If you’re interested in what’s next for mobile apps, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we break down the top mobile app trends for 2019. From artificial intelligence to augmented reality to intuitive interfaces. Looking forward, your mobile app must be able to do more with less. Users today expect smarter, more immersive experiences and emerging technology is the key to delivering this.
1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could add £232bn to UK GDP over the next twelve years. But if AI and the future of business are so interlinked, why are only 25% of enterprises using AI right now?
The reason is that it can be hard to cut through the hype and pinpoint the real-world applications for your business. The same goes for so many emerging technologies in 2019. So, how will machine learning (ML) impact app development?
Looking forward, AI and ML will underpin so much of what we do. Providing a platform that lets applications do more with less input from your users. Artificial intelligence is best suited to automating low-value tasks or providing personalised user experiences. And with tools like Google’s ML Kit and Apple’s Core ML, this has never been easier!
2. Augmented Reality
Set to have a staggering 171 million users by the end of 2018, Augmented Reality (AR) will help you to create memorable experiences for customers and collaborative platforms for employees. For example, car manufacturer BMW’s iVisualizer AR was so immersive that test groups were ducking down to get into their augmented vehicles! So, it’s clear to see why up to 62% of consumers see the benefit of AR in their m-commerce experience.
However, the benefits of AR won’t be limited to consumer app development. 60% of people can see augmented reality benefiting their daily lives, and 69% see AR helping them learn new skills. So, you need to think about how you use AR apps to engage your employees, connect with customers or even train new staff.
3. Mobile App Localisation
To maximise the reach of your mobile app, it’s essential that you offer an intuitive user experience from the get-go. No matter who the end-user is or where they are. Many businesses go down the route of app internationalisation, so their app isn’t focused on any one country or region in particular. But is this enough for tomorrow’s user?
If you want to smash expectations, not just meet them, then you need to focus on outcome driven innovation for your app. You need mobile app localisation (often abbreviated to l10n). This is where you change your mobile app to match each country’s language, culture and legal requirements. For example, providing right-to-left (RTL) text directions. Or flexible layouts for languages like Finish which takes up 60% more space than English. Localisation boosts downloads by 128% and increases app revenue by 26% for each country!
4. Gesture Controls and Intuitive Interfaces
When Apple introduced the new iPhone X gesture controls, not everyone was convinced. But now, they’re second nature to many. So much so that Google followed suit with its new Android P navigation controls. Gesture navigation lets users quickly navigate, multitask and access all the things they do most.
This is what intuitive app design is all about; getting rid of frustrations and streamlining the mobile app user journey. Or what we call Slippy UX, helping your user do more in less time.
When we worked with SwonSong, we introduced users to features like video eulogies. Which isn’t something you do every day! But with our well-designed wizard, voice recognition auto script and intuitive user interface (UI), the process was made easy.
5. OS Integration
Today, we’re able to make use of more device features than ever before. So, custom app development in 2019 will involve taking advantage of OS-specific features like Google ARCore, Apple’s ML Core or Homekit.
When we worked with Elanco on the ‘My Vet Program’ iPhone app, we added calendar integration. Just this simple bit of OS integration meant that any in-app reminders would automatically populate our users’ calendars. Meaning no more fragmented data across several different apps. Making it much easier for animal owners to maintain the health of their pets.
6. Smarter Apps
One example of OS Integration is Android Instant Apps, a major mobile app trend for 2019 alongside Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). By getting rid of the need to download anything, you can create much more streamlined mobile user journeys. Which boosted engagement by a whopping 62% and increased conversions by 27%.
This is what lies in store for the future of the app experience. More intuitive, more capable apps taking advantage of emerging technologies like AI and AR. All while making the most of OS-specific features to offer each user more personalised, more engaging interactions. If you want to make the most of your mobile investment, then these are the trends you must consider.
What Does This Mean for App Development?
If you want to take advantage of these mobile app trends for 2019, you need to stop thinking about your app as a destination for your users. Instead, think about it as a set of services that help your users achieve more.
Are you interested in developing a consumer app or business app that takes advantage of today’s mobile trends? We’ve helped many clients create future-proof apps that provide long-term value to both their business and their users. And we’d love to help you too.
Give us a call at + 44 (0)1737 45 77 88 or send us a message today.
Infographic: 6 App Trends for 2019 and Beyond
