Smartphones have shifted from just tools to companions. In nearly all parts of the world you now need a smartphone to navigate your daily life. This foundational change happened because of the Android and iOS operating system.
Together, these two platforms redefined smartphones. They made them a household product that is part and parcel of daily life. And they were able to do that because of the introduction of mobile applications.
Without apps, mobile phones are just devices, but with apps they are a whole ecosystem. Mobile applications have made Android and iOS app development an essential part of the modern tech-oriented world.
However, there is one thing constant in the tech world–change. Advancements and breakthroughs in tech happen at a lightning pace, and mobile apps are no exception to that.
In this article, we’ll list the latest innovations that you must include in your next iOS or Android app if you want your application to be successful in the market.
Where Mobile App Development Stands Today
According to industry experts, the global mobile application market size was valued at $252.89 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a rate of 14.3% from 2024 to 2030. The proliferation of smartphones over the decade has made affordable mobile app development much more convenient and accessible.
Moreover, mobile apps are now much more advanced and diverse. Cross-platform app development has allowed developers to create mobile applications for multiple platforms with uniform functionality and user experience.
For example, Airbnb initially opted for separate Android and iOS app development. But as the company grew quickly, it adopted cross-platform app development to unify its development needs.
Moreover, super apps are the next big thing in mobile app development. These are single mobile or web apps that offer multiple services. While these apps have witnessed more success in developing countries, they are quickly becoming popular platforms for a variety of daily needs.
Must Have Features in Your Android or iOS App
Now, let’s get straight down to business. These are some of the latest features you need to ensure in your app, whether for Android or iOS app development.
1. IoT Integration
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a vast network of sensors, software, and electronic devices that all connect with each other. IoT is about making daily life digital through smart technology.
For iOS and Android developers, this is a great opportunity to make their apps ready for the future by integrating IoT platform solutions. IoT devices will become more prevalent, and users would expect their mobile apps to connect with IoT devices smoothly.
Therefore, it is essential to start making your future apps IoT-compatible as soon as possible.
2. iBeacon Technology
iBeacon was developed by Apple that uses Bluetooth Low Energy to provide location-based services and data to nearby devices. It allows an iOS device to detect and communicate with nearby Bluetooth beacons.
This technology can do wonders in iOS app development. For example, a retail store can use iBeacons to send targeted offers to customers when they are near specific products or areas in the store.
3. Secure Payment Gateways
In 2022, over 70% of all eCommerce purchases during the holiday season were made using smartphones. That is a huge number, especially if you consider there are several ways to exchange money in the modern world.
Yet, people choose mobile payments because of their convenience. Therefore, as a developer, you must include secure mobile payment gateways in your app.
You can opt for designated e-commerce app development companies to properly integrate payment gateways in your app.
Here are some popular payment channels for smartphones:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Stripe
- AliPay
4. Trial Versions
An emerging trend in both Android and iOS app development is offering trial versions of an application. Since many apps nowadays require subscription or in-app purchases, users want some assurance before making any investment.
For this purpose, Google Play Instant and Apple App Clips allow users to try limited versions of an app without installing the full version.
You should make trial versions of your app available on these platforms to make users feel confident in their decision to use your app.
5. Cloud Computing
Mobile devices can never be as strong as desktops or laptops. The hardware limitations of smartphones means that developers have to create apps with less capability than their PC counterparts.
Additionally, the fact that mobile phones have significant variances in specifications also makes mobile app development more challenging.
However, cloud computing is a solution to this predicament. Through cloud infrastructure, you can integrate your app with more powerful hardware capabilities without the physical burden.
This will allow your app to offload processing power, free up storage, and offer more security. For iOS app development, you can use Apple Cloudkit to create cloud apps for the entire Apple ecosystem.
Additionally, cloud application development services are also a good option for building cloud-based apps.
Conclusion
Mobile app development is a dynamic field where new features are tried constantly. Developers are always looking to make their apps more powerful, user friendly, and intuitive. Android and iOS app development are the two most important avenues of this advancement.
If you’re a developer who works in either of them, you need to stay at the top of the latest innovations in the field. The features we mentioned in this article are a good starting point.
Start exploring these technologies and you’ll come across several more innovations that you can add in your next app.
