Our dependence on technology is on the rise in just about every field. It is also true that most of us can not imagine a single day with our mobile devices. The number of people using smartphones is rising, as is the number of people shopping and researching over the Internet. In fact, there is an app for almost everything. The smartphone is one single electronic device that has brought about a significant change in consumer behavior.
According to a study by eMarketer, the amount of time spent on the phone by Americans is on the rise. It is estimated that in 2022 the average mobile Internet time was 3:47 daily. It is believed that as of January 2023, there are 5.16 Billion Internet users globally, and the average time spent on the Internet is 6:37 hours daily (globally). This article provides essential vital information on mobile app development and how your business can benefit from it.
Professional mobile app developers have the skills to develop stunning mobile applications using well-established Mobile app development methods. They tend to use tried and tested methods that bring out their creative best to create innovative applications.
Mobile app development differs depending on the type of application. A gaming app is likely to require a different set of technologies than a shopping cart app. It is the process of developing an application. It helps you convert your ideas and new concepts into real-world applications. It involves checking the feasibility of the idea, building a strategy, and building a good design after extensive research. It also includes the vital stage and testing session.
Native Mobile Apps: These types of apps can use the core features of a mobile app for faster and better-performing applications. It also allows one to take advantage of unique display features to create highly appealing interfaces. Native apps tend to be more secure as well. For example, a native app can take advantage of the advanced security features in iOS and iPhone devices and be optimized for the retina display.
Cross-platform Mobile Apps: This type of app developed involves creating apps that work on both iOS and Android platforms. This means maintaining a single codebase for both platforms and developing feature-rich apps. This is comparatively less expensive and can be developed faster as well.
Web Based App: As the name suggests, a Web App is an application built from web technologies and does not require installation or download from any app store. It is easy to develop, works on multiple platforms, and is secure.
At Acquaint Softtech we offer a wide range of mobile app development services for both iOS and Android platforms. The type of app you should develop depends significantly on your budget, the purpose of building it like an online presence, shopping cart, or custom mobile app, as well as how soon you wish to market it available to the customers.
The number of mobile users is rising and has crossed the number of laptop and computer users. Businesses must develop a strategy to target increasing mobile users by creating a state-of-the-art mobile app. Mobile apps have a high level of penetration the world over hence is one of the most effective methods for generating brand awareness and building brand value.
Improves the level of customer engagement and brand loyalty.
Simpler to offer customers a more personalized experience.
Helps improve the company's image.
Allows to send notifications directly to the customers for promotions, updates, and more.
The global app market is expected to reach $935 Billion in 2023; this figure was $581 Billion in 2019.
There are 6.3 billion smartphone users and 1.14 billion tablet users worldwide.
Mobile apps are expected to generate over $935 Billion in revenue in 2023.
The Apple App store has over 1.96 million apps for download.
There is an app for almost everything now. Smartphone users also prefer using mobile apps to study, shop, research, search for services like handyman and even order food. The on-demand services app is growing in popularity, with more people relying on apps to order a meal, buy groceries, and order several other products. They also prefer using the interactive mobile interface to find a suitable person to fix their plumbing or roof.
Other industries that can benefit from developing a mobile solution include eCommerce, Hospitality, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Banking & Finance, Retail, Travel & Tourism, Education and Elearning, Real Estate, etc. Some of the most popular mobile phone apps are Facebook, WhatsApp, Gmail, and YouTube, besides the many games and apps of other categories like entertainment, productivity, etc. Thus, investing in a mobile app development strategy can do wonders for your business.
Developing a mobile app is straightforward because it starts from your idea or concept and involves developing a strategy and creating a custom design. It also means selecting the right technology for development and rigorous testing with bug fixing before deploying. A mobile app will require maintenance and support for future upgrades.
There are many advantages of spending additional time in the initial stage while you brainstorm and explore the new idea further through research. There are also several factors to consider before beginning the development process. Some of the main factors to consider are listed here:
Learn about the different types of mobile apps and seek advice on which is the best one for your application. This also means developing an app for a specific platform, multiple platforms, or a single cross-platform app.
