4 Mobile App Development Trends for 2022

mobile app development

The pandemic has added fuel to the reliance on mobile apps, increasing the demand for mobile app development in 2022. This is due to technologies such as 5G, edge community, no-code development, and the changing behavior of the customers towards apps in general. 

Indeed, we are going through the era of digital transformation where users become more anchored with mobile devices and apps specifically. However, if you think that developing a mobile app, say Magento 2 Android app, will ensure success, you’re mistaken. To reap benefits, you need to analyze what technologies work best for you. What are the latest app development trends? 

This article will cover what apps you can expect in 2022. Will no coding development take center stage? Will it be necessary to have a native app? Are there any tools to look out for, like Magento 2 Mobile App Builder? I will answer all these questions and help you understand where the mobile app development industry is headed in a few years.  

PWAs and Instant Apps

Quick response, instant loading, and better user experience are why big brands are turning towards PWAs and instant apps. PWAs, progressive web apps, and Android Instant apps bridge the gap that native apps leave behind. 

PWAs are known for the benefits that counter the disadvantages of native apps. This includes a reduced dependency on the internet, less loading time, automatic updates, fast development time, and does not occupy more space. The significance has increased during the pandemic. Many B2B and B2C companies claim to have witnessed increased conversion and revenue. AliExpress has recorded a 104 percent increase in conversion rates through PWAs. Indian eCommerce store Flipkart got 50 percent new customers through their PWA. And 60 percent of those users uninstalled the Flipkart native app. 

Similarly, instantaneous apps allow users to access an app without downloading or installing it. Users can even access the features of the apps in a separate module. NYTimes Crossword, Buzzfeed, Skyscanner are a few brands taking advantage of this Android framework. 

Space is a concern for almost all mobile users, and since PWAs and instant apps provide a lightweight app experience, their demand is likely to increase in the coming years. Hence, if you’re planning for your Magento 2 Android app, PWAs or instant apps could be the better way around. 

Anonymity and Security

Mobile apps have become an integral part of our lives. It allows users to hail a taxi, book doctor appointments, share location and important information, pay online, and do a lot more. In fact, everything from setting up an alarm clock to shopping and learning can be done on a mobile device using different apps. While it’s convenient, sharing personal and sensitive data is a topic of concern. Thus, most businesses are investing more in digital security to ensure the safety of their users’ data. Subtle actions in this direction are already in force. Apple’s data security policy is a leading example. In WWDC 21, they even took a step towards a passwordless future by introducing ‘Passkeys in iCloud Chain.’ Microsoft and Google are also working on replacing passwords with secure login access. 

Salesforce recently made MFA (multi-factor authentication) mandatory for its users. Just like these brands, we will surely witness businesses turning towards a security-first approach in 2022 and ahead. 

AR and VR

Enforcement of AR/VR technology in mobile apps is an emerging trend. Since the pandemic locked everyone at home, it took away the experience of try and buy and practical experimentation; that’s when AR and VR made it possible for users to get a real-life experience virtually. For example, apparel stores leverage AR and VR to provide users with features like virtual try-on and 3D previews to help their purchasing decisions. Users can try eye frames, jewelry, hair colors, makeup, apparel, and more without an actual wardrobe. Manufacturers are leveraging AR to create 3D models and assemble them. 60 percent of those leveraging technology for virtual labor on the production line have claimed reduced operational costs and increased productivity. In the education industry, it enhances the creativity and imagination of the children/learners.

The number of VR users in the US alone is $57.4 million in 2022. Looking at the impact of AR and VR, it can be truly said that 2022 is the year of AR/VR. 

Low/No-Code App Development

Business Wire predicts that low code and no-code platforms will grow by 44.4 percent in 2022. While we can’t say that it will be the future, it is imperative for the broader trend shaping the mobile app development industry. 

Many technology-specific app builders like the Magento 2 mobile app builder are taking over, allowing businesses to launch their store apps within weeks without any coding experience. This will take mainstream during a pandemic when the working environment has drastically shifted, as backed by Forrester’s software development predictions 2021. Further, research by Alpha Software shows that 65 percent of app development will be done with low to no code platforms by 2024. 

With no-code platforms, businesses can work without IT interference. They can leverage benefits like accessibility, collaboration, flexibility, and reduced legacy maintenance costs. 

The Step Ahead

COVID 19 has made a radical shift to customer behavior and their preferences. If businesses want to move ahead, they have to deliver a personalized experience. Technologies like 5G, blockchain, instant apps, no-code app development will take center stage, while tools like Magento 2 mobile app builder will ensure that app development is faster and streamlined. 

The impact of these trends is going to be the same for both – Android and iOS. So, whether you’re planning to develop a Magento 2 Android app or an iOS App, try to incorporate these trends. For instance, you can build a PWA for the iOS platform or use an app builder for a quick app launch.