While creating mobile apps, developers nowadays have to target many mobile devices and platforms. So the emergence of new mobile devices and updated version of mobile operating systems keep transforming the mobile app landscape constantly. Both app developers and marketers need to keep track of the latest in mobile app development trends to make their mobile apps popular and profitable. There are a number of key trends that will have a huge impact on mobile app development in near future.

Key Mobile App Development Trends Developers Need to Know

Cross-Platform Mobile Apps : The popularity and market share of individual mobile operating systems keep changing frequently. At present, Android is the most popular mobile operating system. But many reports have highlighted businesses can get higher returns by targeting iOS instead of Android. Most enterprises nowadays prefer building cross-platform mobile apps. A gradual increase is also being noted in the demand for cross-platform mobile app development tools that enable developers to create the same app for different platforms using a single code base.

Wearable Devices: Within a short span of time, many businesses have launched a wide variety of smartwatches and wearable devices. However, the users do not have option to install app directly on their mobile apps. They are required to connect the wearable devices with their smartphones or tablets, and see results or information on the wearable devices. So the programmers now have to ensure that the users have option to access the same app on both handheld and wearable devices without any interruption or flaw.

Enterprise Mobile Applications: A large percentage of modern people nowadays use their mobile devices for business and professional purposes. Many companies also allow their devices to bring and use their own devices. So the demand for enterprise apps is increasing consistently. Many businesses even prefer developing enterprise apps instead of consumer app to get higher revenue and profit. More and more developers will launch innovative apps to make the professionals more productive and get higher returns.

Internet of Things: A number of enterprises have already invested in Internet of Things projects. The smooth and enhanced connectivity between various devices will make people use their mobile devices as remote controls. They will explore ways to access and control multiple devices through their smartphones or tablets. Thus, developers will be required to create innovative apps for the Internet of Things projects. The new age apps need to allow users to gather information about the environmental conditions, and control the devices remotely over different connections.

Emphasis on User Experience: The user experience differs from one mobile platform to another. Many users opt for iOS devices to avail the best experience. But the developers need to ensure that the app delivers quality user experience across multiple devices. While developing cross-platform app, they need to make the app deliver user experience like native apps by taking advantage of the features and hardware of the device. They further need to focus on the app’s functionality and performance to keep the users interested and engaged.

Mobile Payment Systems: Both Apple and Google have been taking new initiatives continuously to make their mobile payment systems popular. Android Marshmallow and iOS 10 also come with features that enable users to make payment from their mobile devices directly and smoothly. The payment systems make it easier for programmers to create mobile commerce apps. They can even use the payment systems to include in-app purchase option in the apps and get higher revenue. But they need to ensure that the app allows users to pick their preferred payment option, along with allowing them to make payments securely.

Beacon Technology: The beacon technology has made it easier for developers to make the mobile app deliver relevant location-specific information to users. The technology uses radio waves to identify the exact location of the mobile device, and deliver contextual information to the user based on his current location. The developers now have option to use iBeacon toolkit while developing both iOS and Android apps. They can now use specialized APIs and protocols to identify the user’s current location accurately, and deliver contextual ads and content.

Comprehensive Security: Many reports have highlighted that a large percentage of existing mobile apps are vulnerable to a variety of security threats and attacks. The conventional apps lack the features required to provide adequate security to the user’s sensitive data and resources. So the developers must include latest security and encryption features to win the trust of users. They have to use advanced tools and take advantage of the security features provided by the mobile platform to make the apps more secure and robust.

Engaging Games: Many reports have highlighted that mobile games are more popular than mobile apps. Many users even prefer downloading popular mobile games without considering their prices. So enterprises will keep launching both mobile apps and games to get more revenue. But they will also like to make the game available for multiple mobile platforms to reach out more users. So the developers have to build cross-platform mobile games with innovative features like multi-player options and attractive 3D graphics.

Cloud Technologies: The cloud-based tools and services have made it easier for programmers to develop and test mobile apps. But users will soon need applications that allow them to access the files and data stored on their cloud drives. The apps must allow users to access their online data on various mobile devices. Also, the application must enable them to store their data in the cloud drives without any hassle. The developers will be required to new cloud-based applications to meet the changing needs of customers.

Along with keeping in mind the latest mobile application development trends, the developers also need to know the new features included in iOS 10, Android Marshmallow, and Windows 10 Mobile. Likewise, they also need to understand the new features offered by iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPad Pro, and new Android devices. The new devices and latest version of popular mobile platforms will also have a direct impact on mobile app development.