Dominant 2024 Mobile App Development Trends

With businesses adopting a mobile-first approach, the M-commerce revolution is well underway. Mobile app development and the IT sector catering to our indispensable portable digital devices – anything from tablets, smartphones and smart watches – has demonstrated impressive growth and resilience despite increasing global economic challenges. In this article, Bocasay, our offshore IT agency based in Vietnam, examines the top mobile app development trends expected to dominate in 2024.

Let’s begin our mobile app trend exploration with some encouraging observations and statistics:

⟴ According to a report by Statista, the world has 6.5 billion smartphone users and that number is expected to reach 7.7 billion by 2027.

⟴ Glued to our devices, we spend approximately 20% of the time we’re awake staring at their screens and checking our phones hundreds of times per day.

⟴ In 2022, consumers spent 3.8 trillion hours interacting with mobile applications.

⟴ Mobile app development leads the way with 60% of market share, compared with 38% for desktop development.

Top 2024 Mobile App Development Trends

Cross-Platform Frameworks

Developing mobile apps with cross-platform frameworks means that developers can write code once and deploy it on multiple platforms, such as iOS and Android. These frameworks streamline the development process by providing a unified codebase that can be reused across different platforms, reducing the need for separate codebases for each operating system. According to GlobeNewsWire, the global cross-platform app development framework industry revenue was expected to reach a total of $120 billion in 2023, and by the year 2033, that number is expected to total $546.7 billion.

Progressive Web Applications (PWAs)

Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) have gained popularity in mobile app development because they offer a range of benefits that address some of the limitations and challenges associated with traditional native mobile apps. PWAs enable a cost-effective development process, cross-platform compatibility, responsive design, offline functionality and an installation-free experience. According to an analysis by Emergen Research, by 2027,, the global PWA market is expected to be worth $10.44 billion.

Strategic App Monetization

The monetization potential of any mobile app is a critical part of the investment and development process. It involves strategic planning and choosing the right monetization model based on the unique services your application aims to offer, its target audience and overall industry-specific trends. While freemium models and affiliate marketing agreements are still deployed by mobile app developers, in more recent years, there is a trend for app gamification, virtual currencies, as well as blockchain integration accepting in-app secure transactions with cryptocurrencies.

Low-Code and No-Code Development

Not all businesses have the time and resources to develop their own mobile applications. As businesses search for quick and easy digital solutions, the popularity of low / no code development is on the rise. Empowered by drag-and-drop capability, and without the need for extensive programming knowledge, low/no code development tools enable organizations to build their own mobile apps based on their particular needs. According to Gartner, in 2024, 80% of people who are not working in the IT sector will be creating IT products and services with the help of low / no code development tools. 

Edge Computing

In the context of mobile application development, edge computing refers to performing computation and data processing on devices or servers that are geographically closer to the end-users, at the network “edge” rather than in a centralized data center. This process offers reduced latency, bandwidth optimization, offline functionality and scalability. It is particularly well-suited to empower applications that require real-time decision-making, as well to support Internet of Things (IoT) devices. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global market size for edge computing is expected to reach $32.19 billion by 2029.

Wearable Technology

The surge of mobile app development catering to wearable devices is primarily based on the rising popularity of digital health wristbands and a range of smartwatches that can also behave like cell phones. In 2024, the demand for improved user-experiences, as well as for more app choices compatible with wearable mobile gadgets shows no signs of slowing down. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global wearable technology market is projected to reach $265.4 billion by 2026.

AI Integration

The ongoing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning algorithms in mobile applications will likely continue to revolutionize business processes and keep developers busy in 2024 and beyond. AI will play a key role in enabling mobile applications to process vast amounts of data and tailor the app experience to individual users based on their behavior and preferences. According to analysis by Global Market Insights, the global mobile AI market value is projected to reach $271.7 billion by 2032. 

Voice User Interfaces (VUIs)

Even if we already got a glimpse of the possibilities of voice-activated tech with Siri and Alexa during the past decade, voice user interfaces promise a significant shift in how we interact with mobile technologies. VUIs leverage advanced voice recognition technology in order to interpret and respond to user commands. Going beyond mere hands-free convenience, VUIs will enable businesses to develop intuitive mobile apps offering voice-enabled troubleshooting and customer services. Allied Market Research reports that the global voice-user interface market size is projected to reach $95.41 billion by 2030.

Beacon Technology

Beacon technology involves small, low-cost devices called beacons that use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit signals to nearby mobile devices. These signals are then detected by mobile apps equipped with the necessary technology, allowing for location-based interactions and personalized experiences. Beacons are ideal for mobile apps aimed at proximity-based interactions, location-based marketing, as well as for indoor navigation of spaces like malls, airports and museums. The global Beacon technology market is projected to reach $103.94 billion by 2030.

Do you need a partner in high quality mobile application development for your company? At Bocasay, our dedicated teams of developers provide cutting edge software solutions for leading companies around the world. Get in touch to find out how we can help with your next project.