Many mobile apps fail, and the main reasons are that they tend to be too similar to an existing one, need a better user experience and have a better user interface, or are hard to navigate.
Lack of testing or selecting the wrong platform often fails the app, as does a lack of researching the target audience or performing market research.
Before approaching a professional mobile app development company, it is essential first to define the ins and outs of the application you wish to develop and have a clear picture of what you want to build.
Always test the solution and revisit your initial idea or project research to ensure it matches the initial concept and solves your primary problem.
Consider developing an MVP (minimum viable product) similar to a prototype of your mobile app. However, an MVP is a working prototype with only the core or limited features.
Some of the benefits of developing an MVP first include lesser risk since it includes a feasibility test first and lesser development time that ensures you can get your application to the customer faster. It also ensures you can optimize the app based on feedback received from the customers and include the best set of features in the final version
Analyze your basic idea or concept, perform market research, and select your targeted audience.
Select the mobile app platform and technologies.
Gain a good understanding of your options to monetize the app.
The design stage is crucial in the development process and includes several techniques like brainstorming, wireframing, prototyping, etc. It also includes considering how user-friendly the interface is and ensuring the user has a good experience. It is a good idea to work closely with the designers to ensure they get a good picture of what you expect.
The development stage involves implementing all the functionality and using APIs, libraries, code-reuse, and advanced technologies to develop the app.
Test the app using manual and automated testing methods and after designing an intelligent test case to ensure it is free from bugs and errors.
Acquaint Softtech is a mobile app development company with the expertise to transform your business idea into a feature-rich app using advanced technologies. We have highly skilled designers and developers with the resources they might need to develop an app. They also keep updated with new technologies to integrate into the app to give your business a competitive edge.
This is one of the critical concerns, especially for a business intending to develop a mobile app to earn lasting revenue. One of the simplest methods to monetize your app is to charge a fixed amount to download it. However, this is not a popular strategy adopted by most firms. There is a high percentage of gaming apps that choose this method.
Email list: A mobile app allows businesses to gain vital information on their users, including developing a database of email addresses. These email addresses can be helpful when designing a marketing campaign. It is a well-known fact that the lifespan of an email is a lot more than that of a post on social media.
In-App Advertising: Digital advertising has been around for a long time and is already very popular. This is also a very effective method for your mobile app. In-apps can target the relevant audience hence increasing their effectiveness.
Partnership: It is possible to gain sponsorship if you have a good idea for an app and find a qualified business that can benefit from your targeted user base. It is common for well-known brands to sponsor an app if the user base is sufficiently large and relevant to their business.
In-app purchase: One of the other popular methods of monetizing an app is the in-app purchase method. This is an application for a wide range of apps like games, entertainment, productivity, business, social media, fitness, etc. There are mainly two types of in-app purchases. One is about investments made to gain benefits within the app, like an upgrade, more features, or a better weapon in a game. The other type of in-app purchase is an eCommerce or on-demand app that helps generate revenue by delivering products or services at the consumer's doorstep instead of in the app.
Freemium: The freemium strategy works under the concept that the app offers several essential features for free or along with ads. It also has several other advanced features or an ad-free version. However, that is only available on payment or by subscription.
Trial-based: The app allows users full access to the app for a limited period, like 7 to 14 days, after which the user is forced to purchase or take up a subscription.
Subscription: This strategy compels users to take up one of the several subscription options you might have. It is possible to have several subscription options priced incrementally and a different set of features.
There are many types of mobile apps. Hence the features depend on the type of mobile app you develop; however, some of the standard features of a mobile app include the following:
Appealing UI/UX design: The mobile app interface influences the user's decision on whether to use the app. Some of the main factors include ease of use, intuitive navigation, and at the same time, a creative & innovative design.
Security: A mobile app will likely have sensitive information about a person; it will most likely have financial information like credit card details, etc. Hence all this data must be secure. High security and encryption are implemented to maintain full confidence and keep the data safe.
Robust Search: A mobile app with several products or services for the user to browse can do with an efficient search system to simplify the process of finding the right product. A typical search system will usually implement good technology and also have filters for more efficient search.
