Mobile apps have become the go-to option for a wide range of industries across the globe.
Whether you want to sell or organize your business— chances are, there's an app for that.
With the rise in popularity comes a wide range of options for development. And the mobile app development sector is always buzzing with activity and innovations.
New trends emerge yearly to keep users engaged and companies competitive. This means businesses will seek to create innovative mobile apps that use rising trends to gain market share.
This report explores some of the most important mobile app development trends you should watch in 2025 and the coming years.
Table of Contents
- Artificial Intelligence: The Most Anticipated Mobile App Development Trend
- Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Hot Topics in the Mobile App Development Space
- Wearables: More Integrated into Everyday Life
- Cloud and Edge Computing: Essentials for Data Processing and Storage
- Internet of Things (IoT): Best for a More Personalized Experience
- Instant Apps: Economical and Engaging
- User Experience: Focusing More on the UI/UX elements
- Privacy and Security: Better than Ever
- Mobile App Development Trends in 2025: Wrapping Up
Artificial Intelligence: The Most Anticipated Mobile App Development Trend
Artificial intelligence is one of the most exciting trends in the future of mobile development.
AI is expected to become even more influential in the coming years as businesses increasingly adopt the technology to meet customer needs better and optimize their processes.
By 2025, nearly 100 million people will work in the AI sphere.
AI technology can be used to create intelligent applications and services that can perform tasks that are traditionally done by humans.
AI has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate and provide a competitive edge for those who implement it properly. For example:
AI-based mobile applications can be used to automate processes such as customer service, data analysis, and marketing automation. Businesses can save money and time by having AI take care of tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on other areas.
AI mobile apps can also help businesses better understand their customers by collecting and analyzing data, enabling them to make informed decisions about their products and services.
Companies can use AI to create more engaging conversations with their customers, resulting in improved customer satisfaction.
AI can improve user experiences with apps and websites by personalizing content and making navigation simpler.
AI-driven systems can detect and respond to threats faster than traditional security tools, giving businesses better control over their networks and data.
Along with AI, machine learning (ML) is also expected to make a huge impact in the coming years.
AI and ML are closely related technologies that allow apps to interpret and learn from user behavior to improve user experience.
ML allows apps to learn without being programmed to do so. This is particularly useful for apps that require frequent changes, such as a mobile app for a marketing team.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Hot Topics in the Mobile App Development Space
Another major mobile app development trend to keep an eye on is augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Statista states that the global VR and AR market, which is of particular interest to a vr & augmented reality company, is expected to reach $250 billion in 2028.
Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes digital information onto physical objects in the real world. This can range from simply displaying text or images to more complex applications such as 3D mapping.
Virtual reality, on the other hand, is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment.
It involves placing someone in an entirely new environment, which they can explore as if they’re there.
It often uses headsets and controllers, which allow users to interact with objects in the virtual world.
VR and AR technologies are becoming increasingly popular in the mobile app development field due to their ability to provide an immersive experience for users.
From virtual showrooms to interactive product demos, businesses can leverage the potential of AR and VR in mobile apps to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience that is unlike any other.
Moreover, AR and VR can be used to improve employee training programs and increase efficiency within the workplace.
AR can also be used to provide contextual information, such as directions, or to create games and other interactive experiences.
Wearables: More Integrated into Everyday Life
Wearables are small gadgets you wear on your body to perform tasks. They can be used to track your fitness, provide directions, and even play games, among many others.
Wearable technology has increased in popularity in recent years, with fitness trackers and smartwatches becoming increasingly common.
Studies show that the wearable technology value is forecast to rise to $156 billion in 2024.
Wearables can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Communicating with other devices
- Displaying information such as calendar reminders
- Providing access to apps.
This is perfect for health and fitness apps, where users can track their daily activity and receive real-time feedback.
Wearables are a powerful tool for businesses and will provide them with valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.
With the help of mobile apps for wearables, companies can provide more personalized services to their customers. For example:
- Retailers can use wearable technology to identify customers, track their browsing patterns, and offer personalized recommendations.
- Wearables allow customers to access products and services from their favorite apps in real time.
Cloud and Edge Computing: Essentials for Data Processing and Storage
Another major trend in the future of mobile development is cloud computing.
Cloud computing refers to storing and running apps, databases, and other software on servers in a remote data center.
Cloud computing allows companies to scale their apps up or down based on demand and enables them to access their data from anywhere.
