablets, computers and even in virtual reality. The Apple Vision Pro will run iOS apps immediately, and smart developers are preparing for this. As apps become more widespread, adapting the experience will become more challenging.
A greater focus on interpersonal experiences
Expect better, more connected experiences with products, services and people near you when you’re on your phone. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will be common, and local use of AI and algorithms won’t need lots and lots of internet data. You can expect phone apps to give you richer experiences with other people while shopping, meeting or enjoying content and entertainment.
Super-apps powered by AI
In the coming months, “super apps” with AI and machine learning are likely to rule mobile app development. These apps will blend social media, e-commerce and personal finance, all made better by AI. It means more personalised content and smart suggestions for users across different services. Mobile apps are getting smarter and more versatile thanks to integrated AI.
More on-demand solutions
People still love on-demand services, and this trend is expected to grow in 2024. We are likely to see more on-demand mobile apps in less crowded areas like pet care, cleaning, babysitting and beauty services. Whether you need a chef, stylist, bartender, or decluttering pro, using a dedicated app to find and connect with these specialists may become easier and simpler than ever.
AR integration
In 2024, a big trend in mobile apps will be developers using augmented reality (AR) in different areas. AR can create immersive, interactive experiences, changing how things work in e-commerce and education. This means users can look forward to a more interesting and informative interface. AI can set a new standard for how apps engage and interact with users.
Multimodal learning apps
In 2024, AI-powered learning apps are likely to be big around the world and provide personalised learning for different styles. These apps could mix interactive lessons, augmented reality and AI tutors, helping people master skills efficiently and meeting the demand for personalised education solutions. Many experts say they could make learning better for everyone.
End-to-end encryption
As cyberattacks and data breaches are increasing, more mobile apps will use end-to-end encryption. A study by MIT commissioned by Apple revealed that 2.6 billion personal records were compromised in the last two years. Meta also announced default end-to-end encryption for Messenger. Using more in-app end-to-end encryption is a solution to prevent leaks, which is great for protecting personal information.
AI and LLM Technologies for an improved user experience
In 2024, we’ll likely see more mobile apps using AI and language models to improve user experience. This means apps can offer more personalized and intuitive interactions, making it easier and more engaging for users.
Why is the evolution of apps so exciting?
The ongoing evolution of apps is very exciting for a range of reasons. Apps continually push technological boundaries, introducing new features and functionalities. They make advanced technology accessible to people around the world and help them carry out what could be complex tasks with ease. The more apps improve, the better and more seamless the user experience becomes.
The app industry has also been great for the global economy and continues to create job opportunities whilst helping companies to drive sales and customer loyalty. Apps have also transformed the way that we communicate with each other, access information and consume content. The world of app development never stops and is likely to offer a whole host of new and exciting possibilities for users and developers everywhere.
Why choose us when you need help with UK app development?
There are many great reasons for choosing us when you need app development support in the UK. We have many years of experience to draw upon and have the expertise and resources needed to help you benefit from the very latest technology. The solutions that we bring to the table build brand loyalty and engagement, making your customers feel closer to you than ever. We have delivered first-class apps to clients from a wealth of industries, and we’re always able to tailor our solutions towards your specific needs.
We can work closely alongside you at every stage to ensure that the final product is the perfect match for your app development needs. We strive to create solutions which don’t just meet current standards but stand the test of time. Each app that we developed is designed with user-centric design in mind. This ensures your app is not only functional but also intuitive and appealing to your target audience.
Another great reason for choosing us is that we always keep you in the loop when there’s important news to pass on to you. We also tweak your app repeatedly until it’s fully aligned with your needs. We also offer a great deal of support after your app has been launched and are renowned for the quality of our maintenance services. You can relax in the knowledge that any issues that are identified will be dealt with promptly.
The Process
Once we’ve signed an NDA, we begin the development process. We then carry out thorough market research and analysis to ensure your idea is likely to be a successful one. We will then guide you through all aspects of the development process and create a Specification of Work that documents the full app development plan. Once all contracts are finalised, we’ll start building your app, creating wireframes, working on the UI and UX experience and carrying out rigorous Quality Assurance. We’ll then submit your app for approval.
Once the app is live, we’ll create a robust marketing plan to ensure your app is visible and help you establish and maintain a strong social media presence. We’ll also promote it across a number of channels to optimise its revenue and visibility. Following this, we’ll implement ongoing maintenance to ensure your app remains synchronised with the latest iOS and Android releases. We’ll also update your app regularly to ensure that it stays competitive and relevant in the ever-changing app environment.
Conclusion
The evolution of apps has always been remarkable, and it seems there are many exciting things to come in 2024. From integrated digital health tracking, app factories for medical apps, AR navigation and AI-driven personalisation to improved accessibility, the smartphone owners of 2024 have many great things to look forward to. You can always count on us to embrace the latest technology to deliver the outstanding apps that your business needs to thrive.
Contact us
Now is the time to get in touch to find out more about how we can help you with UK app development.
You can reach us by giving us a call, by sending an email or by completing the form on our site. We will get back to you as quickly as possible so we can quickly get the wheels in motion on developing and promoting the perfect app for your requirements.