Over 78% of the population owns a smartphone. What do people do on these devices? Apps are being used. There are many different categories of apps. These include calendars, gaming apps, music, and communication apps.
You're probably familiar with the most popular apps in the world, such as WhatsApp, Spotify and HeadSpace. It is a smart business move to create an app. This guide will help you understand the process of developing a mobile app.
What is Mobile App Development?
Mobile app development is a process that creates software for mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. This process involves writing code and designing an app.
App development is very similar to any other software development, including web applications. The biggest difference between traditional software and app development is that mobile apps can use the native features of a device.
Apps can, for example, take advantage of mobile features such as GPS, Bluetooth and a camera.
Apple and Android dominate the mobile app market. While it is possible to develop apps for other platforms as well, the majority of apps are targeted at these two markets.
There are also several frameworks for app development to choose from. You'll also have a lot of options, which we will cover in more detail in this guide.
What would our lives be like without mobile apps? It takes a lot of work to remember the correct answer. It is hard to remember that mobile apps have taken over so much of our lives that it seems impossible to survive without them. It seems almost impossible to live an everyday life today without mobile apps. Why is this?
Mobile phones that were once used only for communication have much more to offer. The mobile platform has changed how people communicate and their buying habits. The Pew Centre for research reports that 96% of Americans have smartphones. 69% of Americans have used mobile shopping at least once, proving that mobile technology will be around for the foreseeable future.
Many businesses are adapting to mobile commerce, apps, and optimization at an alarming rate. Diverse industries worldwide are constantly innovating to meet today's consumer needs. It is a boon to the mobile app development company, with more and more businesses racing to launch mobile platforms.
Why Is A Mobile Application So Important For Businesses Today?
A mobile app is a must for any business, with almost half the population using mobile devices.
- Customers will appreciate you creating more value
- Customers don't need to wait for a web browser to open. Enter the URL and wait until your website loads.
- Customer engagement increases, which in turn drives down the cost
- Promoting your products, discounts, and offers can be great advertising.
- Your brand's visibility can be increased
- Your users can share your content on social media sites. This will increase reach and encourage more discussion about you.
Mobile apps can improve various industries and reach a large customer base worldwide. While every industry has a mobile app, there are six retail segments that you should be aware of in the app development company. This company will see a significant spin-off. We'll discuss them in detail later.
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Grocery
Only 3% of grocery shopping is done online, according to statistics. 41% of consumers are not inclined to shop at grocery stores for perishable goods and beverages. Online grocery businesses work because there are no warehouse/inventory management problems, guaranteed convenience, and central hubs that can fulfill orders.
This, combined with the gap in demand/supply, shows that there are enormous opportunities for grocery shopping app development. Walmart bought Parcel, a last-mile delivery company, in 2017 to reduce order fulfillment timeframes for groceries purchased on its website.
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Electronics
The electronics market is constantly changing, from smartphones and tablets to laptops or wearables to tablets and laptops. Smartphone accessories like tempered glass, wireless chargers, and phone cases have been a great niche market. App usage has increased to 54% over the past few years.
Consumers are excited to spend on high-tech products, as evidenced by the increased electronic purchases made on Amazon, SnapDeal and Flipkart. Electronic products of all sizes, from microchips to washing machines, are now available online. People prefer to shop through mobile apps rather than visit multiple offline stores to get discounts and other offers. Customers love electronic mobile apps because they can order heavy electronic items at their doorstep and deliver them right to their homes via mobile ordering.
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Automotive
The automotive industry will see $13 billion in Ecommerce sales. Automotive companies can use their mobile phones to enhance the customer experience at their dealerships, increasing service appointments and sales, considering that 72% of Americans have used their phone while buying a car.
A mobile automotive app allows consumers to find the car they want in their area quickly. You can also get auto parts manufacturers and retailers through the mobile platform. This allows you to offer your customers a variety of vehicles, payment options, and shipping options. This ability to offer A to Z automobile service via a mobile app could give automobile mobile app development a significant boost in growth, which is already happening.
Audi and Volkswagen are two examples of car companies that have already adopted the mobile app revolution. They offer app features such as a mileage tracker, the latest news and events and Augmented Reality.
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Jewelry
The digital age has brought about a wide range of changes in the jewelry industry, just like traditional businesses. Kendra Scott, Madewell, CaratLane and Madewell are just some well-known brands that have developed successful mobile apps.
Etsy is another market player that has made handmade jewelry more popular and helped entrepreneurs become successful. Businesses in this sector can now sell jewelry at lower prices, offer a variety of products on one platform and allow for fast, secure shipping and delivery without having to travel.
The introduction of the mobile app to the jewelry industry has seen jewelers report a 30% increase in sales. This was due to deploying promising technologies such as Augmented Reality on mobile. The mobile app for jewelry businesses with the most recent technologies can be a great bait to attract customers and sales like never before.
