Top Trends in Mobile App Development for 2020

As the mobile app industry soars towards over $180 billion in revenue by 2020, it is no surprise to find out that there will be over 400 billion app downloads worldwide next year. Therefore, it is important to understand the App Development Trends for the upcoming year so your business can stay ahead of competitors. Apps are helping us do virtually any task easier than ever before. Whether it’s ordering you Friday night takeaway, or booking your next holiday ‘There is an app for that.”
The figures above underline the transformation to digitization every corner of the globe is experiencing today. People and businesses are ever-adapting and adopting new tech trends which come out every year.
But what are the upcoming trends coming for apps in the future? At App Design, we explored the ‘Top Trends in Mobile App Development for 2020.”
1. Wearable Devices are Here to Stay

It was speculated by many that wearable devices would suffer the same fate as tablets where sales could slump a few years after launching to the market, however, this is showing no signs of happening. Sales of wearable devices will reach an estimated $54 billion by 2023.
Increasing functionality of smartwatches means consumers can now do virtually everything they do on their phone, via their wrist. Apple’s recent WatchOS6 update has put the app store on the wrist, opening up endless possibilities for app developers to create new products.
2. Augmented Reality (AR)
The AR industry could hit $120bn, by 2020 According to a report by Digi-Capital. Increasingly, this technology is being used in mobile apps. The gaming sector, specifically PokemonGo led the way into this area back in 2016 with a revolutionary AR integrated app.
However, now their has been a shift where businesses are increasingly using AR to enhance the user experience of their apps. American e-commerce business Wayfair, which exclusively sells furniture and home appliances recently launched an app which allows you to view what furniture will look like, from a user’s home by taking a picture of their room.
With rival firms like Ikea also adopting this technology, it will be important for other companies to follow suit and adopt their industries digital trends. Many such apps are on their way to be a part of this revolutionary change. In 2020, AR integration will be an essential step for the mobile app development industry.
3. Mobile Wallets Significance
Increasingly, customers have been shifting to m-commerce off the back of an increased amount of mobile banking apps, and the advent of Google Wallet and Apple Pay. As a result of this trend, we have started to see the vanishing of plastic money, after that began to replace cash.
Blockchain will also continue to be the focus and increase in popularity and use in mobile app development. It has disrupted and reshaped the industry, leading to enhanced security, tracking and quality controls in apps. If you would like to learn more about Blockchain check out our previous blog post.
The increased security is seen as attractive for consumers. Similarly, the increase in mobile wallet trends is also down to internet payment systems that require fast and more secure channels for money transactions.
4. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is a vast network of interconnected digital devices that enable the exchange and transfer of data and information. Mobile apps use IoT to remotely control smart gadgets via smartphones. Moreover, mobile apps powered by IoT enable to connect bands, wristwatches, and other wearables to smartphones.
Apps with IoT integration will continue to be a trend throughout 2020 with the increase in uptake of smart gadgets. Developers have to caught on to the trend with new apps to help enable IoT devices being created every day. If This Then That (IFTTT) is one such app. With Home automation on the rise, IFTTT connects these automated devices in one place. You can program your smart devices to react based on what you are doing. For example, when you leave your house you can program the app to switch the lights off behind you and/or turn on your house alarm. Apps like these will be the crucial factor in the success or failure of smart gadgets of the future. Throughout 2020, this area will continue to grow for mobile app developers with the increased amount of smart gadgets available to consumers.
Still haven’t got an app for your business yet? Have an innovative idea or looking for a solution which can improve your businesses processes? look no further! At App Design, we can help. With over 8 years experience, our award-winning team are experts in creating bespoke web and mobile software across virtually any industry. Interested in the app development trends above? Our team can implement any of them into your custom software, based on your needs.
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