Top Mobile App Trends : (AI, ML, AR, VR, IOT) — 2021 Edition

Karen Cartar
Towards Data Science
9 min readSep 24, 2019

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Did You Know! “ Mobile app development trends in 2021 are a snapshot of where the industry is heading”. And, not to forget over the past few years mobile devices and applications are evolving with new trends whereas, some are improving the existing one.

As per latest reports from Statista, the total number of smart-phone users is predicted to reach around 2.5 Billion compared to 2.1 Billion in 2016.

Moreover, the ever-increasing number of mobile application downloads is increased exponentially. While in 2018 it was scaled at 205.4 Billions is forecasted to reach 258.2 Billions by 2022.

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As such, the mobile app future trends show no sign of stopping and is guessed to grow tremendously in the coming years. This fact has created a buzz to hire software developers that welcome innovative mobile app technology and trends that will rule 2021 and help you stay ahead in the competition.

This blog acts as the focal point for some of the influential trends that are sure to accelerate the technology to the next level for coming years.

1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Inception Of Virtual Assistants Era

Despite the fact, Artificial Intelligence was a prominent name in the last few years, it still continue to be an imperious technology trend in the upcoming years.

Besides, AI technology has many such aspects that can reap heaps of benefit for your business but are yet to be discovered. Recently, Artificial Intelligence blend with Machine Learning based applications is one added in the benefit list.

This amalgamation came up with excellent outcomes in analyzing the behemoth amount of organizational data. In addition, it also lends a hand to management with valuable and triable insights.

Since it’s inception, AI and ML have dug their heels quite deeper in the mobile app development services. Working with these technologies, it becomes an easy approach to evaluate the data while delivering an unparalleled and personalized experience to your users.

Future Trends Of AI and ML :

  • AI enabled chips
  • Interoperability among neural networks
  • Automated machine learning

2. Wearable Devices The Must-Have Of Future Accessory

There is no denying to the fact that the wearable industry is experiencing a tremendous upsurge. In fact, according to Statista, the market of wearable devices is scaled presently at $53.2 Billion and is having a hunch to reach $ 73.27 Billion by 2022.

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This means, there is not an evident amount of investment reserved to the market, but soon the word wearables devices will become as copious as the word smartphone is by now.

As by now, every wearable device control panel is the smartphone. It means, to develop a wearable it must be connected with respective devices and they must be in close proximity.

But, according to the Co-Founder of UNA, Ryan Craycraft, the phones will be no longer the hub for wearable device connectivity, rather swapping will be done for more ubiquitous connection with the web or even our bodies.

So, looking at the increasing popularity of the wearable technology, it’s mandatory to hire best mobile app developers which develops an excellent app that will dominate in 2021 and ahead.

Future Trends Of Wearables Devices:

  • Wearable technology crafts top-notch place in fitness trends in 2021.
  • Another key factor of future wearables is — smart clothing.

3. Internet of ThingsMore Than Just A Buzzword

Do you know, From where the word smart objects or smart things got its relevance?

The word “Smart Objects” or “Smart Things” was originally coined by relatively new technology — “The Internet of Things”. In simple words, IoT is a physical network of objects and things that are embedded in software, sensors, and electronic devices in the presence of network connectivity.

Probably, now you will have a clear vision of why IoT is an imperative of the industry.

  • It improves the technology eco-system.
  • It plays a crucial role in the education industry.
  • It enables to collect and exchange of consumer data without any human intervention.

Therefore, make sure to rely on the best software development services as IoT technology proves to be a game-changer for your business.

Future Trends Of IoT:

  • Self-driving cars
  • Routers equipped with more securities
  • Smart homes and smart devices

4. Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality — The New Normal Of App Industry

AR and VR technology, both are amazing! But, in 2021 heir use cases are not limited to gaming applications anymore.

Tech fanatics are already looking for an innovative way to harness the most for both technologies. Indeed, these technologies are seen on the social platform for branding as well as targeting potential customers through “Beyond the Screen’s” AR/VR apps.

For example, Snapchat and Instagram have already released their AR filters that can transform any human face into numerous digital characters.

AR/VR Future Trends:

  • AR in Healthcare and manufacturing
  • Mobile AR disruption
  • AR In marketing and advertising

5. Beacon Technology Predicted To Have Billion Dollar Market

Beacon technology is an early entrant for mobile app future trends.

This technology holds the potential to gratify an unforgettable customer service on a more personalized level.

You must be thinking about what is “Beacon”?

Beacons are a tiny transmitter that allows communication with other devices through Bluetooth. They are a boon to location-based searching too. This technology brings along tremendous success to your business.

The right combination of a single Beacon device with a powerful mobile app helps you expand your customer base, accomplish inviting product display, and create a clear mapping.

So, make sure to align with the best mobile application development services to create the perfect combination of Beacon technology and mobile apps to grow as a business.

Beacon Technology Future Trends:

  • Mobile payment beacons
  • Beacons treasured hunting

6. Chatbots — The Nuts & Bolts Of Mobile Market

Chatbots provide personalized responses to user queries in real-time. Rather to be more specific, they are fully automated with zero human intervention.

Primarily, bots started as a messaging app on Facebook, Slack, Skype. But, with the current scenario advancements in AI has made it possible to integrate chatbots in your native mobile app too.

