Introduction
Remember when the most complicated thing on your phone was setting a ringtone? Now, in 2018, mobile app development is a whole different beast. AI, AR/VR, blockchain—these aren’t just buzzwords anymore; they’re game-changers for businesses and developers. Mobile app development trends in 2018 are more dynamic and advanced than ever before.
Mobile app development trends aren’t just growing—they’re multiplying faster than your unread messages (and let’s face it, we all have those). It’s crucial for businesses and developers alike to stay ahead of the curve, especially when trends can fade as quickly as the latest viral meme. The trick, however, is knowing which trends are worth your time and investment—and which ones might just be flash-in-the-pan distractions.
At Kanhasoft, we know how crucial it is to stay ahead of the curve. As mobile app development trends evolve, businesses must be agile to incorporate these innovations. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 mobile app development trends in 2018, highlighting key changes that can help you create apps that stand out. Let’s dive in!
Trend 1: How Artificial Intelligence Drives Mobile App Development Trends
Ah, Artificial Intelligence (AI)—it’s no longer just something you see in sci-fi movies where robots take over the world (although, we’re still a little nervous about that). In 2018, AI is one of the biggest trends in mobile app development. Whether you realize it or not, AI is already integrated into most apps you use—think about how Netflix seems to know exactly what you want to binge-watch next (even though you’ll probably watch another 3 hours of cat videos instead).
For mobile apps, AI and machine learning bring personalization, smarter predictions, and more dynamic user interactions. It’s like having a super-smart assistant embedded right in the app, constantly learning how to make your experience better.
At Kanhasoft, we’ve been experimenting with AI in some of our mobile solutions, from creating chatbots that actually understand you (unlike your last phone call with customer service) to integrating machine learning algorithms that provide insights and recommendations. The real kicker? AI isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s becoming a must-have for businesses that want to stay relevant in a tech-driven world.
But let’s be honest: AI’s still working on perfecting its coffee-making skills, so don’t expect a robot barista just yet.
Trend 2: AR and VR Role in Mobile App Development
Remember when you were a kid and thought virtual reality would look like something out of The Matrix? Well, here’s the reality: it’s better. In 2018, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming the way users interact with mobile apps—whether it’s supercharging gaming experiences or reimagining online shopping.
You’ve probably heard of Pokémon GO—remember how we all lost our minds chasing virtual creatures down the street? Well, AR is more than just a gimmick. It’s a game-changer for industries like retail, education, and entertainment. Apps can now overlay digital objects onto the real world, creating experiences that are immersive and engaging.
At Kanhasoft, we’re constantly exploring how AR can help clients give their users something more than just an app. For example, imagine a furniture app where you can “place” a chair in your living room using your phone’s camera before buying it. Talk about making shopping easier. As for VR? Well, we’re still waiting on that whole “live-in-a-virtual-world” thing, but it’s already making waves in gaming and training apps.
Trend 3: Blockchain Technology in Mobile Apps
Blockchain: It’s not just for cryptocurrency anymore. (Sorry, Bitcoin, you’re not the only cool kid on the block.) Blockchain technology is slowly—but surely—finding its way into mobile app development, and 2018 is no exception. Why? Because it provides a level of security and transparency that is perfect for sensitive transactions—think mobile banking, e-commerce, and any app that handles data that needs to be locked down tight.
Let’s face it—there’s always that moment when you’re about to make an online payment, and you have that split-second panic. “Is this secure? Could my credit card details end up in the wrong hands?” Blockchain reduces that anxiety by decentralizing data and making it practically impossible to tamper with. In short: It’s like having a digital bodyguard for your sensitive information.
At Kanhasoft, we’re diving into blockchain for apps where security matters—whether it’s cryptocurrency apps or apps dealing with sensitive personal information. And while it might sound like something only tech nerds and financial experts care about, blockchain is steadily becoming a go-to for building trust with users.
So, if you’re building an app and need a safe, reliable way to handle transactions? Well, blockchain might just be your new best friend.
Trend 4: Instant Apps
“Wait, you mean I don’t need to download the app?” Cue the collective sigh of relief from smartphone users everywhere. In 2018, instant apps are quickly becoming a favorite trend in mobile development. Instant apps allow users to access an app’s functionality without going through the download process—no storage-hogging, no waiting, just instant gratification.
