The modern user demands innovative and personalized solutions, and it is in this context that mobile app development becomes a key factor for the successful interaction of brands, services, and individuals with their audience. In this article, based on statistical data, we have compiled relevant ideas for creating a mobile app that is likely to be competitive and in demand in 2024.  

What are the mobile app trends in 2024? 

It’s crucial not only to create a useful product, but also to stay on trend by monitoring consumer behavior dynamics. Mobile applications related to environmental care, eco-friendly technologies, as well as apps for financial management and health care, enjoy a stable demand. It’s also worth exploring areas like virtual reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), interactive learning, and communication, which remain at the forefront and are gaining momentum every year.

World Trends: Statistics on the Most Popular Mobile Apps in 2022-2023

The table displays the TOP 10 most downloaded apps globally. The current most popular app is TikTok with 656 million downloads. Instagram follows in second place with 545 million downloads, followed by Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Zoom, Messenger, CapCut, and Spotify (source: BankMyCell).

10 Ideas for creating mobile apps in 2024

Health and Fitness: Personalized Workouts and Medical Apps.

According to Statista, in 2020, about 38% of the global population aged 5 and older were overweight or diagnosed with obesity. It is expected that by 2035, this figure will reach 51%.

Personalized workouts tailored to users’ unique needs, supported by video and audio formats, are in demand in the modern world.

Popular Mobile Apps for Sports and Physical Health:

MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, Google Fit, Nike Training Club

Psychology: Online Sessions and Techniques for Improving Mental Health.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the full-scale invasion of russia into Ukraine, humanity has faced mental health challenges. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a scientific study published today by the World Health Organization (WHO), the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25%.

Online consultations, remote appointments, meditation techniques, and anxiety suppression are in demand like never before.

Popular mobile apps for meditation and mental health tracking:

Headspace: Sleep & Meditation, Calm – Sleep, Meditate, Relax, BetterHelp, Wysa

Education: Innovative Platforms for Online Learning.

70% of students say that online learning is better than traditional classroom learning. Apps specializing in this area not only provide extensive educational materials but also integrate cutting-edge technologies, making the learning process more engaging and effective.

Popular mobile apps for online learning:

Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Duolingo

Finance: Convenient Budget and Investment Management.

Banking apps serve as the primary banking method for 39% of consumers. It is projected that by 2024, the number of global online banking users will exceed 3.6 billion. The ideal app should provide instant access to financial information, automatically categorize expenses, offer analytics, and support investment strategies.

Popular mobile apps for currency transactions, financial organization, and budget management:

Revolut, YNAB, Wallet

Social Media: New Formats of Communication and Content.

In the world, there are 4.8 billion social media users, constituting 59.9% of the global population and 92.7% of all internet users. Statistics show that people want to connect! Explore the apps that have already captured the interest of internet users.

Popular mobile apps for communication:

Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok

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

There is significant global growth in the AR and VR market. It is expected to grow at a rate of 12.60% annually.

Popular mobile apps utilizing AR and VR technologies:

Fulldive VR, Fectar, INKHUNTER, Monster Park AR

Ecology: Apps for Sustainable Living.

Research from the Pew Research Center showed that 70% of respondents in 20 surveyed countries feel discomfort from the consequences of climate change in their living areas. An app in this field can become a reliable assistant for users to reduce their ecological footprint and adopt more responsible habits that impact the climate.

Popular mobile apps for an ecological lifestyle:

IKEA Better Living, Olio, Ecosia, Think Dirty

E-commerce: Practical Solutions for Online Shopping.

According to Forbes forecasts, by 2026, 24% of all retail purchases will be made online. If you have your own store or brand, it’s the perfect time to elevate your sales to a new level with a mobile app!

Popular mobile shopping apps:

Shopify, AliExpress, Joom

Work and Business: Tools for Managing Workflow.

According to Spill research, 47% of surveyed employees are now more interested in using digital tools to support their mental health than before the pandemic. Organizing your workspace and time management play a crucial role in building a successful future!

Popular mobile time management apps:

Microsoft To Do: Lists & Tasks, Google Tasks, Trello, Evernote

Entertainment: Real-Time Multimedia, Streaming, and Entertainment Platforms.

On average, Americans spend 13 hours and 11 minutes per day on digital media. According to Forbes research, 3 hours and 6 minutes of this time are spent on video consumption. 26% of respondents watch TV series at least once a week.

It’s hard to imagine modern life without YouTube and Netflix. Entertainment content like Instagram REELS, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts is gaining even more traction in 2023.

Popular streaming mobile apps:

Twitch, Netflix, Disney+

Key factors for creating a successful mobile app:

• Understand the needs of the target audience
• Analyze the market, grasp the uniqueness, and value of the app
• Create a prototype for a visual representation
• Test with real users and process feedback
• Address errors and optimize the app for stability
• Develop a strategy for user acquisition

What is needed for mobile app development?

Mobile app development is an exciting process that requires careful planning and an expert approach. The key component of a successful project is, first and foremost, a clear definition of the goals and needs of your audience. Understanding how your app addresses specific problems or enhances the user experience is fundamental to an effective strategy.

An integral part of the development process is choosing the platform: iOS, Android, or a cross-platform solution. The technical side involves selecting the programming language, framework, and development tools. Additionally, attention must be given to design, user-friendliness, and testing to ensure high quality and positive user perception of the app.

Key knowledge and skills for mobile app development:

• Understanding the basic principles of project management
• Knowledge of design principles
• Intuitive grasp of the development process for a user-friendly interface
• Familiarity with various programming languages
• Understanding application security principles
• Knowledge of programming patterns
• Understanding automation processes and testing

Which types of apps are in demand?

On average, smartphone users spend around 4–5 hours a day using mobile apps. According to Statista, in 2022, the Google Play Store had over 3.55 million apps, and the App Store had over 1.66 million. The exact number of apps may fluctuate as Apple and Google regularly remove low-quality content from their stores, but the statistics show a continual increase in the number of apps. According to forecasts, the global mobile app market is expected to reach $756 billion by 2027.

Your success depends on the ability to stand out in the crowd by providing solutions to current user needs. Developing an app based on sustainability concepts or addressing everyday life problems could be the key to success. Considering emerging trends in technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and real-time multimedia, your idea could become a startup that disrupts the market. Explore current market needs, refine innovations, and create an app that will be competitive in 2024.

The New Line Technologies team of developers and designers can assist you in achieving your business goals. Take a closer look at our collaboration options and cases. We are open to new ideas and projects!