The top trends likely to dominate mobile applications in 2023 – Part 1
The 2020 global pandemic increased our dependence on our smartphones and mobile apps. As we approach 2023, mobile applications are critical for organizations to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Favorably, emerging technologies like 5G and Edge Computing can accelerate mobile app development in the coming years.
To that end, let’s look at nine of the leading trends likely to dominate mobile apps in 2023 and beyond.
1. 5G
Among the latest buzzwords, 5G is not just about faster download speeds. It can also create new ideas and possibilities in app development. As more consumers connect to 5G networks in 2023, app developers must look to build and integrate 5G into their applications.
The latest statistics outline that the response time of 5G is less than 1 millisecond. Compare that with the average human response time of 300ms. Going forward, 5G technology can “mainstream” innovations like driverless cars, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
2. Edge Computing
Edge computing is the next frontier for the cloud ecosystem. The market value for mobile edge computing technology is projected to reach $2.8 billion by 2027. Despite 5G capabilities, the “centralized” cloud computing model poses several latency-related issues. Effectively, edge computing eliminates this problem by bringing the cloud to the mobile device.
In the B2B sector, mobile app trends will include edge computing due to the growing demand for location-based services. Additionally, this technology can transform how IoT devices generate, store, and transfer data.
3. Instant and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
PWAs have a 36% higher conversion rate than native mobile apps. Among their major advantages, PWAs and instant apps are faster to develop than “regular” mobile apps. Additionally, these apps provide benefits like:
- Faster loading time
- Lower dependence on the Internet connection
- Lesser occupied space on any mobile device
- Faster growth and conversion of mobile app users
4. Wearable Apps
As per Statista’s analysis, around 1 billion wearable devices are operational in 2022. Like mobile phones, wearable devices are personal but are smaller and easier to carry around. Wearable app development has been a growing trend for the past few years and will dominate in 2023.
The industry demand for health monitoring wearables surged amid the 2020 pandemic. For instance, activity trackers like Fitbit and smartwatches that monitor real-time physiological data continue to garner consumer interest.
With the increased interest in wearable devices, mobile app developers need to focus on creating apps that can integrate easily with wearables.
5. Beacon
Introduced by Apple in 2013, Beacon has evolved rapidly from a low-energy-consuming Bluetooth technology. 3.9 million of the 5.1 million global proximity sensors use the Beacon technology. The global market for Beacon technology is forecasted to reach $45.21 billion by 2026.
Where is Beacon technology used most often? One interesting use case is Closeness advertising. For instance, based on their location or proximity to a product, mobile app users can receive a discount code or more product-related information. Using this technology, retailers can also track their customer’s in-store buying behavior.
6. mCommerce
mCommerce (or mobile commerce) has been on an upward trend for the last few years and will continue to grow in 2023. Simply put, mobile commerce is the form of eCommerce shopping performed on mobile phones. About 49% of global consumers in 2021 shopped on their smartphones.
Mobile commerce is also driving the emerging trend of social commerce using social media platforms like Twitter, Snapchat, and WeChat for online purchases. Going ahead in 2023, eCommerce or retail brands are likely to create mobile apps that can simplify online purchases.
7. On-Demand Apps
On-demand mobile apps are another trend that will develop in 2023 and beyond. Functioning as a “third-party app,” on-demand apps deliver a variety of products and services for customer convenience. Popular examples of on-demand apps include Uber and Food delivery apps like Zomato.
Technologies like 5G and edge computing will accelerate the demand for on-demand apps in 2023. According to Statista, American consumers annually spend around $57.6 billion on the on-demand economy. On-demand mobile apps are primarily used in the online marketplace, transportation, and grocery delivery segments.
8. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In 2023, deep learning technologies like AI and machine learning can drastically reduce human errors and time spent developing mobile apps. AI-enabled chatbots serve as a 24/7 customer service assistant on any online pharmacy or food delivery app. In fact, McDonald’s has been leveraging AI technology to customize its drive-through menu.
Associated technologies like machine learning can also transform mobile app development by providing real-time data with accurate insights.
Among the future trends, AI is being utilized for use cases like telemedicine and thermal scanning. Besides, AI-powered apps can transform modern wearables and IoT devices.
9. Digital Experience Monitoring (DEM)
In 2023, organizations will continue to move towards cloud-hosted mobile applications as well as adopt the “hybrid workforce” model. Besides reducing costs, DEM tools can improve the productivity of hybrid workers and monitor user experiences across multiple mobile platforms and devices. With the emergence of remote working, organizations can also leverage DEM solutions to secure customer data and comply with data privacy regulations. Organizations can also have real-time visibility of customer data by integrating DEM with third-party solutions like CRM and customer service.
Apart from these extremely visible trends, the mobile applications space is likely to see continued buzz in some familiar areas too. Some of these are:
Conclusion
In 2023, mobile apps will continue to innovate and dominate the digital landscape. Among the prevailing trends, we can expect mobile app development to become faster and more streamlined in 2023. In the second part of this article, we shall look at eight more trends that will dominate mobile applications in 2023. We shall also discuss how these trends will impact the performance testing of mobile apps.
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