The Best Mobile App Development Trends in 2021

Introduction: Mobile apps are part and parcel of daily lives on a daily basis. They are now used commonly for shopping, education lectures or tuitions, doctor appointments, online payments etc. It is almost inconceivable how life can be without the use of mobile apps. That is why Mobile Application Development is a vital part of this constant IT paradigm shift.

However, be that as it may, mobile apps are in constant re-innovation and change. And therefore it is crucial to keep up with the latest trends. So what are the new trends that we should expect in 2021? 

Let’s discover below.

The Newest Mobile App Development Trends in 2021

(1). Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

We see integration and adaptation of the latest AR and VR technology in mobile app development trends in 2021. This means high-quality gaming apps are used in several innovations. Both Apple and Google are innovating AR and VR. Google's new AR features in Google Maps provide directions from user’s smartphones in real-time.

The year 2021, AR and VR app integration promises great innovative mobile app development trends that will shape the mobile apps for a very long time to come through seamless user experiences.

(2). IoT, Analytics, Big Data

Global IoT expenditure expected to breach the $1.1 trillion mark by 2023. That includes a massive 21.5 billion installed IoT units globally. Analytics and Big Data continue to redefine the gelling of technologies IoT bears several devices: like wearables, smart homes, smart cars, smart cities etc. There is an unprecedented demand for such verticals across industry and the globe.

In healthcare apps, WFH remotely adapted technologies there is a jump not only in IoT healthcare systems but cloud accessible devices. From smart homes, a smart assistant and smart appliances with sensors to run smart homes. 

(3). Live Streams and Video Conferencing

What is clear from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic technology is adaptive to emerging realities? There is a new normal in how we work, do business, interact and stay in touch. More than ever before social interaction is changing and setting the pace in other areas.

Live streams and video conferences have become part and parcel of that new reality. There are more business and social events held on these platforms than has ever been before, With the vaccination process just underway, businesses, governments and organizations feel obligated to communicate and stay in touch with core target audiences and demographics. 

Online video conferences or virtual events suffice to cover lots of ground and help avoid or limit physical contact. Webinars and logs enable virtual mode communication at anytime and anywhere. Businesses and organizations maintain well equipped virtual rooms to facilitate online chats, video conferences or event live streams in real-time with a global reach.

(4). 5G Technology

Although we have 5G technology in service already, there’s an expectancy and promise of what it entails and offers. 5G promises unprecedented fast speeds in mobile telephony like never seen before backed by a confluence of several technologies. 5G is expected to transform the mobile app development industry in a big way with far lasting implications. With Android and Apple rolling out devices that handle 5G, this is a great sign for the future of app development.

5G is extraordinarily fast compared to 4G technology. With high speeds and low latency, reboots in video game interruptions or live streaming services are absolutely negligible as streaming 4K content is solved. IoT devices and technology is adapted across verticals and industry. There are several positives and advantages 5G technology offers.

(5). Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 

AI and ML integrate into almost everything around us. With the 2021 mobile app trends, AI and Ml continue to inspire innovations in the backdrop of COVID-19. AI and ML pose more disruptive and redefining technologies as new normal emerge and set the app development tone.

The great influence of AI on mobile app development is readily apparent. Reshaping cloud computing and new AI models, smart devices will heavily benefit more from an AI and ML confluence in 2021. Today, search engines, virtual assistants, marketplace servers, BPA, RPA other technologies that help know user preferences are built upon AI, and ML. These two are part and parcel of most smart devices including smartphones. Adding AI and ML in mobile means impactful influence on mobile app development.

(6). M-Commerce and E-Commerce

M-commerce and E-Commerce mobile app development have fueled other apps like online pay, education, business channels etc. Today apps handle almost everything and all things produce which helps them generate extra revenue. With an extra preference for online shopping in the midst of COVId-19. M-commerce and E-Commerce apps enable users to access their preferred products and services. There are multiple benefits and advantages especially in these social distancing times like 24/7/365 access and shopping with GPS features, verified payment gateways, push notification for announcements, products, and offers custom user experiences, enhanced client loyalty, higher conversion rates etc.

Conclusion

There are more emerging interesting and innovative developments with regard to Mobile Application Development in 2021.

Freelance App Developers: What They Really Do?

Introduction: Mobile app development is diverse and indeed intended or targeted for adaption to many uses, things, or adaptabilities. App development is software development that specifically avails solutions with multiple adaptabilities from medical research and treatment, to finance, education, technology, entertainment, e-commerce, communication, etc. The possible adaptations of various types of apps are limitless with diverse capabilities and utilities.   

