The Future of Mobile App Development: Trends and Innovations to Watch in 2024

1. Apps for Foldable Devices

The possibility for foldable devices has triggered the need for apps to work on those devices as well. The monotony of smartphones is about to be broken with foldable devices, and it is imperative that you build foldable apps as well. The thing about being adapted to foldable devices is that you can give the audiences a better and more immersive experience. According to the statistics revealed by Statistica, more than 75.6 million foldable smartphones will be released in 2025. So it would be a good idea to get on board rather than fall far behind. 

Foldable apps and its effect on app development

The technology has already begun to make a considerable impact on mobile app development, and it is obviously a new technology to explore. It will definitely make mobile gaming and videos more immersive and exciting on the go. Foldable devices can double up as a miniature laptop so people can pretty much do their job on their phones. App developers can focus on creating multi-screen applications that will enhance the experience of the users on more than a single screen.

Of course, there are some challenges involved in foldable mobile app development, such as providing multiple orientations and an aspect ratio that is quite different from traditional smartphones and things like that. Since this field of mobile app development is at its nascent stage, the need for testing and tweaking is much higher, and you will have to be on your toes long after the app is launched.

2. Immersive Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality is not a novel idea, and it will definitely be a tried and tested one in 2024. However, there have been some limitations in using this technology because of hardware. But the exciting thing is that it is changing rapidly, and has already begun to influence mobile app development considerably, especially in the field of mobile gaming. Augmented Reality is going to make a heavy impression in several industries namely, health care, tourism, manufacturing retail and so on. Consumers have already warmed up to the idea of using AR glasses and they are an integral part of their lives. 

AR and its effect on mobile app development

With the integration of AR, you can expect the next generation of mobile gaming, a more realistic and gaming experience, with 3D images floating in front of the users making their way in. This technology will continue to evolve and be perfected. Al is already revolutionizing almost every industry. A couple of simple examples would be: (1) the medical industry where the doctors would be able to speed up the diagnosis by looking at the X-rays and MRI scans and (2) the gaming industry where the developers can provide an amazing, almost real-life and exceptional gaming experience. 

 3. Virtual Reality Experiences with Metaverse

Augmented Reality is supplemented by Virtual Reality, and needs no particular introduction. Mobile apps already come with VR integration, creating digital environments to make it easier for the consumers. And with the creation of Metaverse (ever wondered why the CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg announced the renaming of his company to Meta in July 2021?) you have a remarkable digital universe with virtual reality. This allows the users to mirror many activities into the virtual domain. The difference here is that while traditional VR applications operate as separate entities, metaverse makes it possible to weave all the VR applications and services together for a seamless and uninterrupted experience. 

VR and its effect on mobile app development

Just as VR allows people to interact with each other and even host parties and attend concerts, they can participate in multi-player games. Developers have begun to integrate both AR and VR into their current tech stack, not only because it is the trend, but because they might fall off the wagon if they don’t. You can create engaging mobile applications with digital avatars, and that’s just the beginning. The integration of metaverse with VR is going to be explosive in the coming years, with a unique blend of reality and imagination making its way in the world where your audiences can interact. This is not just some Sci-Fi movie anymore. It’s become the reality.

4. The Internet of Things Integration with Blockchain

Enjoy the next level of integration of IoT with Blockchain as a significant step towards developing, secure, reliable and comprehensive method of using and storing data. The levels of safety are extremely high and tamper-proof with all kinds of transactions, especially shared transactions. IoT enabled devices will be able to send data across private blockchain networks, where there will be no need for a central control and management system. The transparent and traceable nature of the Blockchain takes security to the highest levels of success.

 IoT Integration and its effect on mobile app development

According to Statistica, there will be 29 billion IoT devices by 2030, so you can probably imagine the total IoT market value globally by then. Mobile apps with IoT integration takes it to a whole new level of security with practically zero risk of breach of hacking. Blockchain technology adds another layer of security that hackers will practically find it impossible to crack. The effect on mobile app development is very powerful and can be used successfully for multiple mobile applications like pharmacy and healthcare, smart homes, supply chain, financial industry, retail and manufacturing, operational maintenance, insurance and so on. Everyone involved in the process of each of the transactions happening within the security of IoT integration with blockchain can monitor the data in real-time, with no worry of tampering. The need for IoT enabled apps will increase profoundly in the coming years. 

5. Growth of 5G

According to studies and reports, the market value of 5G is expected to grow from USD 107.0 billion in 2022 to US $331.1 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 25.3% from 2022 to 2027. This is predicted according to the reports received in 2021, and when you observe the high availability of 5G compatible devices in the coming years and government investments in 5G services, this transformation is likely to have the highest levels of penetration among consumers. The growth of the 5G market can also be attributed to the increasing demand of IoT devices, industrial automation, telemedicine, connected cars, smart grid and so on. Global smartphone shipments have risen considerably and a number of 5G devices are now available in the mid-tier price segment. However, there is a downside because 5G needs new infrastructure and this could be expensive for the developing or underdeveloped countries. 

5G and its effect on mobile app development

The mobile app development industry is all set to ride on a different level of success with 5G. With improved performance and seamless user experience, users can enjoy faster downloads and upload speeds, along with rich graphics, immersive content and high resolution content. 5G allows for applications integrated with virtual reality and augmented reality and real time video streaming. This allows for multiplayer gaming with enhanced performance. 

5G also leverages the power of edge computing and creates real-time applications like remote monitoring, industrial automation and autonomous vehicles. With improved reliability and faster response times, 5G with edge computing makes it possible to develop latency sensitive applications.