Cloud computing it's suitable for businesses as it allows them to scale their apps without needing in-house IT resources.
It's also useful for individuals, as it allows them to store their data and access it from anywhere remotely.
Cloud computing is beneficial for apps that store large amounts of data, such as data analytics.
Cloud computing is best for tasks that don't require low latency or access to remote locations.
The rise of edge computing is also something to watch.
Edge computing processes data locally, making it faster and more efficient for tasks that require real-time data processing.
Edge computing benefits many applications like smart home devices, autonomous vehicles, medical equipment, and industrial robotics. These applications rely on processing data in real-time with minimal latency, which is why they often utilize edge computing rather than cloud computing.
Edge computing also comes into play when there is limited or no access to a centralized location, as it can enable communication between two remote areas.
As mobile phones become more advanced, they need more powerful processors to handle increasingly complex tasks.
Cloud and edge computing allow developers to store large amounts of data and use complex algorithms on their devices, thus allowing users to experience faster, more responsive applications.
Internet of Things (IoT): Best for a More Personalized Experience
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity.
The IoT has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate, from optimizing processes to delivering tailored experiences for customers.
The IoT is becoming increasingly important in the mobile app development space due to its ability to collect data from various connected devices and analyze it in real time. This enables businesses to quickly identify potential issues and take appropriate measures to address them.
Also, the IoT allows businesses to gain insights into customer preferences and behaviors and better target their products and services.
IoT is great for mobile app developers as it allows them to build apps that connect to physical devices. For example, IoT devices can be used to collect data in a smart home, track shipping, and monitor equipment.
The data collected from connected devices can be used to automate mundane tasks, such as monitoring inventory levels or scheduling maintenance. Businesses can use this data to improve customer service by providing personalized experiences for users.
IoT companies allow businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions and customer demands.
Instant Apps: Economical and Engaging
Instant apps allow users to engage with apps without having to download them.
It's ideal for companies looking to expand their reach but needs more time or budget to create a dedicated mobile app.
With instant apps, businesses can provide users with a similar experience to a dedicated mobile app without needing a download. Instant apps are particularly useful for companies that have a website but want to offer a more engaging mobile experience.
Instant apps can also help developers reach a larger audience. Since instant apps can be accessed from any browser, users worldwide can have access to an app regardless of their device type. This makes it easier for developers to reach potential customers who may not be aware of the app.
By providing users with an easy way to access an app without installing it, developers can open up their apps to a larger audience while creating a better user experience.
User Experience: Focusing More on the UI/UX elements
The importance of user experience in mobile app development has become more pronounced.
As mobile users become increasingly sophisticated and expectant, businesses must focus on creating a seamless user experience tailored to their needs.
User experience is critical to any mobile application, as it directly influences the product's success.
UX design helps to create a product that users can easily navigate and understand while providing an enjoyable experience.
By understanding user needs and preferences, mobile app developers can create intuitive, engaging apps that provide a valuable user experience.
Companies must create experiences that stand out from the competition and make users want to return for more.
This means making sure the app performs optimally and ensuring that the look and feel of the app are unique and inviting.
With this in mind, developers must create simple, intuitive apps that put users first. This includes:
- Touch-first design
- Navigation patterns
- Information Architecture
Privacy and Security: Better than Ever
With the growing number of apps available, many of which have the potential to collect sensitive user data, developers must focus on providing secure and private apps.
This can be done by adopting a data protection program, building security into the development process, and following security best practices. For instance:
- Businesses can use a data classification process to protect sensitive data. This allows companies to identify and protect data that’s worth protecting, such as credit card numbers.
- Companies can also employ advanced security features, such as encryption, to protect data at rest and in transit.
- Developers can design the app with security in mind. This includes adopting a risk-based approach to app development, following secure development best practices, and using security tools and services.
Mobile App Development Trends in 2025: Wrapping Up
In the following year, we expect to see more innovative and influential mobile app development trends shaping how people develop and use them.
From artificial intelligence (AI) to instant applications, we are already seeing some trends that will be prominent in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you're a mobile app developer, an entrepreneur looking to create a mobile app, or simply interested in the latest mobile tech, these eight mobile app development trends will be worth keeping an eye on.
These trends in mobile app development are set to revolutionize the industry, allowing businesses to create faster, more secure, and more user-friendly apps than ever before.
