As we look ahead to 2024, we asked ten industry experts, including founders and CEOs, to predict the trends that will shape mobile app development. From AI integration enhancing user experience to blockchain integrating into mobile apps, discover the insights these leaders shared on the future of app development.

1. AI Integration Enhances User Experience
2. Edge Computing and 5G Revolutionize Web Services
3. Declarative UI as The Gold Standard
4. Adapting Apps for Foldable Screens
5. Cross-Platform Frameworks Gain Traction
6. AI-Related Permissions Personalize User Experiences
7. CoPilot as the Future of App Development
8. Multi-Location Functionality for Travel Apps
9. Evolution of Voice Assistants in Apps
10. Blockchain Integrates into Mobile Apps

1) AI Integration Enhances User Experience

Gautam Duggal, Sales and Team Building Expert, UpInFifty

Based on my insights, I predict that one of the key trends shaping mobile-app development in 2024 will be the continued integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI’s capabilities in voice recognition, image analysis, and predictive analytics have already enhanced user experiences. In 2024, we can expect AI to evolve even further, making apps more intelligent and user-friendly. This will lead to highly personalized and efficient apps that adapt to individual user needs.

The seamless integration of AI into mobile apps will not only enhance user interactions but also empower businesses to deliver more tailored and efficient services. As AI continues to advance, mobile apps will become smarter and more responsive, setting new standards for user convenience and satisfaction.

Mobile-app developers who harness the potential of AI will stay at the forefront of the industry, offering innovative and intelligent solutions.

2) Edge Computing and 5G Revolutionize Web Services

Mark Varnas, Principal SQL Server DBA and Consultant, Red9

Edge computing is no longer the realm of sci-fi or cutting-edge industries. Even smaller companies now must contend with the growing need to process data closer to the source rather than in a central, cloud-based system. Edge computing could redefine how web applications are hosted and delivered, leading to faster, more efficient web services that are highly responsive and less reliant on central servers.

5G technology is already available on most mobile devices. This means that apps can lean on the speed of 5G to reduce latency and deliver high-impact services. With edge computing, the dream of mobile VR and AR will finally come into its own, thanks to the power of these advanced features.

3) Declarative UI as the Gold Standard

Juan Castro-Varón, Software Engineer, castrovaron.com

One trend that I predict will shape mobile app development services in 2024 is declarative UI (think Flutter, SwiftUI, or Jetpack Compose) becoming the gold-standard paradigm for creating UIs. The frameworks are finally fully mature, and they’re here to stay.

Declarative UI enables developers to express the UI in terms of “what” should be presented rather than “how” to present it. Flutter was the first mobile framework to fully embrace it, and I believe this is part of the reason why it’s such a popular choice for building new apps.

This trend will mean more teams rewriting more of their apps to take advantage of declarative UIs. I also expect better tooling will emerge that will use LLMs to layout UIs, considering that the syntax of declarative UIs lends itself particularly well to the coding advantages of LLMs, with fast prototyping and simple debugging.

Any team that is building mobile UIs and isn’t considering the advantages of declarative UIs should put it on their radar ASAP.

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4) Adapting Apps for Foldable Screens

Burak Özdemir, Founder, ozdemirburak.com

Foldable phones have been around, but in 2024, they’re hitting their stride. This means apps have to flex with those screens. As someone making big decisions, think about how your app will look and work on a screen that bends. Be the first to master it, and you’re likely to grab attention. Flexibility — both for screens and your thinking — will be big.

5) Cross-Platform Frameworks Gain Traction

Cross-platform development frameworks, like Flutter and React Native, will gain further traction. We should prioritize building apps that work seamlessly across multiple operating systems, reducing development time and costs. This trend ensures broader accessibility for our users and a more efficient development process.

Phil Strazzulla, Founder, SelectSoftware Reviews

6) AI-Related Permissions Personalize User Experiences

Derek Capo, COO, Starquix.com

The need to request AI-related permissions is crucial. If developers seek to further personalize the user experience, they will not only need to get authorization from app users, but they’ll also need to develop an app that makes the case. Many users dream of a voice assistant that truly knows and understands them.

Another use case is an app that lets you put your phone on autopilot mode for setting alarms, managing IoT devices, and even answering calls.

7) CoPilot as the Future of App Development

Alister Wood, Owner, VisitUs

CoPilot from Windows will become a standard mobile-app development tool. Developers will check their code and even use CoPilot to write code for features that require repetition. Not only will it save developers time, but it will also allow them to be more ambitious with their development.

With all that extra time, they could think of adding support for AR or VR and take advantage of 5G connectivity to enhance the scope of their app functionality.

App development will become more common than it already is. New developers will crop up with limited coding experience but innovative ideas. This will lead to saturation in the market, but there will be more creativity in the space overall.

CoPilot will open the doors for new developers to test their ideas and inspire them to learn to code to improve their apps.

8) Multi-Location Functionality for Travel Apps

Saya Nagori, Founder, Wander DC

I believe we have yet to see the most innovative mobile app development, but in 2024, the sky’s the limit for app capabilities and function.

As the owner of a travel company, I recommend travel apps all the time simply because our cell phones are now personal assistants. Because the travel industry is built on constant movement, it is important that app technology evolves to accommodate those settings when a Wi-Fi network is not readily available.

I expect to see more phone apps adopt more multi-location functionality and ease of use, not solely based on connectivity issues. While this will require more from a phone itself, I know travelers (and even remote workers) will deeply appreciate the transition from place to place without the inconvenience of a technology disruption.

With the issues of internet connection and travel made smoother, no doubt the travel industry itself will see an appreciated increase in satisfied customers with new destinations on their to-do lists.

9) Evolution of Voice Assistants in Apps

Ian Sells, CEO, Million Dollar Sellers

Voice assistants and conversational interfaces will continue to evolve in mobile apps. In my experience, integrating voice commands and chatbots will become standard in various applications, simplifying user interactions and offering hands-free convenience.

10) Blockchain Integrating into Mobile Apps

Marco Genaro Palma, Content Marketing Manager, PRLab

In 2024, the integration of blockchain technology is expected to significantly shape mobile app development. This trend will offer enhanced security, privacy, and user experience, making apps more trustworthy and efficient.

As the demand for decentralized apps increases, developers who adopt blockchain will be at the forefront of innovation, setting new standards in the industry. This shift towards blockchain integration highlights a transformative phase in mobile app development, emphasizing the need for secure and transparent digital solutions.

Wrap Up

Our exploration of the trends predicted by industry experts for 2024 reveals a dynamic landscape in mobile app development. From the profound impact of AI integration on user experience to the transformative influence of blockchain, these insights provide a comprehensive glimpse into the future of app development. As we brace for advancements such as Edge Computing, 5G, Declarative UI, and the rise of Cross-Platform Frameworks, the adaptability of apps for foldable screens and the incorporation of AI-related permissions underscore the commitment to personalized user experiences. Reach out to our mobile app development experts to unravel the potential possibilities for your upcoming mobile application.