It won’t be wrong to rename the decade of 2010 as ‘mobile app revolution decade’ because of the rising popularity of both iOS and Android. The year 2015 has a very interesting figure that states: the average number apps submitted by the developers at the Apple App store are around 1000 per day. Experts estimate that in the year 2016, there would be around 2.15 billion smartphone users worldwide and this figure alone suffices the fact that mobile app development would be one of the most interesting thing to witness.
As the year 2016 is fast approaching, we decided to take a look at some interesting mobile app trends for the coming year.
1. Security first
At the end of the year 2014, a Gartner report stated 3 out of 4 mobile applications would fail the basic security test and this proved true for the current year. Security is the biggest challenge for developers and it would continue to be in the year 2016 as well. Apple has already taken a strong step with its latest release iOS9 in which it has given top priority to security. Google with its latest update Android M, would also join the wagon very soon and beef up its security protocols.
2. Apps for Apple Watch
Google Glass may be regarded as a failure, but the latest gadget that is creating a buzz among the wearable tech space is undoubtedly Apple Watch. Apple Watch launched its new version at its ‘Hey Siri’ event and watch OS2 has surely upped the challenge for the developers. The month of October registered a figure of 10000 for Apple Watch and this number is estimated to be at least trebled by the end of 2016.
3. Free apps would rule the space
At present, around 75% of the total apps are absolutely free to download and as per the Gartner report, this number would rise to 93% by the second quarter of 2016. The key revenue generation model for the apps would be in-app purchases. The most interesting thing to note is, the number of mobile apps by the last quarter of 2016 including Android and iOS would be around 310 billion. In addition to this, hybrid apps are expected to rule the space as compared to the native apps.
4. Apps would be in cloud
Experts from the field of mobile app development hold a strong view that cloud–based applications would steal the show. The major reasons being: firstly, cloud-support would allow the developers to keep the actual size of applications small which in turn would keep bandwidth issues at bay. The second reason being this technology would enable users to sync their apps across multiple devices which would be the biggest plus point for the users.
5. UX, UX and UX
Much has been talked about the user experience of mobile apps, but still we would discuss it here. The screen- size of smartphones and tablets are increasing day by day and on the flip side, there are smart gadgets like Apple Watch that are equally in demand. Developers would have to do a lot of data crunching through mobile analytics because they have to provide a unique user experience to each and every user irrespective of devices they use. This clearly indicates that cross-platform app development will become more critical than ever in 2016 and developers who have good hands in the same would be in huge demand.
6. Rapid app development
As the competition is growing day by day in this space, fast delivery of apps is the key to success. Developers would try their level best to develop apps speedily.Technologies like ‘just-in-time’ (JIT) will rise to fame that would allow app developers would deliver apps at a faster pace without compromising on the quality of apps. Quick and prompt development would keep the clients happy and in turn, keep the developers in business.
7. Enterprise apps to rule over consumer apps
By 2016, 35% of all big enterprises are likely to have their own mobile app development platforms. Therefore, third party enterprise app developers would be in huge demand. You would be surprised to read that, almost 42% of enterprise app developers claim to receive a monthly revenue of $10000(only 1 out of 5 consumer apps tend to get this figure). With corporate firms reluctant to minimize their costs, enterprise apps come as a boon and more and more enterprises are planning to get one.
Mobile app development is estimated to become a $77 billion industry by 2016 and the above mentioned trends would be the main drivers in this sector over a period of 15-18 months.