Latest Mobile App Development Trends in 2024

The mobile app development sector undergoes continuous evolution, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and various other factors. Remaining abreast of the latest trends is paramount for success within this dynamic industry. As an active member of the Forbes Technology Council, my dedication to researching emerging patterns and engaging with fellow tech leaders is unwavering.

For mobile app resellers and content creators aiming to elevate their brands through mobile development, staying attuned to these trends is imperative. Are you ready to adapt to the forthcoming changes in mobile app development? The following list transcends personal conjecture, relying instead on meticulously researched insights to outline the predominant app development trends set to shape 2024.

Internet of Things (IoT) App Integration

The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) isn’t novel, but the widespread adoption of mobile technology across diverse sectors has ushered in many opportunities for its application. People now rely on technology to enhance their daily routines, setting the stage for expanding IoT possibilities.

IoT encompasses the network of interconnected devices linked to the internet, offering consumers convenience and automated control. A prime illustration of IoT’s ascent is smart home technology, where mobile apps facilitate remote adjustments to thermostats, door locks, and home security systems. Additionally, household appliances like refrigerators can now interface with mobile apps.

The global IoT market surged to $318 billion in 2023, with $226 billion attributed to Software, particularly mobile apps—a remarkable 58% increase from 2020. Projections depict a sustained growth trajectory for IoT, with Software leading the charge, as evidenced by the accompanying graph. The proliferation of IoT devices is palpable, with forecasts indicating that revenue from IoT-related technology will surpass $1.6 trillion by 2025.

Looking ahead to 2024, an uptick in mobile app development tailored for IoT integration is anticipated. Various sectors, including household appliances, automotive, display devices, smart gadgets, and healthcare, are poised for significant advancements. Keeping a vigilant eye on these markets promises to unveil compelling opportunities for innovation and growth.

Apps For Foldable Devices

It’s remarkable how swiftly mobile phone technology has evolved over the past decade. From the days of flip phones, we’ve witnessed a monumental shift toward touch-screen devices featuring minimal to no physical buttons. However, in recent years, foldable devices have staged a comeback, and the year 2019 marked the debut of foldable smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy Fold, the Huawei Mate X, and the modern iteration of the Motorola Razr.

These innovative devices allow users to adjust screen size according to their preferences. For instance, users can make calls with the device in its folded state and then seamlessly unfold it to enjoy videos on a larger screen. From the app development standpoint, resellers and content creators must account for these foldable devices when crafting or updating their applications. Embracing foldable smartphones’ unique features and capabilities ensures that apps deliver an optimized and seamless user experience across a diverse range of devices.

5G Technology

The advent of 5G technology is poised to usher in a significant shift in app trends for 2024. Developers, resellers, and creators stand to witness transformative changes in how mobile applications are utilized and crafted.

A glance at the projected growth of 5G smartphone connections over the next four years reveals a staggering trajectory. By 2021, 5G connections surged to roughly 3.5 times the number recorded in 2020, and this figure is anticipated to nearly triple again between 2022 and 2024.

The impending rollout of 5G promises substantial enhancements in speed and efficiency. Forecasts indicate that 5G technology will yield a remarkable 10x reduction in latency while concurrently bolstering network efficiency and traffic capacity. Compared to its predecessor, 4G, 5G is anticipated to deliver speeds up to 100 times faster, contingent upon the mobile network operator.

The widespread adoption of 5G is poised to catalyze the augmentation of mobile app functionality. This evolution will empower developers to integrate new features into apps without compromising performance. Furthermore, developers and mobile app resellers are encouraged to leverage the speed and capabilities of 5G networks during app creation’s testing and development phases, ensuring that their products are optimized for the next generation of mobile connectivity.

Protect Digital Identities With MFA

Losing necessary physical or digital credentials can be a nightmare scenario. Just as losing a wallet with multiple credit cards poses risks, digital accounts are vulnerable to exploitation by hackers. With a single compromised password, hackers can access numerous accounts, potentially wreaking havoc.

