While each new year brings with it new trends and forecasts,
including some trends that always stay new on the charts, 2021 is different.
The application of the coronavirus to our entire lives is still completely raw.
The threat is still real and the world is still a little unstable.
While technological advances and consumer preferences set
trends every two years, mobile app trends for 2021 put more at stake. The
global health crisis and the greatly exaggerated reliance on mobile apps to
meet the smallest and largest human needs is a key driver for these new trends.
Add to that factors such as the launch of the 5G spectrum, new foldable phones,
better wearables, and more, leading to the development of better applications.
So let's take a look at how the digital landscape is
changing and what mobile apps have in store for us in the new year. These are
the top mobile app development trends for 2021 that will drive innovation and
push the boundaries of human-machine interaction.
1. Native apps will get new distribution
While hybrid and cross-platform apps do a great job and are
a good investment for most companies, many companies are starting to gravitate
toward developing native apps.
Many companies have had to downsize or even shut down their
physical business entirely to focus solely on digital. Mobile applications are
no longer additional functionality, but the backbone on which your business is
built. This requires an extremely rich user experience with impeccable execution.
So, for those who can afford it, native app development will
be in the spotlight in 2021. Android, iOS and other platforms will see more use
of native apps.
Applications written in a language designed for the platform
they are built on are called native applications. Essentially, an Android app
will be written in Java or Kotlin, while an iOS app will be compiled in
Objective-C or Swift. In order for a company to have a successful native app
for iOS and Android, it would actually have to create two different apps that
do the same thing but on different devices.
As cumbersome as it sounds, this is the most authentic
way to build mobile apps.
Native apps that are coded to be 100% compatible with the
platform run faster, smoother, and look more authentic. They offer an immersive
experience and unrivaled device integration. When used with external APIs,
device integrations, and other features, they work flawlessly and provide an
unparalleled user experience.
Native apps have a longer lifespan and therefore can catch
up with a long list of updates before they need to be rebuilt with new code.
Native apps offer much higher scalability and customization.
Because of this rich functionality, companies that don't
want to miss out on any news are already embracing native app development with
renewed vigor.
This does not mean that cross-platform application
development is in recession. Startups, SMBs, and startups with low cash flow
but still knowing that they absolutely need a mobile app in today's business
environment will opt for cross-platform development. In fact, after realizing
that digital technologies are a way of developing a business, and applications
are a commodity, an increasing number of small businesses are moving towards
mobile application development, and, as a result, to cross-platform and hybrid
applications. will also see wider distribution.
However, a notable and defining app development trend for
2021 will be a return to native apps.
2. More complex AI applications
Another defining app development trend for 2021 will be the
best AI apps. Artificial intelligence has already enabled companies to deliver
better customer personalization, better predictive analytics, and higher
revenues.
In 2021, as the economy recovers from enforced lockdowns and
the horrendous effects of the pandemic, delivering a human experience despite
minimal human contact will require a heavy reliance on AI.
In an expert review at Forbes.com, Kimberly Nevala,
Artificial Intelligence Strategic Advisor, SAS, says:
The focus will continue to be on the use of AI to automate
and enhance business processes.
