Emerging Trends in Application Development: A Look into the Future

Today, it’s hard to imagine a world without apps. Currently, up to 73 percent of businesses in the USA and Canada, consider enterprise mobility as a top priority. Global spending in the industry is expected to hit $1225.78 billion by 2026 with a cumulative annual growth rate of 21.9 percent. 

These statistics point to the fact that the advancement in app development technologies and the potential of custom business apps to create real business opportunities have spiked interest in them. Businesses are starting to recognize how apps can boost their productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness within their industry. And the app development world continues to evolve. 

In this post, you will read about some emerging trends in the app development industry and what they mean for businesses. 

Why you should stay up-to-date with the latest app development trend

Applications can enhance a company’s ability to generate more profits. They automate key processes, boost communication, and improve business agility or adaptability. Businesses that use the latest technological tools are likely to be more successful than those that rely on outdated traditional methods.

Learn more: Benefits of application development

The tech world is constantly evolving. The most advanced software today may become archaic in the next few years. Keeping up with the latest digital app development trends gives you an advantage over your competitors as it ensures you do your business in the most productive and efficient way possible. 

Companies that fall behind on the app development curve often end up with redundant processes that decrease their efficiency. With time, they may begin to lose their market share to competitors that are more agile and better equipped. The need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market is one of the top reasons to stay on top of app development trends. 

Latest trends to watch out for in 2023 that impact business

The agile app development market is always evolving to keep up with changes in market demands and user behavior. New trends may also appear due to technological advancements in favor of more productive techniques or methods that promise better business outcomes.

Businesses that keep up with emerging trends are better positioned to build apps that serve their needs and that of the industry optimally. 

Here are some of the latest app development trends to look out for in 2023: 

1. Progressive web app development

Progressive web apps are built with web application development technologies that allow them to work on any device or platform with a browser. Apps like this allow users to enjoy the benefits of web apps and native apps simultaneously and deliver an experience on the same level as these apps.

The content is displayed correctly on different devices irrespective of their screen sizes and they offer advanced features like push notifications, hardware access, offline functionality, and so on. Progressive web apps provide businesses with several benefits, including improved conversion rates and engagement. They’re also easier to distribute and maintain in the long run.

Learn more: How to create a web app

2. AI integration

The adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning as business solutions has been on a steady rise and the trend is bound to get even more popular in the coming years. AI is effective for delivering various forms of process automation, improving customer services, and giving customers personalized offers. 

Companies now integrate AI for product search and recommendations also. Artificial intelligence delivers a human-like problem-solving experience by leveraging data. Some AI tools also offer advanced speech recognition and natural language processing. 

Learn more: Modern application development platform

3. No-code and low-code app development

The emergence of no-code and low-code app development platforms makes it possible to build apps without writing code from scratch. This has far-reaching impacts on businesses as it helps reduce workloads and the overdependence of traditional development teams to build and deploy apps.

No-code apps are just as functional as apps built from scratch with code but are less expensive, allowing businesses to adapt to quick innovations and remain competitive. 

Learn more: How to create an app without coding

4. App and data security

Any breach in your data security will give your brand name a bad name, one that may be too severe to recover from. The reputation of a business depends on how much customers trust it which is why app development security remains a popular trend in app development.

To avoid breaches and data compromise, companies now add several layers of additional security into their applications, such as vulnerability tests, regular software updates for improved security, and multi-factor authentication.

5. Citizen development

Citizen development is one of the off-shoot of the low-code/no-code development revolution. The emergence of platforms that allow the creation of applications with minimal or no coding at all has also favored the participation of business users (citizen developers) in the app development process. 

Business users are regular employees with no coding knowledge who can use their knowledge of business logic to create the apps they need to streamline processes and solve specific business problems. Citizen development improves business agility as it makes it possible to build apps faster and at a lower cost compared to traditional development. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest trends in the app development market. 

Learn more: What tools do citizen developers use in 2023

Application development best practices

Although application development is in vogue, not everyone understands it correctly. It is not enough to design or develop an app for the sake of it. There are basic principles and best practices to follow across the app development lifecycle. 

If you want to get the best out of your application, take note of these app development best practices:

Research and set goals 

Before you kickstart the app development process, you must first conduct your research to determine your needs, understand the users and evaluate your options. The answer to these questions must be evaluated in line with your business goals and objectives. 

Focus on user experience (UX)

Your users should be your top priority in app development. No matter how amazing you think your app is, it’s only useful if the intended users find it convenient and easy to use. Focus on personalization, animations, and other micro-interactions that improve usability instead of cluttering your app with unnecessary features.  

Make security a priority

Security is a priority, especially for enterprise apps. Leverage advanced cybersecurity mechanisms such as encryption and two-factor authentication to guard against unauthorized access.

Plan for update

After deploying your app, it makes sense to take feedback and improve on the current iteration of your product. Getting regular feedback and updating your app will help fix bugs for optimal functionality and allow the introduction of new features that keeps your app fresh, modern, and relevant. 

Learn more: Application development planning

Conclusion

App development will continue to evolve as new technologies emerge. As a business, you should understand where you stand at the crossroad of these emerging trends and know how to leverage the changes that come with them in designing, building, and maintaining your business apps. This will go a long way in transforming how you build apps and manage your digital change initiatives.