The way software development is happening keeps changing, especially due to the current global crisis. What people think is normal today might not be the same soon.
For startup leaders, it's important to know where software trends are going and plan well when making an app. For example, using low-code tools to create apps is getting more popular, and it's expected to make around $46.4 billion by 2026.
At Uptech, we've helped to build 150+ software products. We work with both startups and established business. So, we are always at the driver’s seat of app development for various industries, and we are well aware of the ongoing shift in the app development industry.
Here are the areas that founders need to keep their eye on as they plan for a new app.
AI, AI, AI
The first software development trend that everyone talks about is Artificial Intelligence.
New things are changing how mobile apps work compared to 10 years ago. One big change is using AI to make apps talk and interact in smart ways. This is a big trend in software for 2024. And I’m sure it’s going to stay with us for a while.
In 2024, most devices will talk to us and understand what we say, all thanks to something called voice recognition. It's like having a chat with your phone or computer! In 2020, about 30% of all searches were done by talking to devices.
Guess what? Many companies are using AI tools to make their online stores better.
Based on the most recent info, around 35% of companies worldwide are using AI in their business. It's interesting that 42% of companies are checking out how AI could help them. More than half, about 50%, are thinking of using AI in 2024. So, you could say that about 77% of companies are either using AI or thinking about it.
This works so well because computers now understand how we talk, almost like they're human. It's much faster than typing or searching through a lot of pages. It's super useful when you're busy, like when you're driving or cooking.
At Uptech, we provide Generative AI development services, we can help you integrate LLMs, GPT 3.5, GPT 4, Alpaca, and Stable Diffusion into your app. We use algorithms like Dreambooth and LORA to fine-tune Generative AI models to particular styles and user needs. For example, we implemented them to create highly personalized and engaging AI avatars for DYVO.
We can do much more. If you have an idea for an AI-based product or need help integrating AI into an existing one, drop us a line, and we’ll contact you.
Flexibility With Anywhere Operations
Mobile apps are redefining how physical businesses operate in a community that is shifting toward the digital space. Anywhere operation is a model that empowers companies to extend their services and products to clients beyond physical premises.
This software development trend is not about displacing physical setups with cloud solutions, but rather enhancing customer experience by providing a digital alternative.
For example, on-demand delivery apps are in huge demand as the pandemic forces people to remain at home. In the US, 37% of US citizens reportedly spend more on delivery apps due to the coronavirus.
The flexibility of allowing customers to engage with businesses has also seen apps like Aspiration booming in recent years. Aspiration provides a digital alternative to conventional banking and allows users to track carbon footprints generated in their transactions.
Startup founders can get started by building an on-demand delivery app like UberEats, Netflix, or DoorDash to leverage on the growing appetite for the anywhere operations model.
“A successful anywhere operations strategy should be people-centric and location-independent.” – Stephen Moss, VP of Mid-Market Sales & Delivery, Insight
Cybersecurity Demands A Different Strategy
As the world becomes more digitally interconnected, startup founders cannot afford to take cybersecurity for granted. Ransomware attacks are expected to cost businesses an astounding $6 trillion by 2021.
Therefore, companies need to take a different approach to address cybersecurity concerns. Conventional methods like establishing a perimetric ‘firewall’ or anti-malware application are no longer sufficient.
In our ever-evolving digital landscape, it's become quite clear that cyber attackers are getting more cunning by the day. This reality made the need for stronger security measures a new software development trend. Enter "cybersecurity mesh" – think of it as an extra layer of security checks spread across different parts of the app's network.
As the development teams work on creating the app, they're not just focusing on its functionality; they're also putting on their security hats. This proactive approach ensures there are no weak points that could be exploited by those with malicious intent down the line. It's a bit like building a fortress to keep the digital baddies out.
Given that cybersecurity is likely to be a growing concern in the foreseeable future, security apps like VIPRE, Nox, and Lookout are decent ideas for budding startups.
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Remote Operations With Distributed Cloud
Distributed cloud technologies are one of the major forces shaping application development trends. While cloud computing isn’t a new concept, the way that cloud is applied in a distributed manner has enhanced user experience in recent years.
By 2020, 83% of companies' workloads are stored on the cloud. Video streaming apps, which are built on distributed cloud technologies, are expected to hit $59.14 billion in 2021.
Instead of hosting backend services on a single cloud server, startups should adopt the distributed cloud topology, where services run on different cloud providers and at different geographical locations.
The immediate benefit of the distributed cloud is felt when apps remain operational even when there’s an issue in one of the servers. The high availability prevents service disruption and cloud redundancy features prevent data losses.
Startup owners could gain valuable insights by studying the success of existing cloud-based apps like Dropbox, Salesforce, and Vimeo.
