Since its inception, smartphones have become more and more popular every day. Technology is gaining momentum, mobile applications help not only pass the time in line, but also do business.

Large companies and small business enterprises are striving to take their place in the world of mobile devices. They follow app development trends, try to anticipate user needs, and work hard to keep their products up to date.

We bring to your attention 14 trends that are worth adopting in 2022. New functionality is not only attractive to users, but also very effective for business.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet has long ceased to be a luxury, today it is a true friend and assistant who has gone beyond the computer and mobile devices. With the help of the Internet, you can control the whole house and individual household appliances. The Internet of Things makes our life easier and more comfortable. Demand for IoT is growing every day and getting more and more positive feedback from users. IoT is used in wearable health monitors, cybersecurity biometric scanners, home security systems, device connectivity, farm and factory equipment control. Popular IoT products include Amazon Dash button, Phillips lighting system, August Smart lock.

Modern trends in the development of IoT are aimed at creating smart homes and cities, self-driving cars and other vehicles. IoT based on artificial intelligence is also actively developing in the healthcare sector.

5G mobile network

According to forecasts, almost half of mobile phones will be equipped with 5G technology by the end of 2022. Apple included 5G with the latest release of the iPhone 12, and this is the best confirmation that 5G is steadily going around the world.

The new technology provides high data transfer rates and support for a large number of devices (up to 1 million devices per square kilometer). High speed is sure to revolutionize applications related to video streaming (especially 4K video streaming), virtual and augmented reality, as well as the connection of IoT devices and services will change for the better.

With widespread adoption, 5G will impact wireless medical services, cloud computing, and self-driving vehicle technology.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly found in mobile applications and devices: voice search, chat bots, face unlock, etc. AI photo editing apps like FaceApp, Prisma, etc. have taken the use of AI to the next level.

In 2022, AI will have an even greater impact on our lives: in addition to existing technologies, voice translations, AI-based cameras will develop. However, this is not limited to AI. In the future, the technology will be used for static image recognition, classification and labeling, object identification, detection, classification and tracking, automated detection and analysis of geophysical signals, and scalable patient data processing.

Artificial intelligence combined with machine learning will be useful in the development of various mobile applications. AI can learn the development process based on previous data, detect and fix problems in real time.

Augmented and virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are used in applications related to camera, video and games. The emergence of Apple's ARkit and Google's ARcore can be considered a springboard for mixed reality applications.

In 2022, many AR-based app ideas are sure to become full-featured products. Virtual reality will get more features and be able to provide users with a better visual experience. Healthcare, tourism, e-commerce and education will benefit greatly from these technologies.

The nearest development paths for AR and VR are virtual training simulators, exploration works (VR-based), live music concerts and festivals, virtual user guide (AR-based).

Corporate mobile applications

Enterprise mobility products are developed or implemented by specific organizations so that employees, using applications, perform the functions necessary for the organization's work. An enterprise application owned by an organization is expected to be used only by its employees.

Enterprise product development is in increasing demand. Enterprise applications improve internal communication, increase employee satisfaction and productivity, and bring more profit to the company.

In 2022, a significant increase in the number of companies that will need the development of an enterprise application is expected.

Blockchain

Few are familiar with blockchain technology in detail, but this did not prevent it from becoming a real technological breakthrough. At the moment it is the best technology for the safety of information. Blockchain is a continuous sequential chain of blocks built according to certain rules and containing information. Data in the blockchain is accumulated and forms a database from which it is impossible to delete information, replace or replace a block.

The reliability of the technology has already been confirmed by cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. Decentralized applications (DApps) are another use case for blockchain. These high-security applications are characterized by stable operation, transparency (the open source code of the application can be viewed at any time), and the absence of censorship by developers or the state (a corporation cannot buy out DApps). Today, decentralized applications are used in various areas: finance, healthcare, trade, games, auctions.

Possible uses for blockchain technology include public elections, robotics, anti-piracy, transparent rates, blockchain as a service (BaaS).

Folding display

The folding display is a new step in the development of mobile technology. The first models have already appeared on the market: Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X. The mass appearance of such smartphones has every chance of becoming a reality in the coming years, and it is important for mobile application developers to take this into account.

The folding display is a challenge for mobile app developers. The screen size changes depending on the user's actions and the application should change with it.

Location Based Applications

Determining the geolocation of the user allows mobile applications to provide personalized services. This may be information about discounts, special offers, etc. The use of geolocation helps to study the behavior of users, the most popular establishments.

Location-based applications are actively appearing on the market and their number will grow in the near future. There will be even more applications with personalized recommendations depending on the interests and preferences of the user, the best offers of goods and services.

Mobile Wallets

Mobile wallets have won the love of many mobile device users. Increasingly, cashless payments are preferred using a mobile wallet for fast transactions. This payment option allows you not to carry bank cards with you and pay for purchases using your phone or smart watch. Thanks to the integration of popular payment gateways with mobile wallets, the payment process becomes fast, easy and convenient.

The future trends of mobile wallets are quite interesting: audio-based mobile wallets, radio frequency identification payments and near field communications (NFC) based.

Mobile commerce

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that having a mobile app allows businesses to keep going no matter what. In addition to increasing profits, mobile products improve brand image and increase customer confidence.

During the time of forced self-isolation and distancing, people have become accustomed to shopping online, on the go, and this trend continues even after restrictive measures are eased. Therefore, mobile applications for e-commerce will be in demand and more popular than their web counterparts.

The e-commerce industry is gradually turning into mobile commerce. In 2019, mobile sales amounted to $2.3 trillion worldwide, and this figure is expected to reach $3.5 trillion in 2021. This represents almost three-quarters of the total e-commerce volume.

One-click and voice purchases, as well as omnichannel shopping, are gaining more and more popularity.

Wearable devices

Wearable devices have conquered many smartphone users. On the market, they are presented in the form of smart watches, smart jewelry, information display devices (Google Glass), body sensors, etc. Interaction with wearable devices is carried out through mobile applications.

Wearable devices can track and analyze body movements, step, heart rate, body temperature, sleep quality, and more. In 2021, demand for wearable devices and, as a result, mobile applications for them is expected to increase.

The next step in the development of wearable devices, most likely, will be virtual assistants in contact lenses and glasses (almost like Tony Stark), a virtual keyboard accessible through contact lenses or special nail polish.

Biometric authentication

Biometric authentication is an integral part of applications related to finance, banking, payments, and other sensitive data products. Until recently, such authentication was used only to unlock phones, but today it is also a quick and convenient way to enter applications.

Simple operation and no need to enter any login data makes biometric authentication the most popular type of user authentication.

In 2022, apps without a fingerprint or face unlock option will look weird, and in a few more years they will start to look hopelessly outdated. In addition to face recognition and a fingerprint scanner, biometric authentication can include voice recognition, iris scanning, etc.

Streaming Virtual Events

Virtual events emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as people were unable to attend real concerts, festivals, exhibitions, etc. The idea has become so popular that it has a promising future even after the lifting of all restrictive measures.

Hoping is one of the most popular online event venues. The platform brings together people from all over the world, it differs from other platforms by the ability to change rooms, listen to different speakers, communicate with participants and visit different booths. It looks like a real event, but it does not require any travel expenses.

In 2022, there will be more such platforms. People want to hang out and communicate (Clubhouse is a clear proof of how people miss socializing), learn new things and expand their horizons. Virtual platforms allow you to do this easily and naturally, increase the availability and convenience of various events.

Conclusion

The mobile app business has a bright future ahead of it. The spread of 5G technology will certainly lead to an increase in mobile application users.