By Mary Moore, copywriter at Shakuro

Imagine stepping into a world where your phone isn’t just a gadget but a gateway to endless possibilities. Well, that’s the world of iOS apps, and boy, is it exciting!

So, picture this: It’s 2024, and the iOS app scene is buzzing with new trends and innovations. But what’s all the fuss about and what’s the future of iOS app development? That’s what we’re here to explore together.

We’re going to uncover the hottest iOS app development trends emerging right now. From making apps that feel like they’re right in front of you (thanks to augmented reality) to teaching your phone to learn and adapt (yep, that’s machine learning), we’ll cover it all.

And the best part? We’ll break down these fancy tech terms into plain English so everyone can join the fun. Whether you’re an app developer or just someone who loves using apps, there’s something here for you.

But before getting into the key iOS app trends of 2024 and the future of iOS app development, let’s take a moment to understand how we got here in the first place. So, let’s get started!

The Evolution of iOS App Development

The story of iOS application development is like watching technology grow up before our eyes. It all began in 2008 when Apple launched the App Store, giving developers a place to share their apps. Back then, they mainly focused on making apps specifically for iPhones and iPads using tools like Objective-C for iOS native app development. But things changed in 2014 when Apple introduced Swift, a new, easier-to-use iOS programming language. This sparked a focus on making apps that are not just functional but also easy and enjoyable to use, with commendable designs and smooth interactions.

As more people wanted apps, developers started looking for ways to make them work on both iPhones and Android phones. That’s when cross-platform development tools like React Native and Flutter came into play, making it easier to create apps for different devices.

Plus, new technologies like augmented reality and machine learning (like when your phone suggests words as you type) added exciting features to apps.

Looking ahead to 2024, things are only going to get more exciting, get ready to enter the future of iOS app development and uncover the key mobile app trends in 2024.

Mobile Banking App by Shakuro

Key Trends in iOS App Development

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Machine Learning (ML)

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are making big waves in iOS mobile app development. They allow developers to add awesome features like personal assistants and image recognition to apps, making them more useful.

What’s more? A potential collaboration between the tech giants- Apple and Google is brewing. As per reports, Apple is in talks with Google regarding the possibility of integrating Gemini to enhance the iPhone’s AI capabilities.

  • Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are some fantastic technologies that are changing how we use smartphones. AR, especially, adds virtual stuff to the real world using your phone’s camera. Remember Pokemon Go? That’s an example of AR in action.

Plus, Apple has this one-of-a-kind tool called ARKit that helps app developers make incredible AR apps for iPhones and iPads. They keep improving it, and the latest version, ARKit-6, is even better. It makes AR feel like it’s part of the real world. So, you can use it for things like trying out furniture in your room before you buy it or learning about historical sites by seeing virtual info overlaid on them.

And the best part? ARKit works on lots of different iPhones and iPads, so more people can enjoy AR apps.

  • Apple Pay

Apple Pay is a convenient way to make payments using your iPhone or other Apple devices. It allows you to buy items in stores, make online purchases, and send money to friends with ease. People love using Apple Pay because it’s safe and secure, protecting their payment information from potential theft. Plus, you don’t need to swipe cards anymore, making transactions smoother. You can leave your physical cards at home and still pay for stuff wherever you are. That’s why more and more people are using Apple Pay for their payments, and it’s getting even more popular in different apps!

In fact, it’s expected to emerge as one of the top modes of payment in the coming years!

Furthermore, as per a recent press release, Apple announced that iOS developers in the European Union can soon use third-party payment systems. They’ll also be able to access the iPhone’s contactless payment feature through an upcoming software update. However, Apple will still collect fees for purchases made through iOS apps.

Currently, Apple charges a 30% fee on purchases made within apps and requires developers to use its own payment system. With the new plan, this fee would go down to between 10% and 20%, depending on whether developers decide to use Apple’s app store and payment system.

  • The Swift Package Manager

The Swift Package Manager is like a central hub where developers can find and use code libraries, making it easier to keep things consistent and avoid writing the same code over and over again.

With the Swift Package Manager, developers can easily find, add, and update code libraries they need for their projects. They can also create their own code packages and share them with others. This makes it simpler for teams to work together on projects and speed up the process of adding new features or fixing issues.

Plus, since it’s built right into Xcode, it’s simple to use for anyone working on Swift projects.

  • Blockchain technology

Blockchain technology, which started with cryptocurrencies, is set to become a big thing in iOS app development in 2024. It will be used in iPhones and iPads to make apps more secure and trustworthy. This means your data will be safer, and you can trust the apps you use on your Apple devices more.

