Top Trends in Mobile Technologies for 2024 and Beyond
Currently, there are over 6.7 billion mobile network subscriptions worldwide, and forecasts indicate that this number will rise to 7.7 billion by 2028, almost equaling the global population. Efigence, a company that has been creating innovative technological solutions for various sectors, including banking and e-commerce, presents several key trends that will have a decisive impact on the shaping of mobile technologies in the coming years.
Internet of Things on an Even Larger Scale
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming mobile technologies by enabling management and data analysis in internet-connected devices without human intervention. Examples of IoT applications include Roomba-type cleaning robots that use this technology for mapping and navigation, refrigerators, as well as smart watches and cars. Currently, there are over 15 billion IoT devices worldwide, and this number is expected to double by 2030! Moreover, in the future, IoT will lean towards edge computing, allowing for the processing of more data directly in devices, instead of in the cloud, thereby increasing their efficiency and security.
Revolution and Growth of the Wearable Technology Market
The global wearable technology market is expected to grow to $490 billion by 2032, with the increasing popularity of smartwatches, whose number of users may exceed 230 million by 2030. The future will bring further integration of artificial intelligence with mobile devices, enabling the creation of more context-aware gadgets. Particularly promising are applications in healthcare and IoT, where wearable devices will support patient health management as well as smart homes and vehicles. One of the most noteworthy innovations is Apple Vision Pro – an advanced mixed reality kit that has the potential to revolutionize the way we work, consume content, and communicate. This innovative product allows for the opening of the same applications usually used on computers or TVs, with the difference that they are displayed in space, for example, on a desk or on the living room wall of the user.
AR and VR in Games, Medicine, and Education with the Promise of Greater Immersion
In gaming, games like Pokemon GO show how augmented reality (AR) can engage users by creating interactive experiences that combine the digital world with the real one. Meanwhile, virtual reality (VR) titles available on platforms like PlayStation VR offer deeply engaging experiences, transporting players to fully digital worlds. In the healthcare sector, AR and VR are used for medical training and surgery planning, as illustrated by applications like Surgical Theater. In education, tools like Froggipedia, using AR, revolutionize learning, making it more interactive. Moreover, upcoming improvements in hardware, such as faster processors and better displays, along with the development of 5G networks, promise even more advanced experiences.
AI and ML Transforming Mobile Application Experiences
Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), personalization and predictive analysis tailored to the individual needs of mobile app users are possible. Examples like Netflix, using ML for content recommendations, or intelligent assistants like Google Assistant, perfectly illustrate the potential of these technologies. Increased efficiency, predicted development of personalization and data analysis, combined with tools supporting developers, indicate that AI and ML will become an integral part of mobile applications, offering users more intuitive and satisfying experiences.
“In the near future, we can expect that all key mobile technologies will become even more advanced, focusing on providing better experiences for users and increasing the level of security. We observe continuous progress, which translates into the development of more intuitive and responsive interfaces, better integration with everyday devices, and greater personalization opportunities. Regardless of the technology we think about, it is most likely to grow significantly in the coming years – in the mobile world, a CAGR growth of over 20% is no longer unusual” emphasizes Marek Lesiak, Chief Technology Officer at Efigence.
Transition from Single-Function Apps to Super-Apps
Super-apps offering integrated commercial and communication services through a single software represent a significant evolution in the way mobile applications are used. Already, super-apps, dominated by Asian countries such as China and Southeast Asia with examples like Alipay and AirAsia, are gaining popularity due to their versatility. Alipay, with over 1.3 billion subscribers, integrates financial management, shopping, and service ordering, while AirAsia, with nearly 13 million monthly active users, is currently expanding its operations to the aviation sector. In 2023, the super-app market was valued at $61.35 billion with a forecast to grow to over $714 billion by 2032. It is predicted that soon super-apps will begin to replace standard single-function apps in the USA and Europe, offering more efficient and convenient “all-in-one” experiences.
“Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, 5G, the Internet of Things, smart devices, and super-apps are changing our daily lives, making them more efficient and simpler. These technologies not only increase productivity at work but also support health care and education, as well as offer rich, engaging experiences. They introduce unprecedented possibilities for both users and mobile technology developers, heralding an era of ubiquitous and even more advanced innovations. The coming years are definitely an exciting time for the industry” adds Amadeusz Blanik, Tech Lead Frontend & Mobile Developer at Efigence.
Download the “Mobile Technology Trends 2024” eBook, containing an analysis of the 12 main trends in mobile technology and three approaches to its development. Available here.
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