Notifications: Users have the option of allowing the app to send notifications. However, you can design your app or offer many types of notifications. This can be regarding updates to the app or personalized updates for the user.
Feedback: Allowing users to provide feedback regarding their experience using the app can help them optimize it. It is also a good way for the users to report any bug.
Regular updates: Providing regular updates for the app, like security and feature updates, can help improve trust and user experience.
Social integration: With a high number of users on social media, integrating social media for login or sharing information can do wonders for your app. Social integration has become one of the necessary features for almost all types of mobile apps.
There are many other features a mobile app can have, and the features also tend to be different depending on the type of device, like iOS and Android. Other features depend on the kind of app as well. For example, Real Estate apps and on-demand apps will most certainly have some of the features listed here:
User sign-up & registration: Use registration and login to access and maintain their accounts. This can be done using social media integration, email, or phone number.
Browse listing and search: Users can browse the listing on the mobile app and use the robust search system to find what they are looking for.
Maps: A map is a vital tool to showcase the property's location in detail, especially for a real-estate app. It is also helpful for on-demand apps to allow the delivery person to find the user and for the user to track the location of the delivery person.
Calculator: Smart calculators perform custom calculations to find property costs and perform several other tasks.
Virtual tours: Advanced technologies like VR are implemented to provide users with a virtual tour of the property and avoid visiting it. It is also helpful to provide users with a virtual shopping experience.
Order tracking: Users can track the status of the order they place in real-time.
Order history: Users can browse through their previous orders for reference.
Payment gateway: Multiple payment gateway options provide users greater flexibility to make payments.
Wishlist: Users can add items to their Wishlist to simplify their shopping process and add things they might consider buying later.
Chatbots: AI Chatbots are used to allow users to gain access to the app and answers to their questions at any time of the day.
Reviews & Ratings: Users can review and rate the products they buy and read reviews from other users, thus helping the buying decisions.
One of the main challenges in developing a mobile app is designing it for multiple operating systems. Although the iOS app is meant only for iPhones and iPads, an Android app is meant for Android devices of several brands. Developing cross-platform apps is also quite challenging since it will need to work on Android and iOS devices.
There are already several apps providing similar functionalities; hence yours is a new concept, simply another app of the same category. However, adding unique elements or special features can make your app stand out from the others and capture their interest.
If the app design is not interactive enough, the users will shift to one of the other similar ones. Designing an appealing interface that is also simple can be pretty challenging.
High-performing apps tend to drain the battery; hence this is something that developers need to look out for when developing a robust application.
The technologies you select will dictate the type of features and they're efficient. Thus, picking the best set of technologies will ensure you get a stunning app.
There are many benefits of developing a mobile application for your business, some of which are listed here:
Mobile is proven to be beneficial in strengthening relations with customers.
It helps increase your brand value and also creates brand awareness.
It gives customers round-the-clock access to your business.
It is a very effective marketing tool that offers business customer information access.
This is a cost-effective method of reaching customers for marketing and selling products or providing a service.
Increase customer loyalty.
Offer customers a more personalized service.
It can help increase your ROI.
Gain more insight into customer behavior.
There are 5.7 million apps on Google Play Store and Apple App store as of October 2022.
On average, every American has nearly 80 apps installed on their mobile device.
There were over 230 billion app downloads worldwide in 2020.
The Apple App Store and Google Play Store together made over $111 Billion in 2021.
The number of apps downloaded yearly has increased by 63% since 2016.
It is advisable to trust a professional mobile app company like Acquaint Softtech when developing a mobile app. They have better resources and skilled developers, not to mention knowledge of advanced technologies to implement in your app. At Acquaint, we have extensive experience developing stunning apps and remain abreast with the latest technologies like AR/VR, AI/ML, blockchain, etc.
The industries that can benefit from a mobile app include eCommerce, Hospitality, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Banking & Finance, Retail, Travel & Tourism, and Real Estate.
