Top 8 Mobile App Development Trends to Look for in 2026

The mobile development market continues to thrive, and the industry is evolving in leaps and bounds. The statistics speak for themselves: the global mobile application development market is expected to reach $44.3 trillion by 2027.

 

To survive and thrive in this digital era, you should stay up-to-date with new mobile app development trends in 2026. 

We’ve teamed up with Onix experts from various fields to gather their opinions and compile a list of top mobile app development trends that will shape 2026. 

 

This list has been created with input from our offshore mobile developers based on their own experience. Don't pass up on opportunities to innovate!

 

#1 Super apps

One app that solves one user's issue is no longer a trend in mobile app development. Today, all is changing. The super app is one of the top mobile app development trends to watch in 2026. 

 
A super app is a one-stop solution that allows users to solve multiple issues by providing various services, including food delivery, shopping experiences, movie ticket purchases, financial services, online messaging, and ride-hailing.

 

A vivid example of a super app is WeChat. This is a Chinese multi-purpose instant messaging, social media, and mobile payment app with over 1.3 billion monthly active users from a wide range of age groups.

WeChat is an example of a super app

 

Super apps are a convenient way for users to resolve their issues in one digital location that is always accessible. Using a single super-app is much more convenient for people than performing multiple actions in different apps. Therefore, it's no surprise that the demand for super apps will continue to grow.

 
A study from PYMNTS shows that 67% of US consumers would like to use at least two of their activities in one place, while around 11% would like one app for managing their entire digital life.

 
The super app is one of the mobile app industry trends expected to continue growing in popularity as more businesses recognize the advantages they offer. 

 

The convenience, efficiency, and integrated experience they provide align well with the evolving needs and preferences of mobile users.

 

As a result, we can anticipate the emergence of more super apps in the market, catering to different industries and delivering comprehensive solutions to meet the diverse demands of users in 2026 and beyond.

 

Read Also: Super app development: Success cases & best practices

 

#2 Mobile learning

One of the trending mobile app development technologies is, of course, M-learning.

 

Mobile learning is one of the most promising trends in mobile app development, showing no signs of slowing down.

 

The global eLearning market size is expected to grow to $2,580.37 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 2.63%.

 
The primary purpose of mLearning is to enable people to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills using portable devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It's a convenient way to get access to learning content 24/7 and study on the go.

 
For example, Onix, as an LMS development company, created Edplus, an educational mobile app for both iOS and Android.

Edplus, an educational mobile app built by Onix

 

This educational app offers 150+ topics to learn, 5,000+ videos to watch, and new content added daily. Using AI technology, we created a learning path for each user. The app selects questions in a way most relevant to each learner based on what they already know. 

 

EdPlus records how each user has answered the previous questions and uses this data to optimize its teaching strategy. The system accumulates data on each learner's mastery of topics and creates 3D learning maps that show each learner’s progress. 

 

See the video:

 

 

Mobile learning will only gain more ground since it offers excellent advantages for users, such as:

 

• Access to the learning content 24/7
• Great flexibility (users can gain the knowledge whenever and wherever they want)
• Personalized learning approach
• Content variety

 

We present some impressive figures to demonstrate the potential of the mLearning industry:

 

• 94% of Gen Z learners use smartphones for educational purposes
• Mobile learning has 45% higher retention rates than traditional learning methods
• 67% of U.S. companies have integrated mLearning into their training programs
• 70% of employees report feeling more motivated to learn when training is accessible on a smartphone or tablet.

  

  As you can see, building an mLearning app is a very promising idea. The EdTech market is constantly gaining momentum, and it's a great time to enter it with your own custom e-learning software.

 

#3 Rise of 5G

5G was already among current app development trends, but its widespread use is yet to come.

 

According to forecasts:

 

• 80% of mobile connections in Europe will be 5G by 2030
• 527 million unique mobile subscribers are expected by 2030, representing a 89% penetration rate across Europe.

 

So, what exactly is 5G, and what does it mean for mobile app development?

 

5G is not a modified version of 4G. The Fifth-Generation wireless cellular network (5G) is the latest radio technology that aims to enhance mobile connectivity and improve the overall smartphone experience for users. 5G technology offers:

 

• high-speed performance (5G is 100 times faster than 4G)
• low latency that allows delivering data in just a millisecond
• new opportunities for building more realistic and complex AR/VR apps, streaming quality 4K-8K and 360 videos
• increased connectivity for up to a million devices
• smoother video streaming by supporting high-resolution live streaming at a faster speed
• secure mobile payment due to fast biometric data processing

 

As you can see, 5G opens up new opportunities for building more robust, high-performing, and secure mobile apps than they were before. So it is no surprise that meeting the 5G standard is one of the most popular mobile technology trends.