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Cosmetic
Globally, the beauty industry is grooming. It is valued at $532 billion. This is not surprising given how superficial the world has become and how many people want to appear presentable.
The eCommerce platform reduces the size of the cosmetics industry. It puts all the top brands on one platform, making it easy for customers to shop for their favorites from one location. Consumers can also avail discounts throughout the year and keep their favorite cosmetic brands available on mobile any time, any day.
Virtual Reality technology allows mobile apps to capture an image of the user, enabling them to try different shades and tones online. This is like they would do in a brick-and-mortar beauty or makeup shop. These are just a few of the many benefits a cosmetic mobile app can offer, making it more popular among users.
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Pharmacy
Although pharmaceutical companies have been competitive over the years, mobile innovation has only made this domain more innovative. Mobile apps for pharmacy prescription management have made it easier for patients to track their medications and be reminded when they are due to take them.
Many pharma mobile apps now have doctors on-demand, which can be reached if there are any questions regarding a consumer's medication. Pharmacy mobile apps are a big hit today because they offer many features such as drug search and info and order tracking, drug comparison and personal user account, feedback, and administrative features.
The pharma mobile app industry is changing rapidly, and its growth rate will almost double shortly.
Mobile App Development Process
When you break down the app development process into steps, it is easy to understand. Follow the formula below to create apps.
Refine the Idea and Strategy
Brainstorm your ideas before you begin any software development. Some of you may already have an idea or concept. Some of you may be starting completely from scratch.
You can start by asking yourself these questions:
- What is the purpose of your mobile application?
- What are the goals of your app?
- What problems (or issues) will your app resolve for customers?
- What features will you include in your app?
- What is your investment budget?
- How will you develop your app? (In-house team, agency, app builder, etc.)
During the brainstorming phase, it's easy to get carried away. It's important to focus on the core features of an app. Don't worry about "nice-to-haves" or unnecessary add-ons that divert from the primary function of an app.
Market Research
You should look for similar apps once your idea has been finalized. It is rare to find a brand-new idea with no competition.
- What are your competitors like?
- What is your target audience?
- What is your differentiation strategy?
- What is the best platform for launching your app?
- How will you promote and market your app?
You can't afford to do market research. It's not worth spending time and money on an idea that has no market demand. You can save a lot of money if you do this before you build anything.
Create Your UX Design
Mobile app design is also a crucial step in the process. Start by thinking about the look and feel of your app. Create wireframes and sketches to understand how your app will function.
Priority must be given to the user's experience. Make sure that the user interface is easy to use and seamless.
- Create a storyboard to show the connections between screens.
- Consider the differences between a mobile site and an app (web development is not the same as app development).
- Your top priority should be the user experience.
Before you begin to develop a fully functional app, you'll need to create some prototypes based on the wireframes. You can then create an MVP (minimum viable product). This is an app with a basic interface that accomplishes its main goal.
App Development
It's now time to create the actual app. This includes the APIs and all backend technologies. What you should do is:
- Choose your development method.
- Assemble your development team.
- Nominate a project manager.
- Create a timeline that includes milestones and objectives.
- Be flexible and ready to adapt.
You may need to create two versions of your app, one for iOS and another for Android. You can also use cross-platform tools to create an app that is compatible with both iOS and Android.
Everyone will have a different experience. Some apps can easily be created in one month by a single developer. Some apps can be built in a month with a single developer.
App development timelines and budgets are heavily influenced by the type of app and its complexity. Simple apps with basic features are usually quick to develop and cost-effective. A complex app with features such as user authentication servers and GPS capabilities will take longer to build.
Testing
You need to test your app before it goes live. You can find bugs and glitches in your app by testing it.
- The best way to test your app is by having QAs do it throughout the entire development process.
- Test the app on both platforms.
- Test the app with different devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and more. ).
- Test your product with real users and get their feedback.
No app is perfect. Your testing should aim to create a stable app that does not crash so users can have a good experience.
Updates and new versions can be released later. If you try to get the app perfect during testing, it could prevent your app from ever reaching the market. Don't be hard on yourself, and try to create a good product.
Read More: How to Create an Excellent Mobile App Development Team?
What Are The Best Mobile App Development Platforms?
You'll have to narrow your choices based on your budget, your app type and your goals. There are many options for app development. These tools allow you to not only create an app. They also allow you to test, optimize and debug your app after launch.
The best platforms for app development are available today.
Flutter
Flutter is an open-source framework that allows you to create cross-platform applications with a single codebase. Google released Flutter in 2017, and it is relatively new compared to the other options available.
Flutter is a great tool for developing mobile applications and web apps for iOS, Android and other platforms, including Linux, macOS and Windows. Flutter is a good option for those who want to create desktop and web applications using the same codebase, written in C++ and Dart.
Microsoft Xamarin
Xamarin, another open-source UI framework, is available for Android, iOS and Windows apps. It uses C#/.NET to build cross-platform applications with shared code.