Mobile App Developers are computer software experts whose main passion, motivation, and duty include creating, designing, testing, and programming apps for a wide of range digital devices like computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. But who is a freelance mobile app developer?

Who is a Freelance App Developer?

A freelance app developer is a mobile app developer that focuses on building apps when they have projects on hand either part or full-time. Freelance app development is all about creating popular app solutions and availing reliable mobile app development services. Freelance app developers are doing it either part-time by working on specific projects in their free time or full-time as a substitute for the regular job.

What Do Freelance App Developers Do?

1. Provide Affordable and Professional App Development 

Mobile apps are extremely vital for types of businesses: small, medium, and big. Businesses, adopt apps for a variety of reasons yet the million-dollar question remains, how can the businesses develop these apps at the most affordable cost and with fine results? For small businesses with limited budgets, the best option is using freelance app developers. Freelance developers offer professionally designed finished products than the DIY app builder route at a fraction of the total cost of a complete professional app development company.

2. Avail Special Rewards and Solutions to Challenging Projects

Searching, finding, and hiring reliable freelance app developers is tough and challenging. However, for every challenging task and effort, there are often similar rewards for the endeavor. It is vital to broaden and expand the search for freelance app developers before finding and zeroing in an established and talented one who delivers the project work on time and within the accepted or agreed on budget calculations. 

That is possible through having a clear vision of the project's aim, sharing that vision with the freelance app developer, and working towards a collaborative development that makes the app development project a resounding success.

3. Offer Better and Competitive App Development Value

Businesses at times aren’t focused enough and are short-sighted while looking at hourly rates or charges when hiring the established freelance app developers. If businesses have tight budgets, it is impossible to afford or justify the hiring of top freelance app developers. 

Several businesses today and freelance app developers admit the possibility of cheaply developing and launching mobile apps. However, it is doubtful to trust anyone who promises to provide app development services at the lowest price without further justification or clarity. 

Mobile app development at cheaper or lower rates may sometimes imply working with less experienced app developers. That may jeopardize app quality, cost more over the apps lifetime, or the project duration because of several changes and corrections. It’s best to research thoroughly and get the most competitive, experienced, and at the best cost possible.

4. Offer Flexible Working Availability for Projects 

Several freelance app developers have adaptable flexibility in their work schedules. This includes setting their working hours, deciding their rates among others, and the ability to maintain focus on specific tasks minus the rigidity of traditional workplaces. 

Flexibility has positives and negatives among talented freelance app developers. It is best to have thorough discussions regarding your project expectations. Enquire on their schedules, projects in hand and being worked on, and level of availability for your project. Get realistic timelines and deadlines for project completion dates. Also asking whether the freelance app developers can deliver projects within the agreed boundaries is a vital factor to consider. For businesses hiring freelance app developers, flexibility and availability impact successful project completion.

5. Include Collaboration and Open to Creatively Adaptable Suggestions

On the aspects of freelance app developers are being collaborative and open to creative suggestions of clients. Whether it is the final app content and the bargains on the app budget there is room for flexibility. 

Most traditional developers have offers with set prices for app development services. These are most likely to have hidden charges as the development process goes or the development services are rigid and not geared for successful completion according to the client’s interests and taste. Freelance app developers are willing to explain each step of the process to the client, clear any doubts and answer multiple questions, avail or accept vital feedback, and take ownership of the project.

6. Multitask on a Variety of App Development Projects

Similarly, today multitasking is used in all areas and spheres of work. That means regular communication, clear milestones, and regular feedback keep app development projects in line and sight for both the clients and the freelance app developers. This keeps projects on the clear route to prior agreed completion deadlines.  

Conclusion

It is certainly the most professional mobile App Developers have their unique and in-house app development setups that provide complete development. Freelancers, on the other hand, have unique abilities to provide similar services in a detached or independent location yet with competitive and affordable app development services.

10 Key App Metrics Vital in Tracking Your Mobile App

key app metrics are performance standards or indicators of how responsive your app is doing post-launch. Mobile apps do face or encounter several challenges and performance appraisal or evaluation to understand the overall impact on the market.

What are the Key App Metrics?

Every app has performance-based standards it is evaluated upon to gauge its relative performance. Therefore, key app metrics (vital and important) are app performance benchmarks or standards to know whether the app meets the purpose it was developed for or not.

As we know Mobile App Development strives for progressive and dynamic innovation that never stops at past breakthroughs. It seeks new frontiers to challenge past achievement. Then how well is your mobile app performing in the market post-launch? Are there any critical areas to address or is it smooth sailing thus far? These are some of the basic and essential app engagement and profitability key metrics to find out about your app's performance.