 

#4 Voice technology

Among mobile app trends 2026, it is worth noting voice technology. It has completely taken the world by storm, and it's not surprising that it's one of the most popular mobile app development trends in the near future. 

 

The global voice recognition market size is projected to reach $84.97 billion by 2032. Well, what is voice technology, and why is it so appealing?

 
Voice recognition refers to the ability of a specific device to receive and interpret spoken directives. Simply put, voice recognition technology enables people to use voice commands to operate devices and perform internet searches. 

 
Today, banking and finance businesses are already leveraging voice technology in their mobile apps. Now people can send payments via mobile personal voice assistants. 

 

A vivid example is the Garanti Bank’s voice-driven mobile banking. Garanti implemented a virtual assistant that enables customers to perform banking transactions using voice commands. Thus, users can transfer money and make purchases by speaking the name of a company or a person.

 
The retail industry can benefit from voice technology, too.

 

Carrefour is a retailer that integrates with Google Assistant to offer a voice-activated grocery shopping service. Carrefour customers tie their account to a Google Assistant and add items to their shopping list simply by dictating the required products (milk, bread, spaghetti).

 

Then, the list is converted into a cart of products, and customers confirm their shopping cart and make the necessary payments. The checkout and payment experience is voice-based, too.

Example of a voice-activated grocery shopping service

 

As you can see, voice technology provides excellent benefits and holds tremendous promise for mobile apps right now.

 

#5 AR & VR technology

One of the latest mobile application trends is augmented and virtual reality, which has proven to be one of the best innovations, opening up new opportunities for businesses across various industries. AR & VR development are the latest trends in mobile app development this year.

 

According to statistics, the global AR and VR market is expected to exceed $589 billion by 2034.

And this considerable growth in demand is for a good reason. AR and VR offer great benefits for businesses, such as:

 

• making the customer experience more efficient and comfortable
• increased sales due to this technology allowing consumers to try many products virtually, encouraging people to buy more often
• improved communication and collaboration by creating a shared space simultaneously
• comprehensive analytics to better understand consumer behavior to promote the company's products more effectively

Both VR and AR technologies are beneficial for businesses in various industries. For example, retail is already leveraging this cutting-edge technology. Thus, the Nike app enables users to scan their feet and get hyper-accurate sizing recommendations.

 

Thanks to this feature, online shoppers are not afraid to mistake the size and safely buy shoes online.

 

 

One more use case is advertising and marketing. For example, the Onix team has created an AR mobile app to enhance our promotional materials.

 

Onix AR mobile app reveals vivid details of our printed booklets, allowing us to tell the company’s exciting story in a corresponding format. Users simply point their mobile device at a page, and it goes live.

AR mobile app built by Onix team to enhance promotional materials

 

Virtual and augmented reality is one of the growing mobile app development trends in 2026.

 

This technology is already transforming how people work and interact with customers, colleagues, and the world, and it will continue to do so. 

 

AR and VR will be increasingly used in gaming, real estate, travel, healthcare, education, entertainment, and many other industries. So, if you're thinking of diving into augmented or virtual reality and use this new trend in mobile app development, it's a perfect time.

#6 P2P mobile apps

Peer-to-peer mobile apps is another mobile app development trend that will shape the industry in 2026.

 

According to Insider Intelligence data, the value of P2P mobile transactions is projected to reach $2,271.41 billion by 2026.

P2P payment apps, such as PayPal or Venmo, enable users to transfer money from one person to another using their connected cards or bank accounts.

 

• Using P2P payment apps, people can
• shop online,
• buy necessary products or services,
• pay rent,
• transfer money to the intended recipient,
• and more.

 

There are different types of P2P mobile apps that we can observe in 2026. Among them are:

 

• Mobile OS systems with built-in payment systems like Apple Pay or Android Pay
• Social media platforms with built-in payment features allow users to make payments without leaving an app, for example, WeChat
• Standalone vendors who have their own payment system, such as PayPal
• Bank-based apps where the bank is one of the third parties that perform transactions, for example, Zelle.

 

Building P2P payment apps helps businesses hold cross-border transactions and reach a broader range of customers, enhance customer trust and engagement, and avoid intermediaries who charge expensive services.