So, how does it work? Essentially, instant apps are lightweight versions of full-fledged mobile apps that users can open directly from a link or a search result—no installation required. Think of it like being able to try out a service before committing to it. Want to try a food delivery app? Open it instantly, browse the menu, and see if it’s worth the download.
At Kanhasoft, we’re all about reducing friction in the user experience. Instant apps are a game-changer, especially for businesses that want to engage users quickly without asking for too much upfront. And, let’s be honest, who hasn’t felt that pang of dread when they see a 300MB app download waiting for them? Instant apps let users dip their toes in without making them dive straight into the deep end. Smart, right?
Trend 5: Mobile App Security and Privacy
In the age of data breaches and constant cyber-attacks, mobile app security isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. With GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and other privacy laws making headlines, it’s clear that users care more than ever about how their data is handled. If your app doesn’t prioritize security, you might as well hand out your users’ private information on a silver platter. Yikes.
Mobile apps are prime targets for hackers, so developers need to be one step ahead. From implementing strong encryption to regular security audits, there’s no room for complacency. And don’t get us started on two-factor authentication—it’s no longer optional. It’s basically like locking your front door twice to make sure no one gets in.
At Kanhasoft, we take security seriously. We ensure that our apps are equipped with the latest encryption technologies and that users’ data is protected every step of the way. Sure, it’s not as glamorous as designing a cool interface, but let’s face it: if your app isn’t secure, all the cool features in the world won’t matter. Security is the foundation of trust. And trust? That’s what makes users come back.
Trend 6: 5G Networks and Its Impact on Mobile Apps
5G. It’s here, it’s fast, and it’s going to change everything. Well, almost everything—let’s not get ahead of ourselves. But when it comes to mobile app development, 5G is the game-changer we’ve all been waiting for. With its ultra-fast speeds and low latency, 5G will make mobile apps smoother, faster, and more powerful than ever before.
Remember the days of waiting for a video to buffer or an app to load? (Yes, we’re still haunted by that spinning wheel of death.) 5G promises to eliminate those frustrations. It’s not just about speed; it’s about enabling new kinds of mobile experiences that were previously unimaginable. Streaming high-definition content, gaming without lag, or even using AR and VR apps without that annoying buffering—it’s all possible with 5G.
At Kanhasoft, we’re already excited about the possibilities that 5G will bring to mobile app development. Apps that rely on real-time data or need constant updates, like live-streaming platforms or GPS apps, will benefit the most from 5G’s blazing fast speeds. However, we also know that 5G adoption will take time, so we’re making sure our apps are future-proof, ready for the next era of connectivity.
So, when your next download finishes in a blink of an eye, don’t forget to thank 5G—your phone will have never been this speedy (unless you’re still on that 3G network, in which case… maybe it’s time to upgrade).
Trend 7: On-Demand Apps
Here’s a little secret: we’re all spoiled. The world of on-demand services has conditioned us to expect everything right now. From hailing a cab to getting food delivered to your door, on-demand apps have become an essential part of our daily lives. And in 2018, the demand for these services is only growing.
From ride-sharing apps like Uber to home-cleaning services on demand, the possibilities are endless. The on-demand economy isn’t just about convenience; it’s about giving people control over their time. People want things on their terms—and apps that provide instant services meet that need perfectly.
At Kanhasoft, we’ve helped businesses create on-demand apps that deliver convenience and efficiency to users. For example, we developed an app for a client that connects people with freelance workers on a per-task basis. It’s not just about creating an app—it’s about creating a seamless experience where users can access the services they need, exactly when they need them.
Let’s face it: we’re all addicted to the instant gratification that on-demand apps provide. And the best part? There’s still room for more opportunities to make life easier (and a little lazier) with these apps.
Trend 8: Cross-Platform Development
You know that feeling when you launch your app on Android, only to realize it looks completely different on iOS? Well, cross-platform development is here to save the day. In 2018, building apps for multiple platforms simultaneously has become easier and more efficient thanks to frameworks like React Native and Flutter. No more duplicating efforts or dealing with the headache of maintaining separate codebases.
Why is this a big deal? Because, let’s be honest: building apps for both iOS and Android can be a nightmare. You’re basically creating two different versions of the same thing, and keeping them updated can be a full-time job. Cross-platform tools streamline this process, allowing developers to write one codebase and deploy it on both platforms—without sacrificing performance.
