IoT and mobile apps: common future and development trends

Some time ago, mobile software and the Internet of Things (IoT) were entirely separate beasts. Now IoT mobile apps have won a stable niche in the software market and are a perfect complement to IoT, allowing developers to build innovative, feature-rich products that help users carry out a wide range of tasks easily and quickly.

In this article, we’ll discuss the current state of the market for IoT-based mobile products and IoT mobile app development trends that are expected to shape the future of the industry.

It’s interesting to observe how the world’s IoT market is growing. It’s projected to hit the mark of $2,465.26 billion by 2029. Its estimated value in 2022 was $478.36 billion, which puts the CAGR in the period from 2022 to 2029 at more than 26%. The growth figures are impressive, but it’s crucial to understand that these numbers could have been even higher if the coronavirus pandemic hadn’t hit all spheres of life in 2020. The demand for smart devices and solutions in 2020 and partially in 2021 was lower than anticipated. However, experts say that demand has now stabilized.

When speaking about IoT software, it’s impossible to omit mobile applications, as they function as the main point and channel of interaction established between IoT devices and users. Mobile apps are often used to manage, control and operate connected devices, as well as to gather and analyze data received from smart sensors.

Let’s take a look at the use of mobile applications powered by IoT technologies across various industries. We’re experiencing an era of active digitalization of all businesses, and software solutions, including custom ones, are in huge demand. Mobile app development services are among the most popular requests from companies, especially those looking for innovative channels that allow them to build continuous and efficient interaction with their clients.

Let’s consider the influence of mobile apps powered by IoT devices on industries that are said to be the major adopters.

• Manufacturing

In the industrial sector, it’s crucial to make sure all production lines, equipment, and machinery function as they are supposed to. It’s challenging and time-consuming to keep tabs on all of that without relying on software solutions. That explains the enormous demand for IoT application development. Smart sensors installed on the equipment send the most relevant data to the mobile devices of operators, which help improve the quality and accuracy of predictive maintenance, machinery control, inventory management, asset tracking, supply chain monitoring, etc.

• Retail

 Cameras, smart sensors, beacons, smart carts, and other devices have greatly changed the industry. Together with mobile apps, these developments are able to enhance the shopping experience, improve customer loyalty, and consequently increase profits for shops and supermarkets. IoT mobile apps can be enriched with functionality for processing and analyzing customer data in an online regime, monitoring demand, making predictions for future demand, etc.

• Healthcare industry.

Telemedicine and telehealth solutions have become a promising niche, especially after the pandemic. The adoption of IoMT technologies is gaining momentum as more patients and doctors are getting accustomed to using mobile applications. Connected wearable devices, smart sensors, and other tools help increase the quality of medical services, accuracy of diagnosis, and efficiency of treatment.

The IoT ecosystem is continuously developing and expanding as engineers create devices that offer new opportunities for future software solutions. For a better understanding of what kinds of apps will boast popularity in the near future, we recommend you consider the following trends.

• IoT security as the highest priority

IoT platforms have always been believed to be easy prey for hackers. However, with the growing role of these systems and the crucial importance of stored and processed data, developers have started paying more attention to protecting IoT apps. Unfortunately, today not all IoT devices can be equipped with the security features our modern computers and laptops have. However, that’s expected to change. The same is true of the apps themselves. Expect to see more and more mobile applications and smart devices that deal with sensitive data being enriched with tools such as biometric login, machine-to-machine authentication, and other AI- and ML-powered techniques for data protection.

• Enhanced data analytics

It’s expected that this will become a key trend in the development of the IoT ecosystem. IoT mobile apps already are being combined with enhanced AI-based tools for providing advanced assistance in decision-making for various industries. Having better analytics at hand, app users will be able to make better and more effective decisions for their businesses and private lives. And with all the new possibilities these features offer, it’s believed that demand will grow over the next few years. 

• Hybrid application development

As you know, native apps are compatible only with the platform they were built on, and as a result, the target audience for a native app is limited to the users of devices running on a particular platform. Though such apps have traditionally demonstrated better performance, modern technologies, advanced coding techniques, and innovative UX design approaches allow developers to build absolutely native-like hybrid apps. Interest in creating hybrid apps is increasing, thanks not only to their versatility but also the ability they provide to gather  consumer data from a single, hassle-free source.

• Special attention to UI/UX design

As IoT technologies require complex app structures — due to the necessity of interacting with a variety of system components — approaches to UI/UX design for mobile apps powered by IoT differ from those of traditional mobile applications. One IoT app usually needs to include numerous interfaces for interaction with various components of the system. So designers need to provide a seamless user experience and clear navigation, regardless of how wide the functionality of the app.

• Open-source development

Open-source development is a growing trend in the IoT mobile niche. IoT solutions and technologies are being integrated into mobile application frameworks, which allows developers to build applications with less effort. Another advantage ensured by open-source development is the transparency of all procedures. That allows programmers and companies to establish smoother cooperation for building efficient and advanced mobile apps that can cater precisely to a company’s ongoing needs. As a result, the built app brings a higher value to businesses.

• Advanced customization

IoT technologies require making apps that are highly interactive, with customization opportunities to ensure a better user experience and convenience. The ability to customize ensures that the app remains helpful and appropriate regardless of changing conditions and requirements. Programmers can create apps that will more precisely satisfy the clients’ requirements. With feature-rich and flexible apps that offer advanced opportunities to users, you will be able to stand out from your rivals.

• No dependence on location

Mobile apps can be used in any location, regardless of the distance between users and IoT devices. Even when far away from home (if we’re talking about a smart home system) or from your office (when using a business app), you can easily execute control and monitoring of the whole connected system. To efficiently interact with such a mobile app, users need only to have a stable internet connection for ensuring reliable data exchange.

At Cogniteq, we build software of various types and have a well-earned reputation as a reliable mobile app development company with strong expertise in IoT. If you are interested in building an IoT mobile solution for the needs of your company, we will be happy to help you. Our experts will analyze your case, business specifics, project requirements, and goals so as to offer a product that will fully complement your strategy and carry out the tasks you set out for it. 

To learn more about our experience and services, please contact us via the form on our website.