The demand for mobile and web apps has skyrocketed during the pandemic years. Even now, businesses are scrambling to digitize their core architecture to meet the evolving needs of the market and shifting consumer behavior. In this landscape, app development has become a crucial investment for many companies.
However, is simply investing in developing, launching, and marketing an app enough? What factors influence app development? What elements must be present in an app to ensure a return on investment (ROI)?
Key Trends Shaping App Development in 2022 and Beyond
To answer these questions, it’s essential to consider the latest technology trends and their future impact when building an app. Below are some of the most important trends in app development that remain relevant in 2022 and beyond.
1. Web 3.0: The Next Evolution of the Internet
For those unfamiliar, Web 3.0 is one of the most highly anticipated technological evolutions, poised to transform and revolutionize how businesses operate. Web 3.0 represents an equitable open network that enables people to engage and interact without concerns over data security and privacy breaches. It combines the power of Big Data, Blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence, offering an improved version of the internet with the advantages of autonomy.
Impact on Businesses:
Web 3.0 allows for more transparent and consumer-centric solutions, ensuring accountability in how corporations collect and handle data. This level of transparency is often lacking in current digital solutions.
Impact on App Development:
Web 3.0 creates a semantic web ecosystem where data can be curated transparently, allowing developers to craft more sophisticated apps. Expect to see more intensive integrations of AI, ML, 3D graphics, and mixed reality, enhancing the user experience.
2. The Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting the World
The Internet is deeply embedded in our lives, influencing nearly every facet. We have grown accustomed to the connectivity between our devices, which seamlessly coordinate to make our lives easier.
Role in App Development:
Incorporating IoT is crucial when building an app, particularly with target consumers in mind. IoT systems identify unique users, enabling them to send and receive commands across the internet, ensuring connected devices function smoothly. As more smart devices and wearables join the IoT ecosystem, the demand for IoT-backed apps will continue to rise.
3. Blockchain: The Future of Secure App Development
Although still in its early stages of development and adoption, blockchain technology is gaining significant attention. While its most well-known application is cryptocurrency, blockchain offers much more.
Role in App Development:
Blockchain facilitates the creation of decentralized databases, ensuring transparency in data collection and usage while upholding data privacy. This technology allows developers to create more secure applications, enhancing user trust. Notable examples include Microsoft’s blockchain consortium Coco and smartphone manufacturers like HTC and Samsung, who are integrating blockchain into their devices.
4. Artificial Intelligence: The Mainstream Trend
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a focal point for many app-building companies, especially with the rise of chatbots and virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. AI is a crucial trend to watch for in 2022 and beyond.
Key Developments:
User predictions and AI-based cameras are becoming more prominent, with Google Maps’ use of AI for enhanced user experience being a standout example. Other emerging trends include automated geolocation detection, predictive maintenance, algorithmic trading, and image tagging and recognition.
5. Machine Learning: Real-Time Data and Analytics
While related to AI, Machine Learning (ML) is a distinct domain with significant growth potential in 2022. ML provides real-time data and analytics, which are invaluable in app development projects, particularly in creating MVPs (Minimum Viable Products).
Notable Applications:
Apple has set the benchmark with its use of ML to create immersive experiences. ML APIs simplify the process of adding new features to apps, making it an essential tool in the app development cycle.
6. Metaverse: A New Frontier in Virtual Experiences
The Metaverse, though recently launched, has already made a significant impact, set to revolutionize app development and business marketing. It creates immersive virtual experiences, blending the physical and virtual worlds.
Impact on App Development:
The Metaverse offers opportunities for developing virtual meeting apps, gaming apps, educational apps, dating apps, and event apps. Incorporating Metaverse features into your next project can give you a competitive edge.
7. Mixed Reality: Blurring the Lines Between Real and Virtual
Mixed reality, an amalgamation of AR and VR, has found multiple use cases, especially during the pandemic. Retail businesses, real estate companies, and gaming have all embraced this technology.
Role in App Development:
With the emergence of the Metaverse, mixed reality has become an essential consideration for app developers. It enables the creation of virtual spaces that offer real-life experiences, further enhancing user engagement.
8. Multiplatform Development: Cost-Effective Solutions
Multiplatform app development, or cross-platform apps, allows developers to write a single code that works across multiple platforms. This approach is ideal for
companies looking to build and develop apps cost-effectively.
Tools to Use:
Some tools that can aid in cross-platform app development include React Native, Xamarin, Flutter, Ionic, and Cordova. This approach reduces development cycles, ensures easier maintenance, and results in more progressive apps that work seamlessly across platforms.
9. Chatbots: Enhancing Customer Engagement
Chatbots have become the virtual version of traditional customer support, always ready to answer queries when visiting a website. Data shows that chatbots significantly boost customer engagement, making them a valuable addition to any app.
10. Databases: The Backbone of App Development
Choosing the right database is crucial for app development in 2022. A robust database ensures better storage and security of the data used in building the application.
Top Databases to Consider:
MySQL
Redis
MongoDB
PostgreSQL
Couchbase
