Custom Apps Development Trends: What To Look for in 2024

For organizations of all sizes, custom app development is becoming an increasingly vital part of their business strategy. Companies need specialized apps to help them perform more efficiently and productively as the use of mobile devices and remote work grows. As a custom software outsourcer, we at CodeStringers are starting to see some new app development trends in the marketplace that we’d like to share with you.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

This is the 7000 lb elephant in the room. I think it's safe to say that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are to 2023 what the internet was to 1997 and what social networking was in 2007. It's the trend of the decade. Nate Silver from FiveThirtyEight even compared it to the Industrial Revolution or perhaps the Agricultural Revolution. It's a really big deal.

AI has been a hot topic among software developers for many years. ChatGPT is the killer app that has catapulted the technology from the fringes into the mainstream. Now, everyone seems to be worried about how AI could kill their business. However, we strongly believe that companies should view AI as an opportunity, because those who learn to work with it will have an enormous advantage over those who do not. You can read more about this in a previous article.

One sub-area of AI/ML that is starting to pick up steam is predictive analytics. Predictive analytics employs AI and machine learning to evaluate data and forecast future results. Predictive analytics can be used in custom apps to help businesses make better decisions based on data insights. For example, it might be used to predict slowdowns in customer demand, or conversely, insufficient inventory to meet future demand. It can essentially become a “fortune teller,” finding data patterns from the past that indicate future events. It's a very exciting technology.

2. Low-Code and No-Code Platforms

In custom app development, low-code and no-code platforms are becoming more common. Allegedly, these platforms enable developers to create apps with little or no coding experience. However, in reality, low-code platforms enable experienced programmers to accelerate development time and to build more with the time that they have.

One advantage of low-code and no-code platforms is that they can accelerate development. Developers may quickly construct apps without spending time coding from scratch. This can help firms bring their apps to market more quickly. Another advantage is that low-code and no-code platforms can help you save money. Businesses don't need to hire as many developers or devote as much time to develop with these platforms. This can help businesses save money on app development.

However, these platforms can be very risky. We’ve seen a few cases where an inexperienced entrepreneur has tried to use a no-code platform as a substitute for custom software, and the results were catastrophic. The reasons for this are that writing code, though important, should be the very last step in a methodical software development process that accounts for customer needs, well-thought-out requirements, acceptance criteria, and QA. So, whereas a no-code platform may save you time on the code-writing step, it is highly unlikely to deliver you a professional-grade product that is likely to succeed in the marketplace.

3. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the connection of physical devices to the Internet. IoT can be used in bespoke app development to create apps that control and monitor devices. In 2023, one could easily operate almost all your household appliances (thermostat, oven, curtains, lighting) via your smartphone. You can even buy a web-enabled toilet.

IoT has been around for a while. However, within the last few years, it has silently become ubiquitous. Almost every electric-powered device can now be connected to the internet. But there are still some growth opportunities in the space, particularly in the industrial arena. IoT apps are used to monitor and control equipment in manufacturing, service, and other sectors. They can collect data and provide insights into equipment performance by using sensors and other devices.

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

If AI is the 7000lb elephant in the room, then virtual reality is the 700lb gorilla. Ever since Facebook changed its name to “Meta”, the tech world has invested boatloads of time and energy in developing Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) apps.

For those of you who don’t know, Virtual Reality refers to a completely digitized world separate from the one we live in. You can access this world by putting on a pair of goggles, and you can possibly augment it with headsets, bodysuits, etc. The best example of VR is MetaQuest; however, Sony PlayStation and other game consoles also have competitive products.

Augmented Reality, on the other hand, exists in the same world we all live in, except with a digitized “enhancement” that one can see by looking through the camera on their digital device. The most successful AR application so far has been Pokémon Go, in which players “see” and “catch” Pokémon on their phones while walking around town.

AR and VR are certainly among the most exciting new technologies of the century. However, it is still in its infancy because production costs are still very high. So, for now, it has mostly been adopted in the gaming industry. However, AR/VR has started to get traction in the military, where soldiers, sailors, and airmen can use it to train for dangerous situations in a safe environment. It is also becoming evident in the retail environment. For example, IKEA has built an AR app that lets you see how a piece of furniture would look in your home by pointing your phone at the desired location.

Conclusion

Custom app development will continue to evolve and adapt in 2023. Businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition must stay up to date on the newest custom app development trends. AI and machine learning, low-code and no-code platforms, IoT, and AR/VR are all themes to watch in 2023.

Businesses may design more efficient, entertaining, and profitable apps by adopting these trends into their bespoke app development.