Here are some of the top trends predicted to affect iOS app development in 2020.

Mobile apps have popped up in every aspect of life and made their way into almost every part of business as well. From banking, shopping, fitness, entertainment and even daily routines-- they have all been programmed with their own category of apps to assist consumers in their day to day lives. Companies are using this new technology to promote their services, goods or industry in any way they can.

Over the last five years, the number of functional development has skyrocketed, opening up the market to take advantage of things like functional augmented reality in apps like Amazon or Ikea. Or take for instance, the personal advantage of devices which help simplify everyday functions of life like the Nest thermostats, August Smart locks or other “smart” devices.

This is just a taste of what has led to the iOS industry reimagining development for the upcoming year ahead. With such a convenient way to increase brand awareness and interaction, every major brand is trying to get into the app market to increase their exposure and maximize the functionality of their apps. People all over the world have joined in the craze and it shows no sign of stopping.

This increased demand has led to increased mobile app development in countries like India, Brazil or the Philippines. Countries like India are seeing an emergence of development companies that develop these apps for companies who are outsourcing their development needs. The use and capabilities of iOS technology has a bright future ahead of it. What trends are likely to dominate the market in 2020? Let’s find out. 

Transformation by AR and VR

Virtual and Augmented Reality Technology (AR and VR) first entered the market in the gaming and video industry to strong applause. This technology allowed users to enter a virtual world like never before, or vice-versa, bring virtual characters into the real world by using mobile devices. The creative ways that this technology has been integrated into mobile apps demonstrate how developers are creatively applying the technology and factoring in people’s perception when developing their apps.

From gaming to consumer goods, companies like Amazon, Converse or Lululemon are now capitalizing on the benefits of AR and VR to increase sales and interact with customers through their iOS applications. This technology is only predicted to expand through 2020 and become more functional and user friendly to customers. For developers, quickening app development time, efficiencies in process, and tighter feedback loops shorten the gap between creators and consumers.

AR and VR technology has been taking off so quickly on iOS devices thanks to Apple’s ArKit that helps developers create AR powered applications for Apple devices. Some examples of apps developed with this software include Dance Reality, Ikea Place and Houzz.

iOS apps featuring AR/VR technology appear to be primed and ready to go in 2020.

Machine Learning is a standard

Apple uses a new Core Machine Learning (CorML) technology in their devices and it has received very positive feedback from users and has been extremely helpful in developing new smart apps across Apple devices. Features like Siri and quick-type are basic integrations of CorML, but it is also what gives Apple phones the ability to scan and analyze images from the camera as well as stabilize through the gyroscope to use AR and VR technology.

In the last few years, CorML has received more attention in the development phase because of the increasing number of uses. iOS apps that are designed to use this system see improved machine learning capabilities. It is likely that CorML will become the new standard for all custom developed apps moving into the future. 

Swift 5 Programming Language

Apple has released their Swift 5 programming language as a way to create a stronger Application Binary Interface (ABI) and improve compatibility. The company is now working on developing the new code for use in businesses. Swift 5 is already integrated into MacOS and iOS software as well as the wearable OS and TVOS systems in their other devices. This is expected to be included with all new devices entering the market and it will allow these devices to share data libraries. This will in turn shrink the overall size of the apps and speed up the development process. 

The Wearable and IoT Age

IoT devices allow you to interact with physical devices through digital devices. This includes various wearable technologies as well as most smart home devices. It’s estimated that by the end of 2020 there will be more that 30 billion interconnected devices world wide. This will be more than 5 devices per capita worldwide. With this many devices on the market already, it’s more important than ever for iOS developers to leverage these technologies through apps to maximize their performance. 

Cloud Integrations

The benefits of cloud technology has proved itself over the last several years. With the ability to easily share data, seamless work between interconnected devices and digital-only teams has been made possible. This is one of the most reliable means of storing data because it can be accessed from everywhere and anywhere.

Outside of practical uses on the individual-level, Cloud-based systems store and operate in the cloud as well. This improves the ability to store and compute large amounts of data through cloud computing. Integrating cloud storage technology has improved the experience for users and developers alike. By using cloud technology users are able to easily download and access data and developers are able to get real time feedback and information.

Apple Pay The Digital Wallet Standard

Wireless banking has skyrocketed in popularity. With the disappearance of cash in lieu of debit and credit cards, the future is the disappearance of plastic payment altogether. Apple set the standard with their Apple pay system in 2014 and has continued to set the standard in terms of usability and security. Making simple business connections to incorporate Apple Pay with other services like mobile wallet or user to user payment portals, developers have made using mobile banking easier than ever. Not only does Apple pay protect user data while in the program, but it also limits the amount of data shared with outside vendors to offer users more protection of their personal information. 

Better Protection of the App

Since iOS 13, Apple has used their App Transport security (ATS) into all new applications developed which protects people’s personal information. This philosophy has always been an important component of iOS app development. Apple’s Cyber Security has a reputation for performing well in their embedded technologies. Designers and developers are crucial in the integration of more security features from the early stages of software development. Apple’s developers have always kept preventing hackers from accessing user’s personal information high on the priority list since the early stages of iOS development.

Voice and AI: The Smart Siri

Developers have been making impressive new uses integrating voice-command Siri in combination with AI technology to create new applications entering the market. This opens up endless possibilities for the voice assistant technology used in Apple devices. One of the ways this shows up is with the ability to analyze your conversations with Siri to improve the accuracy of the commands and the natural flow of the conversation. 

The Dawn of Big Data

The phenomenon of big data has been an increasing trend, but now with stronger and stronger capabilities big data is more important than ever in 2020. By interpreting the performance data, developers can develop stronger, more reliable apps that maximize performance at a scalable level.

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