Let’s start with stats:
There are 3.5 million apps in the Google Play store, 2.2 million in Apple App Store, and 480K in Amazon Appstore.
These apps range from addictive games, useful productivity tools, and life-saving healthcare to the most absurd apps you can think of.
Such staggering numbers show the increasing popularity of this new-age technology.
Almost everyone you’re likely to meet owns a smartphone, and more than 90% of smartphone users access the internet or other web services using an app.
Studies show that an average smartphone user checks their phone for messages or other services every 10 to 15 minutes.
Also, as it turns out, most users prefer using apps over mobile browsers when playing games, watching videos, reading news, or even shopping.
That makes sense, considering apps are way faster, easier to use, and more convenient for the user.
What Does This Mean to a Business?
Apps are to modern businesses what websites were twenty years ago.
When the internet started, businesses started creating websites to reach their target customers.
Mobile devices and apps weren’t a thing back then.
But today, almost every business has a website.
And the same is now happening with apps.
The app marketplace is getting crowded, so businesses must deliver a great user experience to stand out and succeed.
They need to truly understand the needs of their customers and focus on creating apps that make life simpler, more enjoyable, and more productive.
To create an app that people love using and keeps them coming back for more,
businesses must invest in developing a solid app strategy.
That involves defining clear business goals, identifying target users, defining a monetization model, and creating an app that users find valuable and worth spending their time on.
The Amazing Trends of Mobile Application Development in the Year 2022
Today, there is no denying the fact that apps have become a huge part of our modern life. With over 3.5 million apps currently available in the Google Play store, and millions more available on other app marketplaces, it is clear that people are finding tremendous value in them.
In the year 2023, many trends are expected to shape the world of mobile application development. Some of these include:
The Era of 5G
Mobile networks have significantly advanced in speed and capacity in the past few years. With the advent of 5G technology, however, we can expect an exponential increase in data transfer speeds and connectivity to mobile devices.
That is likely to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, from streaming high-quality video content to using augmented reality on a large scale.
5G is no longer a far-off dream – it is being rolled out in many parts of the world, and we can expect more widespread adoption in the next few years. As a result, many developers are now focusing on developing apps that take advantage of the blazing speed and low latency of 5G networks.
More than half of new apps will be designed for 5G technology by 2027.
Also, the combination of 5G and edge computing is expected to increase the efficiency and responsiveness of online services, leading to a wave of innovative new apps and services.
The Impact of 5G Technology in the World of Mobile Applications
The use of 5G technology is likely to have a transformative effect on the world of mobile applications.
It will significantly increase the speed and responsiveness of apps and pave the way for a new generation of innovative apps that take advantage of this cutting-edge technology.
That said, here are some of the effective features of 5G technology:
- Biometric Identification will be faster and more accurate: Thanks to the low latency of 5G networks, biometric authentication will become much faster and more accurate. That is likely to pave the way for a range of new applications in healthcare and finance.
- Real-Time Analytics on Large Data Sets: With 5G technology, it will be possible to process large data sets in real time, leading to a wide range of new insights and applications.
- Developers Can Add New Features to their Applications without Worrying about Network Latency: Thanks to the low latency of 5G networks, developers can now add new features and functionality to their applications without worrying about the negative impact on network speed.
- AR and VR Integration: One of the most exciting developments in the world of mobile applications is the integration of virtual and augmented reality. Thanks to 5G technology, we expect this trend to continue growing, leading to a range of new immersive experiences for users.
- Data Transfer from One Device to Another Will Be Much Faster: Another critical feature of 5G technology is its ability to transfer large amounts of data from one hardware device to another at a breakneck speed.
- In the Various Ways to Develop a Mobile Application, the Trend Which Will Dominate All is that of the Internet of Things (IOT). IoT, or the internet of things, is one major trend in mobile application development that will dominate the landscape in the next few years.
- Overall, 5G is Faster, More Reliable, and More Responsive. Hence, it is likely to be a key driver for innovation in the world of mobile application development in the coming years.
In the coming years, we can expect this trend to grow and lead to new ways for users to interact with the world around them.
AR and VR Technology
AR and VR technology are also expected to play an important role in the future of mobile application development.
Thanks to computing power and display technology advances, we can now use these immersive technologies in various applications, including gaming, education, training simulations, and more.
VR allows users to explore audio-visual content in a digital environment, while AR enables users to overlay digital information on their physical surroundings.
This combination of technologies is likely to revolutionize how we interact with mobile devices and digital content.
The nearest example of an app that leverages these technologies is Lenskart. This eyewear retailer uses AR to allow users to try on virtual glasses and sunglasses in real-time.
App Integration with Wearable Devices
Wearable devices are a crucial area of innovation in mobile applications.
It’s a fast-gaining trend in many smartphone apps to integrate with wearable devices, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitoring bracelets.
This integration not only allows users to transfer data seamlessly between different devices but also enables them to create personalized experiences that are tailored to their unique needs and requirements.
Many reputed companies, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, have invested heavily in wearables technology and IoT.
As the adoption of wearable technology continues to grow, we can expect app developers to leverage this trend even more in the years ahead.