Statista states, “size of the chatbots market is predicted to reach $ 1.25 Billion by 2025.”

With so many benefits offered to your end customer, a virtual assistant will be a proven advantage to your mobile application development.

So, brace yourself to give a more personalized experience to your customers.

Chatbots Future Trends:

  • Voice Recognization & expression in chatbots.
  • Chatbots influence on customer insight will grow and simultaneously the predictability of user action will increase.
  • Social messenger applications will drive chatbots marketing.

7. Mobile Payments / M-walletA Friction-less Payment Platform

Undoubtedly, mobile payments are on the rise. In fact, the demand for mobile payment solutions is on the upsurge, and being “security” the top-most concern among the other software development services, the usage of mobile wallets is only going to accelerate in the upcoming years.

Despite the fact, frictionless payment methods are the apple of the eye customers wish to see in the mobile apps they use, gravitating towards a secured m-payment method is crucial.

So, if you are thinking of upgrading your mobile app with features that can upgrade your target audience shopping experience, make sure they can pay virtually.

M-wallet / Mobile Payment Future Trends:

  • Secure and safe mobile wallets
  • Contactless payments
  • Around 2 Billion mobile wallet user

8. Cloud Based Technology Mobile Apps — The Imperative Of Future Mobile Apps

Although, many people still consider cloud as a luxury option, whereas in 2021, the case does not stand the same.

The world has welcomed new dawn, the dawn full of advantages as well as possibilities that the cloud has to offer.

For better understanding, let’s take an example of minimizing hosting cost, improved loading capacity, and streamlined business operations were some of the benefits cloud used to provide. Whereas, nowadays there are a lot of security-based concerns being solved with cloud assistance, making mobile app development more secure, trusted, and fast.

Adding on, lending the hand with the cloud-based technology applications like Dropbox, Sliderocket, AWS, and the list goes on, it is possible to build powerful applications that run directly on the cloud.

So, what should you be expecting more?

“More Powerful Apps” which require minimal storage space from the smartphone.

Cloud Computing Future Trends:

  • Hybrid cloud solutions
  • Quantum Computing
  • Evolution of cloud services and solutions

9. Blockchain Technology An Insight Beyond Smart Contracts & Bitcoin

Ever since its debut, blockchain technology has opened up a world of fresh and amazing opportunities in the IT sector.

While in 2018, everyone heard about the buzzing word “Cryptocurrency” and mostly saw the use of blockchain technology in creating “smart contracts” also. But in reality, blockchain is more useful than one can imagine.

For instance, with the proper utilization of blockchain, it is possible to build decentralized mobile applications.

Wait! Is the term “Decentralized mobile apps” new for you?

Don’t worry, let’s have a quick glance at what is it.

Decentralized mobile app or Dapps is basically an application that is not owned by anyone, but it is also impossible to shut it down nor it has any downtime.

In clear words, blockchain is predicted to contribute more in the mobile apps market by nurturing the place for decentralized mobile apps, just in the same manner bitcoin blockchain did for money.

Blockchain Technology Future Trends:

  • Asset tokenization
  • Crypto space and gaming
  • Trading on crypto-currency exchange

10. 5G Technology — A Boost To Your’s App Load Speed

As 4G LTE has delivered amazing benefits to customers — streaming, high-definition videos, fast internet browsing, reliable video conferencing and online gaming.

Now the mobile applications and telecom service provider are edging towards 5G technology. But, what does 5G technology means for top Android or iPhone app development company and billions of end-users who could benefit from new mobile experience?

Of course, faster mobile internet is expected, but it’s just one game-changing advantage.

  • Latency cut to near-zero
  • Maximized connection density

What does it means for mobile app developers?

5G Technology ushers in a world of interconnected and always-on devices in our businesses and homes that share data in real-time and enjoy the new paradigms of speed and connection reliability. So, let see what 5G holds for the developers.

  • eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband)

5G will initially aim at greater bandwidth for faster upload or download speeds improving the latency.

So, if streaming 4K or 360 Degree videos or mobile AR/VR seems peculiar and unrealistic, then be ready for this change.

  • URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low-Latency Communications)

Real-time control for machines and other mission-oriented tasks are predicted to arrive a little later.

Real-time virtual reality gaming, autonomous cars, automatic surgery, factory line-automation are a few to name in the advantage list that URLLC could offer.

  • mMtc (Massive Machine Type Communication)

Amalgamated with the latency advancements and superior connected device density offered by 5G technology, ensure to hire best mobile app developers that will be proficient to work with the technology blend as 5G matures.

But, don’t wear a cold shoulder when it is about your mobile application development. It is mandatory to consider device features and network requirements that ensures the app works flawlessly and ticks the boxes of user expectations.

Conclude:

Mobile App Trends 2021 & Beyond: With new technologies approaching the fore now and then, the software development companies are also cementing their footprints in the mobile app market at the speed of light. So, whether you are an entrepreneur, SME, or a technology enthusiast, you need to stay abreast of these mobile app development trends in order to have a niche in the hierarchy.

Therefore, abiding by the mobile app future trends mentioned above, the best developers and companies offer exclusive mobile app development solutions that helps the business in meeting the potential demands of the customers and growing their business.

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Passionate Blogger | Business Strategies | Tech Writer. Write on trending technologies like Blockchain, IoT, AI, AR, VR, Machine Learning, Data Science