As we near the end of 2021 which has been another rollercoaster of a year for many of us. It’s time to take a look to the future with a fresh and excited mindset to see what we can expect in the form of mobile app trends for 2022.
What edgy and innovative ideas will be the future of app development in 2022?
Mobile App Trends 2022 – Augmented & Virtual Reality
Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that he’s changing the name of Facebook to Meta Platforms Inc (Meta). In short the Metaverse will be “a virtual reality construct intended to supplant the internet, merge virtual life with real life and create endless new playgrounds for everyone”
So what is Virtual and Augmented reality?
Virtual Reality – users wear a headset or glasses and are completely immersed into a new “virtual” environment.
Augmented Reality – an enhanced vision of the real world, created with superimposed images, sights and sounds.
A lot of retail brands such as IKEA are using augmented reality apps so that their customers can have a more engaging experience when shopping for products. But did you also know that Snapchat filters are a form of augmented reality too!
Both technologies will be key trends to keep an eye on in 2022.
Mobile App Trends 2022 – Internet of Things (IoT)
In layman’s terms the Internet of things (IoT) is the network of connected applications that can collect and exchange data over the internet using sensors. Some examples include smarthomes and wearables such as fitbits. The vast majority of these applications are also connected to our smartphone devices.
It’s estimated that the number of active IoT devices will surpass 25.4 billion in 2030. In 2022 mobile IoT will allow us to control the lighting and heating in our homes from apps on our phones and put the coffee machine on just as we arrive at the front door 🙂
IoT is also increasingly important in the world of healthcare, not only for our fitness and heart rate monitoring but for observing patients too.
Mobile App Trends 2022 – iOS 15
With Apple’s release of IOS15 back in September came lots of new features including a new way to view notifications, a focus feature which allows a user to create various profiles for different times of the day, an awesome new text scan feature, safari updates, and those all important privacy changes.
iOS 15 has been a game changer for many and has allowed for a new era of apps to be developed. App store connect will now allow developers to change app icons and customise product pages which in turn will change the way we market to new and existing users.
Mobile App Trends 2022 – Inclusive UI/UX
The design of a mobile app includes the UI (user interface) and the UX (user experience). Inclusive UI/UX is the way a mobile app has been designed for all users in all situations. Inclusive design is not just aimed at people with disabilities.
Understanding user diversity in today’s digital world and ensuring apps can be used and enjoyed by everyone is essential!
A great example of inclusive design is a voice control feature for someone who is driving and can’t use their hands. Another example is the screen lock feature to keep the screen still whilst the user is operating the app, this may be useful for physical workers who may be up a ladder or under a car.
Mobile App Trends 2022 – AI
Artificial intelligence has been around for a number of years and is already a part of our day to day lives with creations such as Siri – Apple’s virtual assistant and Alexa, Amazon’s own virtual assistant.
Chatbots are now also increasingly used in messaging apps and are a form of artificial intelligence. A recent report stated that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030.
AI is now being utilised to understand the behaviour patterns of mobile app users and gain valuable insight into user engagement levels.
Mobile App Trends 2022 – Data Privacy
Data privacy has been big in the last few years particularly after the Netflix documentary The Great Hack which was about the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica data scandal.
Apple has now taken the reins and with the release of iOS 15 and is now asking users whether they want to be opted in to in app marketing, something which was previously standard. Offering data privacy has almost become as ethical as sustainability when it comes to corporate and social responsibility.
Taking control of our own data privacy will continue to be a real trend in 2022 with emerging companies such as Gener8 Ads giving us the opportunity to block the advertising that’s not relevant to us and tailor the ads we actually want to see.
Mobile App Trends 2022 – Digital Currency
As we reported in last week’s article, Fintech is huge right now globally. Some of the world’s most valuable companies are in the Fintech sector. Digital Currency has changed the world of finance and covid in particular has accelerated and changed the way we do business. The need for contactless technology is higher than ever.
In 2022 we expect a new wave of mobile apps which will allow us to manage our finances, conduct business transactions, manage our investments and crypto currencies.
Mobile App Trends 2022 – Low-Code Prototyping
Low code app development is on the rise and has allowed businesses to automate new processes quickly. Low code prototyping however will be a massive trend for 2022 allowing novice app developers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to build a mobile app prototype at a rapid rate and reduced cost which is is key during the initial stages of the app development journey. It will also allow first time app developers to get in front of investors at a faster rate to secure that all important funding.
Mobile App Trends 2022 – On-Demand Apps
The on-demand sector is still going strong and according to the PwC research, it is estimated that the on-demand economy will soar to reach a whopping $335 billion by 2025
From ridesharing and prescriptions to takeaways and food shopping. Everything can now be booked, paid for and delivered by on-demand apps.
The ongoing success of the on-demand app sector has given mass appeal to investors with on-demand grocery start-up Gorilla recently securing close to $1bn in their series C funding round.
On-demand apps will continue to trend in 2022 with healthcare and education being the newest players.
Final Thoughts
The mobile app statistics for 2021 show a clear shift in the way we use and engage with our apps. We are now using them to organise navigate our day to day lives. Mobile app trends for 2022 are set to be some of the most advanced technology we have ever seen so hold onto your hats – we’re in for a thrilling ride!