Types of Mobile Apps and Their Use Cases
There are several different types of mobile apps, each with its own set of unique features and use cases.
Some of the most popular types of mobile apps include social media apps, utility apps such as maps and weather, gaming apps, health and fitness tracking apps, product-focused retail apps, etc.
#1. Entertainment Apps
Entertainment apps are one of the most popular types of mobile apps, with users spending a significant amount of time using them daily. These apps include streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify and gaming apps such as Clash of Clans and Pokemon Go.
They account for about 13.5% of total app users, with U$29.35 billion worth of revenue earned in 2022.
The following graph shows the growth of entertaining mobile app revenue from 2017 to 2026:
Graph source: Statista
Grocery/Food Delivery Apps
The pandemic changed the way people shop. It made us dependent on online platforms such as Amazon and Instacart for our basic needs.
Among the numerous mobile apps that have improved our lives, grocery delivery apps are one of the most impactful.
These apps allow users to order groceries from their favorite stores and receive them within a few hours or days at their doorstep.
Some popular examples of such apps include Instacart and Postmates.
While we can’t predict the exact impact these apps will have on our lives in the coming years. We’re sure that they’ll become even more popular and widespread in the years ahead.
2. Shopping Apps
Shopping apps account for 13% of the total app users worldwide. These apps allow users to browse, compare, and purchase products from various retailers.
Some popular shopping apps include Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba. These apps have transformed how people shop for products by making comparison shopping and price discovery much more straightforward.
In addition, they have enabled the rise of online marketplaces like Etsy, allowing individual sellers to set up their own online shops easily. Overall, we can expect the popularity of shopping apps to grow in the coming years as more and more retailers embrace mobile technology.
Image source: Statista
3. Social Apps
Social apps, such as Facebook and Twitter, are the most widely used mobile apps by users across all ages and demographics.
They account for 55.5% of mobile app usage, with a projected revenue of U$43.39 billion in 2022. As the popularity of social media platforms continues to grow, we can expect social apps to remain the most popular mobile app for many years.
4. Navigation and Location Apps
Navigation apps, such as Google Maps and Waze, have become a part of our daily lives. These apps make it easy for users to find their way around unfamiliar areas by providing real-time location data and turn-by-turn directions.
In addition, they also help users get around traffic jams, avoid road hazards, and plan alternative routes. Given their many benefits, we can expect navigation and location apps to continue growing in popularity in the years ahead.
5. Health and Fitness Tracking Apps
As people become more aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we are witnessing an increasing demand for health and fitness tracking apps.
These apps allow users to track their daily activity levels, sleep quality, and more. They are also commonly used for managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
With health tech rapidly growing in popularity, it’s safe to say that health and fitness tracking apps are here to stay.
Popular health and fitness tracking apps include Fitbit, Strava, and MyFitnessPal.
6. Mobile Payment Apps/Finance
You’ve probably interacted with a mobile payment app, whether it’s paying for food, taxi rides, or other goods and services, at some point in your life. These apps allow users to quickly and easily make purchases using their smartphones or other mobile devices.
Some popular examples of mobile payment apps include Apple Pay, PayPal, Stripe, and Venmo. With the increasing popularity of mobile shopping, it’s only natural that we will see more and more people turning to mobile payment apps for their online transactions.
They account for 6.3% of global mobile app usage and are predicted to generate a revenue of U$1.02 billion in 2022, as many retailers are turning to mobile payments as an alternative to traditional credit card transactions. Overall, we can expect the popularity and use of mobile payment apps to continue growing in the years to come.
7. Video Streaming Apps
With the increasing availability of high-speed mobile internet, video streaming apps have become extremely popular. These apps allow users to watch TV shows, movies, and live sporting events on their mobile devices.
Some famous examples include Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. Given their growing popularity and convenience factor, it’s safe to say that video streaming apps are here to stay for the foreseeable future.
8. Casual Games
Casual games are the second most popular type of mobile app, accounting for nearly 25% of app usage. These games are typically easy to learn but provide users with a fun and engaging way to pass the time.
Some well-known examples include Candy Crush and Angry Birds.
They account for 24.3% of the total share of mobile app usage, with a projected revenue of U$17.05 billion in 2022. As such, casual games are one of the most popular mobile apps, and we can expect their popularity to continue growing in the years ahead.
8. Hyper Casual Games
Hyper casual games, or extremely lightweight games that can be played quickly and easily in short bursts, are another popular type of mobile app. These games have become extremely popular in recent years as they provide users with quick and easy entertainment on the go.
Some well-known examples include Flappy Bird and Fruit Ninja. As hyper-casual games grow in popularity, we expect them to occupy an even larger share of mobile app usage.
These apps account for 7.3% of total mobile app usage.
9. Hardcore Games
Hardcore games, or complex and challenging games that require a lot of time and effort to master, are another popular type of mobile app. Hardcore gamers have long been avid supporters of mobile gaming, with many hardcore gamers playing on their smartphones or tablets for hours each day.
Some well-known examples include Clash Royale and PUBG.
