A mobile app simply put is a software program that executes on a mobile device. There are millions of mobile apps available in the market today. Google App Store and Apple App Store host the maximum number of mobile apps. According to Statista, in 2023 users downloaded 121 billion apps from the Google Play store and 35 billion apps from the Apple App Store. Did you know that the total revenue generated by mobile apps is predicted to touch a staggering $673.8 billion by 2027? Most customers use their smartphones to do shopping. By developing business-specific mobile apps organizations can gain an edge over competitors. A mobile app enables businesses to directly communicate with existing as well as potential customers. Through push notifications businesses can intimate users about new products and/or services, forthcoming events, and attractive deals. Branding and marketing are done via mobile apps nowadays. Small businesses can compete with larger enterprises by having their very own mobile app.

Types of Mobile Apps

There are 4 main types of mobile apps.

1.   Native Apps

They are developed for particular devices and operating systems including Android and iOS. The apps are coded utilizing the programming languages as well as frameworks given by the platform. For Android platforms usually Java and Kotlin are used. Whereas for iOS platform Objective C and Swift are utilized. Advantages of native apps include superior user experience as well as superior performance.

2.   Cross-platform Apps

The same app runs on different platforms. Advantages include a lesser amount of time, money, and effort to develop the app. Disadvantages include relatively lower performance when compared to native apps. The app takes less time to market which is a much-needed quality. Multiple programming languages as well as frameworks such as React Native and Flutter can be utilized to develop this kind of app.

3.   Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Web platforms such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript are utilized to develop these kinds of apps. PWAs run on web browsers. They can also be downloaded from app stores. PWAs deliver a user experience akin to a native app. One useful property is they work even when offline.

4.   Hybrid Apps

These combine components of native apps as well as web apps. They run on different platforms seamlessly. Hybrid apps run even when offline.  Frameworks including React Native and PhoneGap are utilized to develop these kinds of apps. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are also utilized during the development process. Hybrid apps make use of device’s hardware features.

How to Develop a Quality Mobile App

●     Plan

You should be clear about the target audience. Ask yourself what problems the app will solve. What is a new thing that your app offers? Comprehensive market research as well as competitor research should be done to find out the requirements. Do not have many features in the app as it will overwhelm users. The app should be simple as well as unique. Consult stakeholders and staff to list down what features as well as functionality the app should have. Develop a MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with minimum features. Obtain feedback on the MVP from the stakeholders. Next incorporate the feedback into the MVP. This way you will not have to rework on the app later saving time, effort, and money.

●     Design

Craft the user interface (UI) as well as the user experience (UX). The app should have intuitive navigation. It should also be simple to navigate and be engaging to users. You can use wireframes and mockups made to be presented to stakeholders. A poor quality UI and UX can make the app fail as users will leave the app.

●     Development

Research on the different programming languages, frameworks, and tools available in the market. Shortlist them depending on your goals and objectives. Factors include performance, compatibility, and reach. Decide whether you want a native app, hybrid app or some other kind of app. Make sure the app has all the qualities as required by the different app stores.

●     Rigorous Testing

Select the testing tools from the ones available in the market. Test whether all the features work and whether the app delivers the desired functionality. Check for compatibility, speed, security, and performance issues. The app should be able to withstand stress as well as cyberattacks.

●     Deployment

Submit the completed app to Google Play Store or Apple Play Store. After approval the app is ready to be downloaded and used by people.

●     Maintenance and Support

Monitor the app for performance, security, and other aspects. In the future you may need to upgrade the app to take advantage of new technologies or changing market requirements. Prove 24X7 support so that users are happy. Apply timely updates to add/modify features or to fix security vulnerabilities.

Current Trends in Mobile App Development

We take a look at top mobile app development trends for business leaders.

●     Growing Emphasis on Security

Enterprises must monitor the mobile app for security status and adopt latest cybersecurity measures to ensure a safe experience for app users.

●     Inclusion of Internet of Things (IoT)

New mobile apps communicate with smart devices including home appliances, wearable items, and others. IoT is particularly useful in the logistics sector where items can be tracked in real-time.

●     5G

This technology is 100 times faster than 4G. The former is being increasingly adopted and implemented by mobile apps. Content can be downloaded and video can be streamed much faster than before. This results in enhanced client engagement as well as retention.

●     AR (Augmented Reality) & VR (Virtual Reality)

These technologies give an immersive experience to end users. AR lets customers try on different outfits in the fashion and clothing industry. Usage of AR & VR gives a superior and enjoyable user experience.

●     Predictive Analytics

AI, ML(Machine Learning) & Big Data are leveraged to make informed decisions as well as demand forecasting.

●     Super-apps

Multiple apps are accessible from a single interface empowering the client with multiple choices as well as a wide range of services. Super-apps provide superior and convenient client experience.

●     Leveraging of AI (Artificial Intelligence)

AI goes through vast amounts of data to offer a personalized client experience as per their requirements and preferences. The result is happy clients and more revenue and profits for the business.

●     The Rise of On-demand Apps

Uber and Taco Bell are instances of on-demand apps. The latter empower clients to order and obtain goods or services almost immediately. Food delivery services, ride-hailing as well as video streaming are made possible thanks to on-demand apps.

Possessing extensive expertise as well as experience in developing mobile apps for business purposes, CoffeeBeans is well positioned to help your organization. We offer stellar quality at competitive rates. Our clients can vouch for our transparency, real-time communication as well as adherence to stipulated deadlines. Reach out to us at [email protected] to know how we can meet your unique and specific requirements.