 

Moreover, by embracing emerging trends such as enhanced security measures, AI integration, seamless payment solutions, user privacy enhancements, cross-platform compatibility, and AR/VR integration, developers can create compelling P2P mobile apps that deliver exceptional value to users while staying ahead of the competition.

 

In fact, our approach to building mobile apps is informed by insights from a recent Clutch report, “The Mobile Workday Never Ends: How Apps Are Changing Work, Life, and Security,” which was created in collaboration with our CEO, Serhii Kholin. Have a look at it for more insights. 

#7 Great focus on mobile app security

In the ever-expanding world of mobile apps, security is arguably the most paramount mobile app development trend. According to Check Point Software’s Mobile Security Report, almost every organization globally experienced a mobile malware attack during the past year. Thus, 

 

• 97% of companies in 2020 dealt with mobile threats that used multiple attack vectors
• 46% of companies had at least one staff download a malicious mobile app
• At least 40% of the world’s mobile devices are inherently vulnerable to cyberattacks

 

As the number of cyberattacks increases annually, cybersecurity has become a top priority concern. Fortunately, there are various ways to provide the highest level of app security. Here are some of them:

 

• Data encryption to encode sensitive data into code that prevents any fraud
• Two-factor authentication via fingerprint, face integration, voice recognition, or a password for one-time use
• Restricted access means only the authorized workers have access to the clients' data
• Data tokenization implies a random line of symbols to replace sensitive data
• Reliable data backup to prevent the loss of information during some operations with data
• Regular penetration testing to ensure a high level of protection and avoid security problems in the future

 

Just one security issue can ruin your reputation, and your users will soon leave. Don't risk compromising users' private data and your reputation; instead, take reliable protective measures.

 

Before starting mobile app development, ensure your team has extensive experience in building reliable solutions.

#8 mCommerce growth

Mobile commerce has seen a remarkable boost in the past several years, and in 2026, it will continue to gain momentum.

 

According to Allied Market Research, the global Mobile Payment market size was valued at $1.48 trillion in 2019 and is projected to reach $12.06 trillion by 2027.
 
Today, people spend more time on their smartphones, and accordingly, mobile commerce is becoming one of the key trends in mobile application development.

 

mCommerce makes the shopping and payment experience smoother and more convenient, allowing people to buy online anywhere and at any time, simply by using their mobile device.

 

Below you can consider the most interesting facts and stats to power your business going forward.

As you can see, the demand for mCommerce is exceptionally high. So to survive this cut-throat competition, every company, from large retailers to small businesses, should adapt their businesses to this mobile commerce trend.

 

Final words

As we move into 2026 and beyond, one thing’s clear: mobile apps aren’t slowing down. They’re getting smarter, more personal, and more woven into everyday life. 

 

The companies that stay curious, experiment early, and embrace these new technology trends in the mobile app development industry will shape the next generation of digital experiences.

 

Would you like to empower your business with a progressive mobile app solution?

 

Or would you like to enhance your existing mobile app solution with emerging technologies?

 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us and share your idea. Our expert will gladly assist you in building a top-tier mobile app solution that will take your company to the next level!

 

FAQ

 

• How do these 2026 trends affect my app idea?

They help you build a product that feels modern, competitive, and future-proof. Whether it’s AI, personalization, or immersive features, adopting the right trend early can give your app a real edge.

 

• Do I need to use all these trends in my app?

Not at all. The best apps focus on what actually benefits users. We help clients choose only the technologies that make sense for their goals, budget, and audience.

 

• How can Onix help me build a future-ready mobile app?

We guide you through the entire lifecycle: discovery, UX/UI, development, testing, and launch. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest tech trends and knows how to apply them effectively in real-world projects, avoiding overcomplication and overspending.

 

• What if I already have an app and want to modernize it?

Great! We can audit your current product, identify outdated tech, improve performance, refresh the design, or add trending features like AI assistants, personalization engines, or AR/VR elements.

 

• How much does it cost to build a trend-driven mobile app?

It depends on scope and features, but we always start from the MVP approach to keep costs predictable and manageable. During Discovery, we help you estimate your budget and choose the most effective tech path.

 

• How quickly can we start working together?

Pretty fast. Once we understand your vision, we assemble the right team and kick off Discovery or development right away.Absolutely. We provide long-term maintenance, feature updates, performance monitoring, and continuous product improvement to keep your app aligned with new trends.

 

• Can Onix support my app after launch?

Absolutely. We provide long-term maintenance, feature updates, performance monitoring, and continuous product improvement to keep your app aligned with new trends.