There are many reasons why you may want to assess the value of your app. It might be to confirm the benefits of developing a mobile app or find the matter to determine the usefulness of selling. Listed here are a few tips on how to evaluate the value of your app:
Ask yourself questions like, will your app make money? Will your monetization strategy be effective? Do you have a good business model?
Reach how competitive your niche is and if it is growing.
Educate yourself on the current trends and developments of your niche.
It also pays to assess how strong your competitors are.
Make a note of the monthly downloads your competitor apps have.
Assess how stable the earning potential is.
How hard is it to manage the business, and what technical knowledge do you require?
Assess the risks associated with the app
Several factors must be considered before developing any type of mobile app, some of which have already been discussed earlier in this article. Here are the factors one must consider:
The cost of developing software like a mobile app can quickly add up. Preparing your budget in advance and assessing the development cost is advisable only to spend what you can afford. However, it is vital you pick the right tech stack for long-term value.
Consider the level of security and how vulnerable the app is.
Plan ahead and research to ensure you have an appealing user interface and that customers get a good experience.
Select the best set of technologies and platforms to develop your application based on the type of app and expected audience.
Your customer has many options since there are already many similar apps in the store online. It is vital your app does something different to capture the imagination of the users.
Give more weightage to the user interface and user experience since they play a significant role in the success of your app.
Several factors influence the cost of mobile app development. Some of the most important factors include the requirements and the technologies you select to develop the app. The bigger and more complex the app is, the more time and money.
The features you wish to include in the app.
The pick of the technology stack and the number of advanced features you have.
The size of the application and business.
Whether or not you choose to develop an MVP.
Location of the development firm.
The skill level of the mobile app developers.
The targeted platform and whether you build native or cross-platform apps.
There are several technologies and platforms available when it comes to developing a mobile app. The two leading platforms include iOS and Android platforms. It is possible to create a native iOS app development using technologies like Objective-C, X-Code, and Swift or a native Android app development using technologies like Java, Kotlin, and Android Studio.
Several technologies can be used to develop a cross-platform application, like Flutter App Development, React Native App Development, Ionic, JavaScript, and HTML5. Some advanced technologies used to create innovative features include AI/ML, AR/VR, Python, etc.
Mobile app development is showing no signs of slowing down in 2023. Several new trends and technologies are evolving and being put to good use. Some of them are listed here:
AR/VR: Augmented reality and virtual reality are not new technologies; however, there is a sudden rise in the implementation of these technologies in many types of mobile apps. They are being implemented in mobile apps for all kinds of industries like eCommerce, travel, and education and are expected to be so for a long time.
Cloud-native: Cloud-native mobile apps are scalable, cost-effective, and can be developed more quickly. More companies are adopting this technology in their apps; Dropbox is one of them.
AI/ML: Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies are bringing a higher level of automation and dynamic features to the apps. This allows app developers to offer users a more personalized service with features like search suggestions. AI & ML also enable deep learning processes to analyze consumer behavior and predictions for better user experience.
Payment gateway: More apps are integrating payment gateway with multiple options. This is highly beneficial since more people are now spending online.
Greater Security: With the increased use of mobile devices for many types of applications, more sensitive data is not stored in mobile apps. Thus, mobile devices now have a higher level of encryption and security to keep the data secure.
Good UI/UX design focus: Developers focus more on the UI/UX design to ensure the design is appealing and more user-friendly and that users gain a good and personalized experience. This is essential to gain an upper edge over the competitors.
Touchless UI: More apps are not opting for the "Touchless UI" technology. For example, several apps use biometric features for validation and payment. Other apps track eye movement for scrolling. This is a trend that is likely to develop further in 2023.
Extensive Camera use: More apps are now integrating the camera's functionality in mobile apps for various features.
Focus on audio: Mobile phone users now give greater importance to audio features like voice commands, conversations, and audio messages. Thus, audio is expected to play a more significant role in the apps in 2023.
Foldable devices: More mobile companies have the option of a foldable mobile phone; hence, the apps are also considering the unique features of these phones when designing apps.
Predictive Analytics: This leverages the capabilities of AI & ML to deliver users a more interactive and personalized experience.