Internet of Behavior (IoB) For Personalization
Robots are becoming more common at work.
By 2028, labor shortages are projected to tip the balance, with smart robots outnumbering frontline workers in critical sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and logistics. This shift means businesses need to change how they work to adapt their operational strategies to capitalize on the efficiency and productivity gains offered by robotic automation.
Total Experience For Improved Conversion
Customer experience is more important than ever as far as software development trends are concerned. According to Forbes, 96% of customers cited experience as the key to instilling brand loyalty. That’s where total experience, or TX, kicks in for app development.
Instead of focusing on customer experience, user experience, employee experience, and multi-experience as separate entities, TX provides a central point where they intersect. With total experience, startups not only ensure that their customers receive the best experience but also empower the support team in their job.
The key to TX lies in unified communication, and that means getting the right customer support technologies. It’s important to have cohesive communication between customers and support personnel, even if the latter is stationed remotely.
VPN providers that offer 24/7, responsive live-chat support is the perfect example of total experience.
Continuous Delivery Is No Longer A Competitive Advantage, But A Must-Have
Continuous delivery is where the development team always keeps a deployable version of code. With changes happening at a rapid pace, apps need to be constantly updated and released to users. DevOps.com reported that 31.7% of developers release an update between 1 to 4 weeks.
By adopting continuous delivery, it’s possible to implement feedback and identify issues more efficiently and at a lower cost. Therefore, it’s important for startups to engage development teams capable of working in shorter sprint cycles.
Optimizing Cost and Efficiency With Low-Code Development
Low-code development enables companies to build applications with minimal coding. It simplifies the otherwise tedious process with flow-chart, drag and drop tools, and visual interface. Enterprises can easily integrate business logic into an app with low-code development tools.
The idea of building apps with little or no coding involved has gained traction in recent years. Markets capitalizing on low-code development are expected to hit $187 billion in revenue by 2030. 45% of businesses favor low-code development as it reduces dependency on skilled experts.
For startup founders, low-code development is perfect to quickly idealize business ideas and test them out with the users. Requirement changes can be quickly implemented with low-code tools in a relatively inexpensive manner.
The Best Of Both Worlds With Progressive Web Apps
Progressive web apps, or PWA, are the next big application development trend. It offers the best of native mobile and web apps. Literally, PWA is a web application enhanced with modern browser capabilities. It removes the need to download an app while enjoying a native-like app experience on mobile.
There’s been a growing interest in PWA since Google first introduced it in 2015. In one study, PWAs recorded a 36% higher conversion rate than their native counterpart. PWAs are generally more responsive and cost less to build and maintain, making them an interesting choice for startups.
We provide responsive web applications for variety industries to meet your business needs with some of the latest technologies and the best talents.
Check out Web App Development Services
Leverage The Right Experts With Software Outsourcing
More companies find software outsourcing a more attractive option than establishing an in-house team. According to Delloite, 70% of respondents surveyed cited cost reduction as a major reason to outsource.
Startups, particularly, have everything to gain by outsourcing their software development needs to an external development firm. The move allows startup owners to tap into proven skills and experience without being burdened by salaries and IT costs. Also, outsourcing is the better option compared to hiring freelancers if the startup founder isn’t ready to take on the CTO role.
Companies like Skype and WhatsApp outsource part of their development to 3rd party software companies. The move allows them to hire the right talent often at a fraction of what it would cost with in-house recruitment.
React, Go, Kotlin, JavaScript, Swift and TypeScript continue to Rule
Often, software development trends are influenced by programming languages, libraries, and frameworks.
In this case, expect React, Go, Kotlin, Javascript, Swift, and Typescript to lead in the popularity poll.
- React is a popular open-source framework for developing front-end interfaces. It’s ranked 2nd by Stack Overflow in a survey conducted in 2020.
- Go, an open-source language introduced by Google ranks 5th in a recent survey of developers developing or planning to develop with the language.
- Kotlin was selected by Google as the official programming language for Android. To date, it has surpassed Java in terms of popularity.
- Javascript needs no introduction as it’s the leading programming language globally. As of 2021, Javascript is used by 64.96% of developers worldwide.
- Swift was introduced as the replacement for Objective-C for building apps for macOS and iOS. It will continue to be the dominant language in this niche.
- Microsoft’s Typescript has made its way into the RedMonk Programming Language ranking in 2021. It’s now favored over JavaScript for complex applications.
Summary
Software development is a dynamic industry influenced by technologies, consumer behaviors, and other underlying factors. With a better understanding of the latest software development trends, startups, and established businesses are better prepared for the future and have higher chances to win in the competitive market.