Key App Metrics to Track Your Mobile App

1. Engagement Metric.

Engagement metric is applicable when users realize the actual value of your mobile app. Measuring the engagement actions of users brings into clear perspective the real value of your app to users. Engagement in user terms is responding or performing key engagement actions that show good user engagement. Knowing the success ratio of your mobile app is a key part of your business growth. It is always about the number of active app users who add business value daily. Engagement metric helps know user experience while on the app.

2. Retention Rate Metric

Although engagement is critical, retention goes a step further to measure and know the app retention rate, the number of users who have stayed on the app continuously. This essentially is the number of active users at any one time who have continued on a sustained basis used the app. Why is this so important? Though most apps have a set number of daily active users (DAU), a higher retention rate means sustained growth in the app users who keep coming back to the app for various reasons or uses. Retention rate calculation or measurement is a continuous process driven by the necessity to gauge growth on a sustained basis.

3. Churn Rate Metric

The churn metric is the total number of users who have stopped or quit using your app. The churn rate metric is quite important if the app leaving or quitting users are high-value users than low-value users. It is obvious app developers, as well as businesses, have an app demographic usage mapping that aspires to bring in the most profitable or valuable app usage demographic. High-value users mean repeated/consistent users whose app actions contribute to the productivity bottom line. Low-value users are users whose app usage actions don’t impact the productivity bottom lines. Nevertheless, losing new users implies lost opportunities and chances

4. Daily App Users and Monthly App Users Metric

User app download doesn't imply the use of the app. Daily App User reveals how valuable the app is to those who have installed it. It shows the number of times, averagely, a user open and engages with your app daily. A higher number of sessions is great especially for social media apps doesn't measure success accurately for other apps.

Monthly Active Users (MAU) metric works on the same parameters as the Daily Active Users (DAU) but a longer assessment period, precisely 30-days. Monthly Active Users reveals the retained number of users of your app over a month.

5. Installations, Uninstallations and Downloads Metric

The frequency of the app downloads to devices helps track app popularity among users. App downloads tracking is a key performance metric as the foundation. However, app downloads don’t indicate the completion of the apps setup process. That's why it is critical to follow the actual complete installations on the various devices that your users are using. Besides, it is often possible and common for a user to opt for uninstallation of your app for several reasons. But the catch is there is always no feedback or reason as to why they do so.

6. Session Interval and Length Metric

Sessions are a critical part of determining the key performance metrics of an app. Session length is length or duration of time a user spends on your app before turning closing it. In other words, the length of time given to each app session use. App sessions help earn extra revenue by knowing the best time to incentivize app users with a specific certain call to action (CTA). On the other hand session interval is the length of time between a user’s first session and the next one. This shows the regularity each user opens and uses your app. It also reveals to you whether the app is used regularly or not. These insights help explore and know what can boost user engagement.

7. App Crash Metrics

Apps can have crashes or timeouts due to several factors.  Tracking your app crashes per user is critical at it helps you trace various dynamics and usage patterns like names, methods, as well as the true numbers. It helps you to know the technical barriers affecting user experience. There are severe tools adaptable in tracking app crashes.

8. App Store Ratings Metric

App store ratings and reviews give a deeper insight into what your app promises and delivers. Users can tell of what they think of your app through reviews as well as the public. App stores deliver the best platforms to gauge as well as showcase varying user reviews. Poor ratings are dampeners in the app store rankings.

Negative reviews and ratings are not helpful either for your app. That is why collecting user feedback in the testing phase to know what's faulty as well as optimizing the UI and UX are critical. Staying in direct touch with users helps in collecting valuable feedback that helps refine your app.

9. Cost Per Acquisition (CPA) Metric

Cost per acquisition helps analyze how much is to be spent to get active or paying users. Acquisition cost includes many parameters like ads expenditure, public relations, customer support, legal requirements, technology costs like support architecture and infrastructure, etc. With this in place, it is possible to calculate the cost per acquisition by the division of the total cost of a campaign by the number of acquisitions made.

10. Lifetime Value (LTV) Metric

What does your mobile app present you and your users in terms of lifetime value app usage? Lifetime value (LTV) metric is the total revenue earned from a user before stopping using your app. This app metric takes into account the cost per acquisition. Therefore, if the cost of acquisition is higher than the lifetime value of each user, the app incurs a loss.  The most productive approach to increase the LTV of each user is through knowing the exact your target audience' needs. Positive and responsive customer services help create a great user experience.

Summary

For a Mobile App Development company or business, these key mobile app metrics can help to build an informed and data-based business decision whether the app is a success or not.