Extended Reality: Gaming apps are using AR technology to offer the gamer a better experience, as are education apps for a more interactive training session.
On-demand apps: More innovative apps are expected to flood the market with the general consumer behavior and preferences bending towards such apps.
IoT: The rise in several smart homes, smart cities, and intelligent gated communities mean more mobile apps implementing the Internet of Things technology in their apps as well.
Wearable integration: Wearable apps are increasing in popularity, with more wearable apps offering support to mobile apps for added functionalities.
Blockchain technology: Cryptocurrencies are increasing in popularity, with the number of applications of this technology on the rise. Blockchain technology is used to create more feature-rich mobile apps
Outsourcing mobile app development to a professional company like Acquaint Softtech is highly beneficial since it will reduce your costs, reduce development time and increase focus on the elements that matter the most. Some of the benefits of outsourcing are listed here:
Access to experts: A mobile development company will have highly trained developers with relevant experience and knowledge of advanced technologies. Hiring them gives you access to a pool of highly talented professionals who will also have access to the best resources.
Flexibility: It offers a great level of flexibility in terms of managing the project. It eliminates the need to hire a special team of developers and invest in the infrastructure and resources for the project. Hiring a professional firm means you do not worry about the project schedule. They will deliver updates at regular intervals as planned at the start of the project.
Highly focused team: It means having a dedicated team focused on your project. This will be a skilled team of developers with all the resources they need.
Cost-effective: They will deliver a good quality solution that is affordable and requires no overhead costs. They are investing in an in-house team, or hiring freelancers can work out more expensive.
Secure solutions: An experienced team of developers will deliver highly secure solutions to ensure the privacy of information.
Greater Productivity: The development team at a mobile development company are likely to be more productive.
Allows to focus on business matters: Allows the management to focus on pressing business matters and leaves the technical issues and mobile development to the experts.
Quicker & more innovative solutions: This will mean hiring a highly experienced team who will deliver a more creative and innovative solution; besides this, they will do so faster.
Use of Advanced Technologies: They will have extensive knowledge of advanced technologies and how to integrate them into your project.
The future is looking good for mobile app development. More people own smartphones and do not hesitate using it online for the purpose of research, education, shopping, etc. There have also been several innovations like the fordable device, creative use of AR/VR, greater use of automation, and more people using wearable devices in conjunction with their mobile devices.
Besides this, more people now rely on on-demands apps to order food and several other types of products. 5G is implemented in more cities around the world every day. The number of people opting for 5G subscriptions is also on the rise. The demand for better, more efficient, innovative, and faster apps is on the rise.
This is the ideal time to get in touch with the experts at Acquaint Softtech and transform your ideas into reality. We develop future-proof mobile apps to help you expand your business, offer a better service and gain a competitive edge
Get in touch for affordable solutions
The expectations of the average smartphone user are only increasing as more technological innovations begin to find their way to mobile apps. The Mobile itself is evolving with many new features like foldable Mobile and faster speeds with 5G technology, thus opening the doors to many more possibilities.
Companies can benefit from hiring professionals like Acquaint Softtech when launching a new idea or simply for an online presence. The benefits of developing one continue to rise, and consulting the experts can increase your chances of success. We have a highly skilled team of designers, developers, and testers to deliver high-quality apps that are free from bugs.
The cost to develop a mobile app depends significantly on the mobile development company you hire. It also depends on the complexity of the application. Send us details of your requirements, and we will promptly reply with a quote.
The first step is to research your idea and analyze the demand thoroughly. Decide on the set of features and brainstorm for the best design elements. It is an excellent idea to create a mock-up before finalizing the design. Create the design graphics and backend using an online tool or code yourself. Submit it to the online store for either iOS or Android and wait for the approval. However, considering the steep competition, it is advisable to hire a professional mobile app development company like Acquaint Softtech.
There are many ways to monetize your app, besides which it also helps with brand awareness.
I love to make a difference. Thus, I started Acquaint Softtech with the vision of making developers easily accessible and affordable to all. Me and my beloved team have been fulfilling this vision for over 15 years now and will continue to get even bigger and better.
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