The App Development Trends To Watch In 2023

Mobile apps that make it easier for consumers to connect, interact, and shop, are gaining popularity across even small business markets. Last year, for example, 48% of small businesses had an app compared with just 32% the year before. Like web presence, applications are therefore becoming a business requisite. But with app development costing anywhere between $30,000 to $400,000, it takes a little more work than simply boosting online sales to justify this expense.

Brands looking to enjoy viable app ROIs particularly need to work on not only developing their app in the first place but ensuring its relevance in a quickly growing market by prioritizing legacy application modernization based on current market trends. In this article, we consider just five of the app development trends that companies of all sizes should be implementing to ensure returns in 2023.

# 1 – 5G

2023 spells the start of full-scale 5G usage, and the growth of fully 5G-enabled mobile devices. The faster load times, higher resolutions, and quicker app payments possible with 5G pave the way for app developments like seamless cloud compatibility, enhanced graphics, and even advanced in-app games with improved performance. 

# 2 – AR & VR

App developers continue to consider what augmented and virtual realities have to offer, especially in light of the speed of 5G. Outside of even game-specific apps, brands like Ikea and L’Oreal are using these focuses to enable things like virtual makeup trials, and the ability to test how furniture will look in a room at home before purchase. As this technology continues to advance, consumer expectations for interactive, intuitive app usage will inevitably grow.

# 3 – Microservices

Brands including Amazon, Netflix, and Etsy are increasingly relying on microservices that make it possible to build an app using multiple independent services. This makes scalability, and ultimately profitability, far easier to achieve when microservices are connected via APIs, and serve a definite purpose within an app’s monolith architecture. According to Amazon, success simply relies on small teams and complete developer oversight of each microservice. From there, brands can build apps with less downtime, enhanced capabilities, and potential profit increases despite a little extra expense at the development stages.

# 4 – Foldable devices

Foldable smartphones form a small portion of mobile markets, but they’re increasing in popularity at a fast rate. For app developers, this shift is paving the way for graphic improvements based on larger screens, as well as additions like multiple windows, and on-screen information and controls that aren’t typically possible. 

# 5 – Mobile app security

Mobile app security continues to be a pressing concern, especially in light of ever-changing risks, and growing pressures regarding data protection. Companies like Apple are heralding the way for security trends that include password-less passkeys, while the app development industry, in general, is seeing a shift towards more robust DevOps strategies. 

By staying on top of trends like these, businesses can save time, money, and efficiency setbacks with their app development, as well as ensuring modern options that appeal to every audience.