This platform is very popular because users can create apps that look and feel the same across all platforms and devices. The applications can feel native in many cases. Xamarin offers a variety of developer tools for Windows and Mac. It integrates native APIs, services backend, and much more.
Adobe PhoneGap
Adobe PhoneGap differs from other options. PhoneGap allows you to create apps using JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3. PhoneGap has a feature called a plugin that allows you to add functionality.
Also, it's worth mentioning that PhoneGap comes from Apache Cordova. You'll see both terms being used together. Apache Cordova powers PhoneGap.
Apps for Mobile Devices: Different Types
App development is different today. In the past, native development could only be done using low-level code. If you wanted to create an iOS App for the Apple App Store as well as an Android App for Google Play Store, you would have had to start from scratch.
The barrier to entry into app development is lower today. The integration of app development languages, platforms, and tools is more advanced. Javascript code can be used across all platforms.
It is now much easier to create native apps for existing businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as e-commerce firms. Here is a quick overview of different types of applications and what makes them special for development.
Native Mobile Applications
Native apps can be installed directly onto a mobile phone. These apps are usually installed via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Native apps are usually able to work without an internet connection and leverage the existing features on the device.
To develop a native application, you must write code that is specific to the device's operating system.
Cross-Platform Native Mobile Applications
The same code can be used on all platforms with a cross-platform application. You can create your code only once and have it work natively for both iOS and Android.
There is little difference in the user experience between native and cross-platform native apps. Cross-platform native apps are more affordable for developers and reduce the time to develop.
Hybrid Mobile Applications
Although they're not exactly the same, hybrid and cross-platform apps are often used interchangeably. Hybrid apps are similar to cross-platform in that they can be created once and run on both platforms.
Hybrid development is more user-friendly than cross-platform. The creation of cross-platform apps is highly technical and requires knowledge of app development. Hybrid app development requires less technical knowledge and can be done with no-code app builders or basic web development skills.
Progressive Web Application (PWA)
PWAs are web-based apps rather than native apps installed on the user's device.
PWAs are now so similar to native apps that they look and feel the same. Users can receive push notifications via their web browser. PWAs are more restricted in their ability to use native features of a device.
Cross-Platform Application Or Progressive Web Application (PWA)?
We'll compare the pros and cons between cross-platform apps and PWAs. You can then decide which option works best for your app, budget and goals.
Cross-Platform Advantages:
- The maintenance of native cross-platform apps is easier because they can be updated across all platforms.
- The turnaround time is faster than traditional Android and iOS development.
- Less time spent on development usually translates into affordability. This means that you can focus more on other areas of your app.
- By targeting tablets and smartphones on different platforms, you can reach a larger audience.
Cross-Platform Disadvantages:
- You'll have to debug more often if you encounter performance problems with certain operating systems.
- Certain OS can have security problems.
- If you want to add new features to the app, there are longer waiting times.
Progressive Web Application:
- PWAs cost less to maintain and develop compared to native applications.
- Installing them on various devices is quick and simple.
- PWAs can be used on any platform, thanks to their cross-platform compatibility.
- PWAs are efficient and offer a better user experience.
Progressive Web Application Disadvantages
- PWAs are not available in app stores.
- There are fewer features that can impact the user's experience.
- Apps that require Bluetooth or NFC may be limited in their functionality.
Hybrid Apps vs Native Apps
Let's compare hybrid apps to native apps and look at the pros and cons.
Hybrid App Advantages:
- Hybrid applications look and feel just like native apps.
- The cost of development and maintaining them is lower.
- Create a hybrid application using HTML, Javascript and CSS.
- Hybrid apps provide a faster development process.
Hybrid App Disadvantages:
- Performance on older devices is poor
- Certain types of apps can't be hybridized.
- Hybrid development may have limited features.
Native App Advantages:
- Outstanding performance.
- All the features of different smartphones can be accessed.
- These are made using IDEs like React Native.
- Native apps run on older devices.
Native App Disadvantages:
- Native apps are the most expensive.
- You need to build them separately for iOS and Android.
- The development tools don't have a user-friendly interface.
- Bugs are more common and require frequent updates.
Conclusion
Mobile app development is a complex process. You should always prioritize the user's experience, whether you are creating native or cross-platform applications. The functionality of your app must meet the primary use case, and interactive features should be easy to navigate.
App development can take many different routes. Your budget, goals and timeline, as well as your technical skills and app complexity, will determine the best choice for you.
Today's consumers love their smartphones. This explains why 91% are on their phones 24 hours a day. Industries should understand why mobile app development has become the hottest topic.
Although mobile has revolutionized how consumers shop, play and communicate, there is still a long way to go. Mobile will continue to be a significant trend in the years ahead. No matter your industry, mobile app development is something that you should seriously consider for your business.
