iOS app development clearly has an edge in the app market. We are sure this controversial statement would irk a few dedicated developers for Android devices but the reality is that iOS app development is subconsciously considered more superior and elegant. And let's not forget about the airtight security Apple ensures in terms of data, privacy and app maintenance.
Some of the most popular apps you can think of had their initial launches on iOS devices before they were developed again for Android and released into the market. Even the most recent rage, Clubhouse, has been launched for iOS devices alone. Android users are yet to experience the functionality of Clubhouse app and try to be in the same room as their icons
Besides, there are also several apps that are available only for iOS devices. Consider apps like Overcast, Sky Guide AR, Tweetbot, Geoshred and more. These are iOS exclusives that are yearned by Android users for their amazing functionalities. With so much demand and functionalities, the iOS app market is indeed a treasure trove of opportunities for brands and business owners to explore.
To throw in some numbers and statistics, realize that there are over 1.79 million apps on the Apple App Store. With over 1.45 million publishers, an average of 1,252 apps get uploaded to the store every single day.
So, if you are someone looking to make it big in the iOS app market with your breakthrough ideas, you need to stand out from the thousands of apps that are launched every day and then the 1 million apps that are already on the platform.
But how do you stand out from the clutter? What are the practices and approaches you could take to better your app quality for a platform that prioritizes quality over anything else?
Well, don't worry. We have you covered with our exclusive iOS app development guide. In this post, we will explore iOS mobile app development and shed light on some of the most popular trends we anticipate for 2021.
This will help you align your app visions with your approach to choosing tech components and infrastructure so you can ensure your iOS app development efforts are recognized by your target audience.
Let's get started.
7 In-demand iOS App Development Trends for 2021
The Surge Of Augmented Reality
One of the major trends in iOS app development would be the surge of Augmented Reality (AR). AR is being increasingly experimented across industries by businesses who intend to captivate their target audiences with immersive experiences. From apparel companies to even healthcare chains, AR is being used for educational, entertainment and infotainment purposes. The Sky Guide AR app we mentioned also utilizes the power of AR to let you explore the sky and stargaze with the help of technology.
Even Apple lends extensive support for AR iOS app development. It offers tools like ARKit 3, RealityKit framework and Reality Composer to allow developers to create new worlds, bring in real-world elements into their worlds and offer surreal experiences to users. With more innovation, we could see diverse use cases of AR in the iOS spectrum.
IoT Mobile App Development
We have a specially dedicated write up on how IoT or the Internet of Things is impacting the overall mobile application development process. As far as IoT mobile app development is concerned, the impact is only expected to be bigger and better mainly because of the encryption and safety standards that come with Apple devices.
We are not taking sides here but just objectively sharing insights from a developer perspective and with the credibility of an iOS mobile applications development company. With wearables increasingly becoming more accessible and IoT being implemented for healthcare, lifestyle and other integral purposes, IoT-based app development strategies will rule the year.
Integration With Cloud
As consumers, we are generating massive volumes of data every single day. With the rise of smart devices, data exchange is happening at immeasurable volumes and the associated apps need to be perpetually processing data to offer the most precise and real-time information to consumers. As data generation becomes massive, there needs to be adequate spaces to store it for processing. That's where cloud integration comes in.
Another major iOS mobile application development trend for 2021, cloud integration allows developers to leverage the potential of cloud to store their application data for retrieval and analysis. This frees up space in a device's local storage and prevents the app from becoming slow or stalling the device's performance. This way apps can execute tasks faster and make them airtight as well.
From a business perspective, cloud integration also enables scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Chatbots
Enough statistics have been shared and much has already been spoken about how chatbots will dominate iOS mobile app development in 2021. However, businesses are yet to personally understand the importance of chatbots for their businesses.
Chatbots have the power to reallocate talent pool to where it is actually needed such as sales and marketing, business development and more. Today's chatbots are advanced and can solve real-world conflicts in less than a few steps. There are also elements of automation offered by some companies that allow users to resolve concerns by themselves without actually talking to a bot.
Not just in fintech and healthcare, chatbots could be deployed in gaming, entertainment and cooking apps. Some of the most bizarre use cases end up becoming the most captivating ones in the market. With competition in the iOS spectrum on the rise, one of the tried and tested ways to retain your users is by being by their side always. And chatbots help you with this seamlessly.
Application Security
Apple takes app security seriously and there's no second question about it. However, with the rise in privacy concerns and the introduction of data governance laws across the globe, extra attention needs to be given to the way an app functions, handles confidential data, transaction data with third-party elements and companies, where data is stored and more. App developers need to comply with all these mandates and additionally work on figuring out unseen vulnerabilities.
With iOS 13 laying a special emphasis on security, iOS app development should follow sucait by following the mandates and opportunities introduced.
iBeacon
When we are talking about iOS app development trends for 2021, how could we overlook Apple's iBeacon? For the uninitiated, this is a marketing-specific tech released by Apple that is gaining increased traction as days pass by.
These small wireless transmitters send and receive signals using BlueTooth technology. When devices are paired, it allows developers to send push notifications to connected devices in vicinity. Specifically beneficial in the retail industry, a pedestrian with no intentions to shop that particular day can get notifications on latest arrivals of apparel, discounts and deals (that can be personalized as well) and more captivating offers to pull them into stores.
This way, businesses can increase footfall in their stores and make way for conversions as well. As far as iOS mobile app development is concerned, this will involve businesses managing push notifications at the backend, optimizing beacons with required components, tailoring content and visuals for transmission and more.
Apple Pay
This is the age of digital transactions. With millennials refusing to transact with cash, wallet-based payments are on the rise. From online shopping to even purchases from brick-and-mortar stores, the preferred mode of payments is currently digital currencies. And users of Apple devices know how secure and convenient Apple Pay is. So, if you are developing an app that involves in-app purchasing or monetary transactions, one of the iOS app development trends you should incorporate is payments through Apple Pay. It simply makes things easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up
Apart from these, trends surrounding the implementation of blockchain, artificial intelligence and Big Data continue to be predominant as well. We suggest you do a thorough analysis of your market requirements, consumer behavior, their tech abilities, the learning curve involved and more before you get started with iOS app development.
And for those of you who intend to take a shorter route, approach us iOS app development services and we will develop an app that not just follows trends but sets them as well. If you are eyeing for a business that is stable for the next two decades, you have to make your app future-proof. We will do exactly that from our expertise, experience and an amazing pool of inhouse talent.
Get in touch with us today.