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The mobile app industry is subject to improvements and changes. In fact, this is an industry where we see rapid changes almost every day. With countless apps being launched every year, you cannot stay behind by keeping yourself oblivious to the latest trends that are fast catching up with the industry. With the ever-increasing demand and aspirations of clients from different apps, it makes complete sense for businesses to stay abreast of the latest developments and trends that emerge in the industry. 

This year, we should expect many noteworthy trends in the mobile app development industry. A few of these are discussed here. 

1. Beacon Technology: One of the most talked-about and awaited trends to expect this year is the emergence of beacon technology. Biggies in healthcare, hotel, and other segments have already started embracing and adopting this technology. Beacon technology is highly useful in proximity marketing and location technology and since it is very easy to use, anyone can easily learn it. Beacons are basically small, wireless transmitters that make use of low energy Bluetooth technology for sending out signals to other nearby devices. In other words, beacons make use of location technology to connect and transmit information to nearby smart devices. Beacon facilitates location based interaction and searching. 

2. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence: In the context of mobile apps, artificial intelligence and machine learning go hand-in-hand. Powered by machine learning, apps become smarter and equipped with strong analytical ability that further facilitates user behavior analysis. Machine learning is ubiquitous in most ecommerce apps that provide personalized recommendations based on data analysis and user behavior. This year, we should expect a perfect merger of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which means mobile apps are going to have more power than ever before. Trends in AI may include prediction of user behavior, enhanced app reliability for cybersecurity, and face unlock, etc. 

3. Internet of Things (IoT): Internet of things will completely change the way we used to live and had been using our home appliances and other things so far. IoT allows remote controlling and handling of things through the internet without human assistance. From switching your ac/lights on/off to locking/unlocking the doors of your house, IoT will make life better and easier for all. There are already many IoT powered products available in the market.

4. Blockchain Development: To introduce, blockchain refers to a growing list of data/records known as blocks. These blocks are linked through cryptography. A blockchain is resistant to data modification. Blockchain powered apps are way securer and more reliable. This trend began in 2019 and is expected to continue in 2020 and years to come as well. Many wallets and ledgers depend on blockchain even now. The future trends in blockchain may include Blockchain as a Service (BaaS), blockchain anti-piracy, tokenization of assets, etc. 

5. Instant Apps: By offering fundamental functionality of mobile apps, instant apps give users a glimpse of how the actual app will work without having to download it on their mobile. Businesses can use these apps for the purpose of marketing or promoting their apps before targeted audiences. 

6. On-Demand Apps: The world has already seen a lot of on-demand apps in 2019 and earlier years and the trend will catch up further in 2020. Uber is an excellent example of on-demand apps. In future, we may see more of on-demand apps for taxi booking, grocery shopping, etc. Services that may find on-demand apps highly useful include domestic helper, babysitting, laundry service, and so on. 

7. Cloud Integrated Apps: There are countless possibilities and perks associated with the cloud technology. Cloud, that started as a hosting service earlier, has become a highly accessible and trustworthy platform for the storage and retrieval of data effortlessly, securely, and quickly. Cloud may expand its horizon and find valuable space in the domain of mobile app development in 2020 and coming years. 

8. AR and VR:VR (Virtual Reality) redefines everything and AR (Augmented Reality) serves as the cherry on the pie. If you follow the trends in the last few years, there has been a sort of obsession among people about AR/VR games such as Pokemon Go, Dino Trek, Incell, and more. Google and Apple used AR for empowering their respective apps with AR.  AR integration will further uplift the mobile app experience for users worldwide.

9. Enhanced App Security: A vital aspect of app development, cybersecurity will continue to dominate the technological advancements in 2020 as well. The trend of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) has further increased the risk of attack on mobile enterprise. Hence, app developers are always under pressure to consider totally different approach to work on app security.

10. Chatbots may be on Rise: Year 2020 is expected to see drastic rise in the use of chat bots by businesses across the globe. A study suggests that the U.S. is on top of the list of top five countries where chat bots are becoming ubiquitous at a fierce rate. The other countries that follow the U.S. include India, Germany, U.K., and Brazil. 

Staying informed about these and other trends in the industry is beneficial for businesses looking to excel in competition.