Android is the leading mobile operating system, owning 74.6% of the OS market share globally, followed by iOS. Also, there are currently over 2.7 million Android apps on the Google Play Store(Source: Statista), making it the largest app marketplace. This signifies the dominance of Android- the most demanding mobile OS.

When we talk about mobile app development, Android OS grabs major attention. Since it captures a wider audience and such apps are very user-friendly, the focus of businesses mostly remains on developing a native Android app. With its continuously growing popularity, there have been some massive advancements in Android app development that help focus on a more user-centric approach.

So, before you hire an app development company, ensure they are well aware of the latest trends and technologies. This brings us to the article topic for today, i.e. Android App Development Trends for 2021. Let’s delve into the trends that are likely to revamp/transform the business model in the following year.

1. Instant Apps

Android Instant apps are the apps enabled by Google Play Instant that provide the native app experience without being installed. Instant apps are created using the Android studio and can be launched on devices running on Android 5.0 and above. The term “instant” here basically refers to providing an instant experience to users that not only improves the app’s directory but also helps drive more users and installations after offering them a run-through of the app. This creates a win-win situation for both businesses as well as the users as the former won’t have to wait for the users to install the application and the latter can run the app without worrying about the storage on their device. Since Instant apps don’t consume additional space on a user’s device, they are more likely to try out the application.

2. Apps for Foldable Devices

Flip phones were extremely popular when touchscreen devices were not in the scene, however, with the arrival of the latter that helped perform any task without the requirement of any physical button, flip phones became obsolete.

But they are now making a comeback in the form of foldable devices that utilize hinged flexible displays. They offer the flexibility to fold the display or split it into half, doing which it is automatically adjusted as per the dimensions and allows users to enjoy the functionality as per their convenience or preference. Popular smartphone brands like Samsung and Huawei have already released their first set of foldable phones. As these devices have again started to gain popularity, the numbers are expected to surge in the future, which will compel app developers to build Android apps keeping foldable devices in mind. While designing the UI/UX, the apps will need to be optimized to adjust according to the screen size of the folded and the unfolded version. This will, however, bring in more implications and complexity to the existing crowded space of various screen sizes in the Android world. Out of all the mobile app development trends, this one will surely grab everyone’s attention.

3. AI, Chatbots, and Virtual Assistants

The involvement of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in mobile devices has simplified our daily tasks to a significant extent. People have started interacting more with digital assistants like Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant, and these automated assistants are constantly learning user behavior and making improvements to provide a more precise personalized experience.

Not long ago, Google launched an AI-project called Google Duplex that allows users to make reservations over the call, without any interaction from the actual user. So, instead of the user making a call for a booking or an appointment, the Google Assistant does this job by simulating a human voice and keeping the conversation as realistic as possible.

Chatbots also follow a similar approach. Many businesses have automated their customer support and other work to streamline their process and cut-down costs and time. It is estimated that nearly 85% of the customer interactions will be handled using chatbots by the end of 2020. With people getting more familiar with chatbots and voice assistants, Android app developers must keep a close eye on them while designing a mobile app.

4. 5G Technology

The forthcoming generation of cellular networks, i.e. the 5G technology has already knocked on the door and is expected to reach the entire market by 2021-22. It is amongst the most awaited mobile app development trends. Needless to say, 5G is going to be way faster (nearly 100x) and stable than the current 4G technology. Energy consumption will also be less. Devices like iPhone 12 are already equipped with brand-new 5G technology. For a better user experience and engagement, the upcoming smartphones need to cater to the 5G requirements. Statista reports that by 2024, there will be around 1.9 billion 5G subscriptions worldwide. As the technology approaches, it will have its impact on app development as well. App developers can leverage 5G to create designs and features that will enhance the digital experience and improve business performance. Having a bandwidth capable of handling heavy tasks, it will be extremely beneficial in the fields of AR, VR, 3D, and 4K video streaming.

5. IoT-Powered Apps

The day isn’t far when most of the things would be controlled by an app on the smartphone. IoT has made things possible which were hard to imagine earlier. IoT builds a network where devices are interconnected and exchange data in an interoperable manner. The prowess of this technology can be witnessed at homes too. The Internet of Things has turned homes into smart homes. The modern household appliances that can be managed or controlled via your smartphone are powered up with IoT technology. Today, one can unlock doors, turn on/off the lights, control their CCTV, Air Conditioners, and more- all just with a single tap or touch.

Another example of this is wearable devices such as fitness bands and smartwatches that are connected with a mobile app. This is just a glimpse of IoT. The technology possesses a huge potential yet it hasn’t been leveraged to its full capability, making it one of the top Android app development trends to watch out for in 2021.

6. Augmented Reality (AR)

Although not something now, the AR technology is getting better with time and reaching a new level every year. Remember POKEMON GO that pulled teenagers and millennials out of their homes into the streets to catch the virtual Pokemon creatures that appeared on their mobile screens? AR has evolved and the technology has expanded in diverse fields such as healthcare, eCommerce, Eyewear, and Security. Gradually but patently, the technology is gaining traction and unlocking new doors of possibilities in mobile app development. Augmented Reality is one of the Android app development trends that’s going to dominate the other trends in the future.

7. On-demand Apps

On-demand applications have made our lives easier and helped us get what we need at our comfort. Such apps enable users to get a product or instant services at their desired location. While the concept has been in trend for some years now, it is expected to grow exponentially in the next few years. Their implementation mainly revolves around online food delivery, ride-sharing, healthcare, and home services. Moreover, because of their resonance with sharing economy business models (Uber and Airbnb being the fine examples), the on-demand apps can be expected to provide some unique and far better features than what they have already been offering up until now. This application segment has pulled over 22.4 million consumers every year and it is anticipated that they might spend more than $55 billion on on-demand apps and services. Aimed towards boosting client services and experience, such apps are amongst the popular mobile app development trends for 2021.

8. Beacon Technology

Debuted by Apple in 2013, Beacon technology has come a long way since then. There has been a rise in its popularity with Global Market Insights predicting that the beacon technology market will surpass the $25 billion mark by 2024. Google also launched Eddystone, a competitor to Apple’s Beacon, in 2015. Every year, Android devices attract over 40 billion queries on beacon-related content from Google services.

Beacons are wireless devices that use low-energy Bluetooth technology to emit signals that smartphones can see and respond to. In other words, they connect and pass on the information to smartphones, and make location-based searching more accurate and easier. Retail businesses can leverage the technology to send offers or any sort of information to customers that bump across the store through the app. It will be interesting to see how this technology trend catches off in 2021.

That’s our list of the top Android app development trends for 2021. Which one are you most excited about?