At Kanhasoft, we love cross-platform development. It saves our clients time and money, and it means we can focus more on delivering quality user experiences. Plus, the ability to use tools like React Native and Flutter means we can still create apps that feel native to each platform, without the usual development headaches.
If you want to reach the widest possible audience without doubling your workload, cross-platform development is the way to go. It’s like the best of both worlds, with none of the hassle.
Trend 9: Mobile Payment and E-wallets
Let’s talk money. (No, we’re not asking for a loan—we’re just talking about the future of payments.) 2018 is the year mobile payment and e-wallets go mainstream. Whether you’re using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any other digital wallet, it’s all about making payments as seamless and frictionless as possible. Because, frankly, who wants to be fumbling around for cash or a credit card when all you need is your phone?
Mobile payments are more than just a convenience; they’re changing the way we think about transactions. With security features like biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition), e-wallets offer a level of safety that credit cards can’t match. Plus, mobile payments aren’t just limited to retail transactions—they’re expanding into things like peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, and even in-app purchases.
At Kanhasoft, we’ve been diving into mobile payment solutions for clients who want to streamline their business processes. Whether it’s integrating payment gateways for e-commerce apps or implementing in-app purchase functionality for gaming apps, we understand the importance of offering secure, easy-to-use payment solutions.
The future of money is digital, and if you’re not ready for it, you might want to start thinking about it now. Your users (and their wallets) will thank you later.
Trend 10: Cloud Integration in Mobile Apps
Remember when your phone’s storage was full, and you had to start deleting old photos to make room for a new app? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But in 2018, cloud integration is here to save us from that pain. By offloading data storage and processing to the cloud, mobile apps can deliver a smoother, more scalable experience without hogging up precious storage space on users’ devices.
Cloud integration allows apps to store large amounts of data (like user profiles, media, or game progress) without impacting the device’s performance. It also means that users can access their data from multiple devices seamlessly—making it easier for businesses to deliver a consistent experience.
At Kanhasoft, we’ve been integrating cloud storage into apps for clients who want to offer users a frictionless experience. Whether it’s for a photo-sharing app, a social networking platform, or a business management tool, cloud storage ensures that data is always accessible, secure, and scalable.
Conclusion Mobile App Development Trends
So there you have it—10 mobile app development trends that are shaping the industry in 2018. The future of mobile apps is here, and it’s evolving faster than you can say “download now.” Whether you’re using AI to personalize user experiences, integrating AR for immersive interactions, or embracing blockchain for better security, the possibilities are endless.
At Kanhasoft, we’re committed to staying ahead of these trends and delivering mobile app solutions that don’t just keep up with the times—they set the standard. The tech world moves quickly, but with the right tools and mindset, you can stay ahead of the pack.
After all, in Mobile App Development Trends, it’s not about jumping on every trend—it’s about knowing which ones matter, and how to use them to create something truly innovative. So, get ready, because the future of mobile apps is only getting brighter—and we’re here to help you shine.
FAQs Mobile App Development Trends
Q1: What is the most important trend in mobile app development trends in 2018?
A: AI and machine learning are arguably the most important trends. They bring personalized user experiences, better predictions, and smarter apps overall. If your app doesn’t use some form of AI in 2018, it might be time for an update.
Q2: How do cross-platform apps work?
A: Cross-platform apps use frameworks like React Native or Flutter to write a single codebase that runs on both Android and iOS. This saves developers time and resources while still delivering a native app experience for users.
Q3: Why is blockchain important for mobile apps?
A: Blockchain provides secure, transparent, and decentralized transactions, making it ideal for apps that require high levels of data integrity and security, like financial apps or apps that store sensitive user information.
Q4: How does 5G impact mobile app development?
A: 5G offers incredibly fast internet speeds and low latency, which will enhance the performance of data-heavy apps such as video streaming, gaming, and real-time communications. For app developers, it means the ability to create more immersive experiences (think AR/VR) without lag, as well as quicker load times and smoother user interactions. 5G will truly enable next-level mobile app experiences.
Q5: What’s the difference between AR and VR in mobile apps?
A: Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements on the real world through your device’s camera (think Pokémon GO). Virtual Reality (VR), on the other hand, creates a completely immersive digital environment. While AR can enhance real-world interactions, VR transports users to a new world entirely. Both technologies are revolutionizing mobile apps, but in different ways—AR is more interactive with the real world, while VR creates an entirely digital experience.