Multifactor authentication serves as a crucial defence mechanism in this digital landscape. Requiring users to provide two or more unique codes or factors to verify their identity acts akin to the PIN on a debit card. This additional layer of security thwarts hackers’ attempts to infiltrate accounts, safeguarding sensitive information and thwarting unauthorized access. Kyle Hanslovan, CEO of Huntress, underscores the importance of multifactor authentication as a potent deterrent against cyber threats.

Development For Wearable Devices

Wearable technology has been on a consistent upward trajectory for several years, although it hasn’t necessarily heralded a groundbreaking shift in the market. Smartwatches, trackers, and fitness bands have been prevalent for some time, yet wearable devices have yet to realize their full potential.

Examining the penetration of wearables in the United States, as depicted in the graph from eMarketer, reveals a steady growth pattern. While not witnessing a dramatic year-over-year surge, the trend remains upward. Significantly, the evolution of wearables is reshaping and will continue to reshape the landscape of mobile app development.

It was pivotal at WWDC 2019 when Apple announced significant advancements in wearables and app integration. The introduction of watchOS 6 brought the Apple App Store directly to the Apple Watch, paving the way for developing independent apps tailored specifically for these devices. This momentous development has unlocked immense opportunities for app resellers and content creators.

Remember To Guard Access To Cloud Storage Services

Enforcing dual authentication methods for accessing the tools utilized by your remote team is paramount to bolstering security measures. Additionally, it’s commonplace for smaller startups with remote-only teams to leverage cloud storage solutions like Google Drive. However, irrespective of the team’s size, it’s imperative to meticulously configure all folders and access permissions, ensuring the implementation of appropriate security measures.

By establishing stringent access controls and security levels, startups can mitigate the risk of inadvertently sharing critical materials. This proactive approach safeguards sensitive data and fortifies the organization’s overall security posture, bolstering resilience against potential threats and breaches.

Beacon Technology

Beacon technology has garnered widespread adoption across diverse industries, offering advanced functionality to mobile apps in retail, healthcare, and hospitality. Although the inception of mobile app beacons dates back to 2013, significant strides have been made in enhancing this technology in recent years.

Consider the scenario of a mobile app reseller specializing in apps for retailers. By integrating beacons into their clients’ stores, users’ smartphones can seamlessly connect with these beacons via Bluetooth, provided the app is installed on their device. Users can receive instant notifications about ongoing sales or special product offers near the beacon as they traverse the store.

Moreover, beacons play a pivotal role in tracking buyer behaviour within stores. By detecting user presence and movement, they can discern if a user spends considerable time in a particular aisle. Leveraging this data, the app can intelligently trigger push notifications to entice future sales related to the products of interest, enhancing engagement and driving conversions.

Mobile Commerce

Mobile commerce has undeniably emerged as a dominant trend in the app landscape, and its trajectory continues to ascend unabated. From industry behemoths to individual content creators and personal brands, mobile apps have become a cornerstone for revenue generation. The allure of mobile commerce is omnipresent, driving a surge in adoption across various sectors.

For mobile app resellers, showcasing robust mobile e-commerce functionality has become paramount during client engagements. It’s becoming increasingly evident that businesses, regardless of size, recognize the imperative of launching apps to augment sales channels.

While we have yet to fully enter an era where a mobile commerce app is a prerequisite for competitiveness, we’re swiftly approaching that juncture. With the digital marketplace saturated and competition fierce, businesses are compelled to emulate the strategies of industry giants like Amazon. At the apex of this list lies the development and deployment of a mobile app—a crucial tool for staying abreast of evolving consumer preferences and maintaining a competitive edge in the modern marketplace.

Chatbots

Chatbots have traversed a remarkable evolutionary journey spanning over a decade, with roots tracing back to the late 1990s on platforms like AOL Instant Messenger.

In recent years, these virtual assistants have undergone significant advancements, emerging as indispensable tools for enhancing website customer service experiences. As consumer demand for streamlined interactions burgeons, chatbots have rapidly ascended to the new standard in customer service.

Despite their ubiquity in the digital realm, it’s worth noting that only a fraction of the millions of apps available on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store currently leverage chatbot technology. However, this landscape is poised to transform in 2024.

Isolate The Organization’s Digital Assets

Ensuring a clear distinction between the company’s digital assets and individual employees’ personal digital resources and network infrastructure is paramount. One effective strategy to achieve this separation is implementing virtual desktops fortified with multifactor authentication.