Tools and Technologies in iOS Development

Moving on, this section is for people who are all about staying up-to-date with the latest tools and technologies. Get ready because here’s what’s brewing for 2024.

  • Swift 6

Swift 6 is the latest in mobile app development trends. This new version brings exciting improvements for better performance and usability. It is not just about iOS anymore. It aims to support various platforms, making it easier for developers to create apps that work across different devices. One of the best things about Swift is how easy it is to learn and use. Many big companies like Apple, LinkedIn, Slack, and SkyGuide rely on Swift for their app development.

  • IoT and Homekit

The next two big things in iPhone app development are IoT and HomeKit. IoT, or the Internet of Things, makes life easier by connecting different devices. HomeKit, made by Apple, helps bring all kinds of devices in your home, like lights and thermostats, into one system that you can control with your iPhone, Apple Watch, or even just by talking to Siri.

With HomeKit, you can do things like turn on lights or adjust the temperature in your home using your voice. There are also new features, like HomeKit Secure Video, which lets you see what’s happening at home and get alerts right on your phone.

  • Cloud-based mobile apps

Cloud-based mobile apps are a big trend in iOS app development for 2024. These apps store lots of data efficiently without slowing down your phone. To make these apps work well, developers use a tool called CloudKit. It helps them build apps that can handle lots of data smoothly. By using cloud-based mobile apps, companies can offer users seamless experiences across different devices. And since the data is stored in the cloud, users can access it from anywhere. This is especially important for keeping sensitive information safe in industries like finance and healthcare.

Smart Home Mobile App by Shakuro

What is Swift UI in IOS Development

When it comes to IOS development, how can we not talk about SwiftUI?

SwiftUI is a tool created by Apple for designing how apps appear and function on iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices. What makes it stand out is its user-friendly approach to writing code, which speeds up app development.

One of the coolest features of SwiftUI is its ability to show you what your app will look like on different devices as you work on it. This ensures that your app will look good and work well no matter which Apple device your users have.

With SwiftUI, you have access to a variety of ready-to-use components like buttons and text boxes. Plus, you can customize these components or create your own to perfectly fit your app’s needs.

In short, SwiftUI is a valuable tool that allows developers to create visually appealing and functional apps for Apple devices with ease.

Design Trends in iOS App Development

Here are some iOS design trends to watch out for!

  • Spicing up your iOS app with motion design

If your iOS app looks too plain and boring, users might lose interest. That’s where motion design comes in. It adds movement and animation to make your app more engaging. Think of animated icons and scrolling effects.

For example, when Domino’s added a cool motion design to their app, more people started using it, increasing sales by 23%. Motion design doesn’t just make your app look good — it also helps users navigate faster and have a better experience.

  • Introducing touchless UI

You heard it right — one of the latest iOS design trends is the touchless interface, offering users a hands-free experience. You might already be familiar with some touchless features, like using your fingerprint to log in to apps or verify payments. But now, apps are taking it a step further. They’re introducing gesture control, letting you control them by moving your head or screen. And soon, apps will even track your eye movements to help you scroll. Sounds unreal, right?

  • Chatbots

Chatbots are a popular technological trend in iOS mobile app development because they offer personalized conversations and real-time assistance. And guess what? They’re getting even better thanks to new technology like Natural Language Processing and machine learning. So, chatting with them feels even smoother and makes using mobile apps more enjoyable.

New UI Design Changes for IOS 18 Vision Pro

Last but not least, let’s check out the new UI design changes for IOS 18 Vision Pro.

As per reports, Apple is making changes to the way iOS 18 looks, and they’re planning to do the same for macOS in the future. But these updates won’t be like the new visionOS interface. According to Mark Gurman’s newsletter in Bloomberg, Apple is working on updating the design for iOS, and we can expect to see it before the end of the year as part of iOS 18.

As for the design changes we might see, Gurman suggests they won’t include the same look as Apple’s latest operating system, visionOS. This special style, with glass textures and 3D buttons, is made just for visionOS and its passthrough video feature.

In visionOS, you can “see” real-world things through the glass screens. This feature is for the Apple Vision Pro, not for iOS on iPhones.

Mobile Sport App by Shakuro

Conclusion

Wrapping up our tour of the latest iOS app trends for 2024, it’s clear that big changes are on the way. From smarter apps to interactive features, the future of iPhone apps is looking brighter than ever.

At Shakuro, we’re not just watching from the sidelines. We’re right in the middle of it, helping businesses like yours stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s crafting stunning designs or building powerful apps, we’re here to make sure you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Originally published at https://shakuro.com

2024 iOS App Trends: The Future Of iOS App Development was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.