These apps control more than 17 % of the total share of mobile app usage, and it is estimated that their revenue will reach U$74.27 billion in 2022.
10. Travel
People travel a lot these days, and travel apps provide a convenient way for travellers to book hotels, find restaurants, or navigate their destinations.
Examples of well-known travel apps include Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps.
Travel apps account for nearly 10.2% of mobile app usage, with a projected revenue of U$333.49 million in 2022.
As such, we can expect to see the popularity of travel apps continue to grow in the years ahead.
11. Sports
Sports apps are another popular type of mobile app, with many people turning to these apps for scores, news updates, and live streaming of sporting events. Examples of popular sports apps include ESPN, CBS Sports, and theScore.
They account for 13.2% of total mobile app usage, with a projected revenue of U$3.67 billion in 2022, making them one of the most popular types of mobile apps today.
As you can see, there’s an app for just about everything these days, and we expect to see more new mobile apps emerging in the years ahead. Which app category do you think will be the next big thing?
7 Amazing Mobile Apps You Probably Didn’t Know Existed
As we mentioned earlier, there is an app for just about anything nowadays. From entertainment and social media to games and productivity apps, mobile apps are transforming how we use our phones. Here are just a few of the amazing mobile apps you didn’t know existed:
1) Brainfood for iOS
Like most people, you probably spend a lot of time aimlessly staring at your phone, whether texting, browsing the web, or scrolling through social media.
Brainfood is an iphone app that offers bite-sized knowledge nuggets to help you improve your productivity, focus, and overall well-being. It’s like having a personal coach in your pocket, providing helpful tips, motivational quotes, and other practical advice to keep you on track.
2) Skiplagged for iOS and Android
Another fantastic mobile app is Skiplagged, a flight-finding app that uses an innovative algorithm to help you find cheap flights. Enter your travel dates and departure city, and the app will scan hundreds of airlines for the best deals.
The app searches for little-known booking areas called “Hidden City” flights, flights that use a layover to reach your destination but have a cheaper price than direct flights.
3) Duolingo for iOS and Android
For those who want to learn a new language, there’s no better app than Duolingo. With this fun and intuitive mobile app, you can quickly master essential vocabulary and grammar concepts for various languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, and many more.
4) Zombies, Run
How about an app that encourages you to get outside and exercise? Zombies, Run is a fun and innovative fitness app that turns your running or walking routine into an action-packed zombie adventure.
Here’s how the app works:
Put in your earbuds, start the app, and you’ll soon be running or walking through a zombie-infested world. As you move, the app will instruct you on how to react to zombies and other obstacles in your path.
Along the way, you’ll earn points and collect supplies that will help keep you safe from zombies. With Zombies, Run, you’ll have a fun and rewarding workout while improving your fitness.
5) Good Sudoku
One fantastic puzzle game that has stood the test of time is Sudoku. Good Sudoku is a highly-rated Sudoku app that makes solving these challenging puzzles simple and fun, with helpful features like auto-fill options and hints to guide you along the way.
Whether you’re a Sudoku master or just getting started, Good Sudoku is the perfect app to help you stay sharp and keep your mind sharp. So why not download it today and give yourself a brain workout?
6) Mint for iOS and Android
If you’re looking for a comprehensive personal finance app, there’s no better choice than Mint. This award-winning app helps you track your spending, create budgets, pay bills on time, and more.
With Mint’s powerful tools and helpful insights, it has never been easier to manage your finances and stay on top of your budget.
7) Zocdoc for iOS and Android
Last but not least, there’s Zocdoc, a helpful app that helps you find a doctor and book appointments quickly and easily. Whether you’re looking for a primary care physician or need to find a specialist in your area, Zocdoc makes it simple to sort through thousands of nearby doctors based on hundreds of different factors.
So why not download Zocdoc today and take control of your health?
8) Done for iOS
Are you trying to cut down on your to-do list? Look no further than Done, a simple app that helps you streamline and organize your daily tasks.
With the intuitive interface and intelligent organizational features of Done, you’ll be able to easily manage everything from personal errands to work projects without getting overwhelmed.
Plus, you can track your progress over time to see which tasks are taking up the most time.
9) Coinbase for iOS and Android
If you’re ready to start investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, there’s no better app than Coinbase.
Coinbase is a powerful platform that makes buying, managing, and trading digital currencies simple and secure. Plus, it offers helpful insights into market trends so you can stay on top of the latest developments and make smart investment decisions.
10) Rootd for iOS and Android
Mindfulness apps are all the rage right now, and Rootd is one of the best. With this innovative app, you can quickly and easily reduce stress and anxiety by bringing your attention to the present moment.
Rootd features simple exercises that you can do anywhere, anytime, with just a few minutes of your time each day. So why not download Rootd and start living in the moment today?
11) What3Words for iOS and Android
If you need a simple way to find your exact location, look no further than What3Words. This powerful app uses a unique three-word address system to make it easy to pinpoint any place on earth, no matter how remote.
Whether you’re looking for your hotel or trying to meet up with friends in a crowded city, What3Words makes it simple to find your destination with just a few taps.
It’s what Google Maps aspires to be.