This approach mirrors the practices adopted by major financial institutions, which rely on virtual desktop infrastructure to enforce consistent access protocols and security updates throughout the organization. By deploying virtual desktops with multifactor authentication, organizations can mitigate the risk posed by one of their most vulnerable vulnerabilities—employee negligence.

Cloud Computing Integration

Although not a novel concept, cloud technology has yet to fully realize its potential within the mobile app industry. However, it is a trend deserving close attention in mobile app development.

The advent of cloud computing presents many possibilities for mobile development, poised to be fully harnessed in 2024. Cloud storage technology, in particular, holds immense promise for enhancing the performance and functionality of mobile apps from the user’s perspective.

By leveraging cloud storage, mobile apps can offload data storage and execute complex tasks 

remotely rather than relying solely on local storage and processing power. This approach alleviates the burden on users’ devices and facilitates seamless scalability and accessibility of app functionality across various devices and platforms.

Insist On BYOK Systems In SaaS Applications

Transitioning to a fully remote workforce expands the array of potential security vulnerabilities that organizations must address. A foundational step in mitigating these risks involves implementing cryptographic measures to protect data integrity and establishing a robust defence-in-depth strategy thereafter.

This principle extends to Software as a Service (SaaS) applications utilized for data storage. Companies should prioritize SaaS platforms that incorporate “bring your own key” (BYOK) systems to safeguard sensitive information effectively. With BYOK, organizations retain control over the encryption keys governing access to their data within the SaaS environment.

Employ Blockchain For Access Control

Incorporating blockchain technology for access control presents a decentralized and tamper-resistant approach that holds immense promise for enhancing security in digital environments. By leveraging a distributed ledger to store access permissions, businesses can fortify the protection of their digital assets.

This innovative approach not only diminishes the risk of unauthorized access but also instills transparency and accountability in access management practices. With access permissions securely recorded on the blockchain, organizations can track and verify access events with unparalleled precision, fostering a heightened level of trust and confidence in their security protocols.

Be Aware Of The Risk Of Connected Technologie

Integrating cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and Copilot with internal databases presents a unique challenge: balancing leveraging these powerful tools for innovation and safeguarding sensitive data from external exposure.

Maintaining vigilant oversight over the level and scope of access granted to these platforms is paramount. Implementing robust access control mechanisms and data encryption protocols can help mitigate the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Additionally, adopting techniques such as data anonymization or tokenization can further safeguard sensitive information while allowing for the effective utilization of these technologies.

Run A Thorough Red Team Exercise

“Trust nothing” encapsulates a fundamental principle in cybersecurity: maintaining a posture of constant vigilance and scepticism. Organizations must remain proactive in identifying and mitigating threats from internal and external sources.

One effective strategy for assessing and fortifying defences is the implementation of red team exercises. These simulations involve teams of skilled professionals acting as adversaries to probe and exploit vulnerabilities within the organization’s systems and processes. By conducting internal and external red team exercises, organizations can gain invaluable insights into their security posture and identify areas for improvement.

Augment A Zero-Trust Approach With A SIEM Tool And Compliance Monitoring

As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. A foundational principle in this endeavour is embracing a zero-trust mindset, which entails scrutinizing and verifying every access request, regardless of its source or origin.

Multifactor authentication is essential for fortifying access points and ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter sensitive systems and data. Additionally, micro-segmentation can help compartmentalize network resources.

FAQs

Conclusion

The landscape of mobile app development in 2024 is characterized by a convergence of transformative trends that are reshaping the way apps are created, deployed, and experienced. From the widespread adoption of 5G technology and the proliferation of wearable devices to the integration of cloud technology and the evolution of chatbots, developers are embracing innovation to deliver more immersive, secure, and personalized experiences to users.

The emphasis on security remains paramount, with multifactor authentication, cryptographic protection of data, and stringent access controls playing pivotal roles in safeguarding sensitive information from cyber threats. As organizations navigate the complexities of remote work environments and the expanding threat landscape, it’s essential to prioritize security measures that mitigate risks and uphold data integrity.