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Top 5 Mobile App Development Trends
June 1st, 2017
by Anh Nguyen
COO & Co-Founder at Gummicube, Inc
Mobile app development cannot be ignored as developers are trying to meet high user demands and keep up with current trends, which will later be reflected in their apps. So far in 2017, we have seen developers realizing how important ASO is to help their app become more discoverable in the app stores. Many have said that 2017 could be the benchmark for mobile as more and more developers gravitate toward the same mobile trends. Developers need to stay ahead of their competition as the app stores continue to grow. Here is a list of the top app development trends currently happening in 2017 to help developers stay ahead of the curve.
1. More Apps Generating Money
Apps are essentially mini-advertising platforms for the company or business that developed the app. With over 3 billion active mobile users, many of them are likely to purchase in-app content. There is a rise in how many apps, particularly gaming, that integrate in-app features that are available for real currency. Gaming apps along have seen a massive spike in users purchasing content and are steadily becoming a bigger revenue generator for the developer.
2. Augmented Reality Apps In 2016, hit AR apps like Pokémon GO and Ingress were all the rage, despite AR apps still in the experimental phase. While only a handful of AR apps came out in 2016, 2017 has already seen more developers incorporate AR apps into cinemas and games to increase user engagement. TV shows like Archer: Dreamland have created apps that allow users to play on the app while watching the show to discover hidden content to enhance their experience.
3. Wearable Apps Since the development of the Fitbit Flex in 2013 and the Apple Watch in 2015, wearable technology has been on the rise. Wearable technology further incorporates apps both on the wearable and mobile device, putting apps closer than just in your pocket. Wearable devices are projected to reach nearly 214 million units by 2020 and have incorporated access to payment services and various apps like games or health trackers.
4. Small Businesses Making Apps Major companies like Subway, Dominos and Starbucks have seen incredible success with their mobile apps. These companies have seen that it helps with user engagement and has also increase their overall revenue. Over 70 percent of traffic comes from mobile, encouraging more and more small businesses to turn to app development. Referencing Trend #1, apps are mini-advertising platforms and have improved revenue for many companies. Small businesses have taken to app development to not only improve their company’s revenue stream, but to become a top competitor in their market. 
5. Mobile Payments on the Rise M-commerce has seen a huge push in recent years, and mobile transactions are becoming more common. Mobile apps are starting to help merchants make the process more straightforward as well as making sure all mobile payments are secure. Retail apps are including integrated payment technology to expedite the payment process instead of making users jump through hopes to purchase something online. More users are also saving their debit and credit cards directly to their mobile phones with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, which are specifically designed as a safer way to pay with a debit, credit or prepaid card.
Looking Ahead We have only seen a glimpse of what app development in 2017 looks like, but with the way current trends going, these trends are going to change the current app market. Developers looking to engage with more users should consider implementing some of these trends to stay ahead of competitors and help their business thrive.
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