Mobile App Forecasts for the Year 2018

In the dynamic world of mobile apps, 2018 is shaping up to be an exciting year. Here are some key trends that are expected to dominate the mobile app landscape.

Google is expanding the availability of Instant Apps to a greater number of apps, focusing on quality. This move aims to enhance user experience and make app access more seamless.

Communication apps are leading the charge, with almost half of mobile device sessions starting with these apps. This trend underscores the importance of instant and reliable communication in today's fast-paced world.

The demand for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) is on the rise, with expectations of lowering app bounce rates and providing faster page load times in 2018. Brands are expected to shift from Native Apps to PWAs due to the benefits they offer.

The session rate in the lifestyle and gaming categories saw the least growth in 2017, indicating a shift in user preferences towards other categories. The shopping category, however, saw a rise of 54% in 2017, with consumers shifting their spending to mobile shopping apps and the adoption of mPayment.

The overall time spent has reduced in the social and news category, while it has risen for the travel and sports category. This shift in user behaviour reflects changing interests and priorities.

Entertainment apps like YouTube, SnapChat, and Netflix will account for 5.5% of mobile device session time. Utility apps like App Stores, Contacts, Gallery etc. account for 10% of mobile device session time, demonstrating the importance of practical, everyday apps.

Web browsers account for 16% of mobile device session time, highlighting the continued importance of web browsing on mobile devices.

The demand for android app development companies is increasing due to the need for apps to perform well in Preview Mode. This trend indicates a focus on user experience and app quality.

Phablets are predicted to dominate the device category list for mobile app usage in 2018. This shift towards larger screens suggests a preference for more immersive app experiences.

The global consumer spending in app stores is expected to cross $110 billion in 2018, reflecting the growing importance and popularity of mobile apps.

Major players in the video streaming industry, such as Netflix, Snap, and Disney, have announced plans to continue investing in the category. This trend underscores the growing demand for video content on mobile devices.

Changes in Play Store and iOS Store aim at better showcasing of editorial content and app curation, providing greater discovery opportunities for independent publishers. This move is expected to boost the visibility of lesser-known apps and publishers.

The number of blockchain apps made live on the App Stores is expected to increase in 2018 as more brands explore the technology. Blockchain technology will be applied in a number of apps across various industries in 2018, including Real Estate, Healthcare, and Payment.

Users now spend more than 5 hours on their smartphones daily, but with a changed behavior, dividing their time between new and old app experiences. This trend suggests a balance between exploring new apps and sticking to familiar ones.

The app session growth activity declined to 6% in 2017, compared to 11% in 2016. This decrease could be attributed to the saturation of the app market and the need for innovative, user-friendly apps to drive growth.

Gaming apps will account for 3.7% of mobile device session time, indicating the continued popularity of gaming on mobile devices.

The demand for video streaming apps is expected to continue to rise in 2018. With the increasing availability of high-quality content and the convenience of mobile devices, this trend is likely to continue.

Independent publishers highlighted by Google Play and the iOS App Store in 2018 and 2019 with better presentation and curated content of their applications are not explicitly named or detailed in the available search results. This move aims to promote quality content and provide a better user experience.

In conclusion, 2018 is set to be an exciting year for the mobile app industry, with trends such as the rise of PWAs, the dominance of phablets, and the increasing demand for video streaming apps shaping the landscape. The focus on user experience, quality content, and innovative app development will drive growth and innovation in the industry.