From game-changing Progressive models to serverless architectures and blazing-fast 5G – here’s how web app development is creating bold new opportunities for businesses
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We’ve shown in the past how to use apps to grow your business, including a look at Android app development, the challenges and opportunities in mobile apps and the emerging trends in app development in Africa.
Yet, even with Africa’s remarkable near-87% mobile penetration, the fact remains people can only ever have so many apps downloaded on their phones before they need to start making choices of what to keep and what to delete.
A powerful solution to this is using a web app instead, which lets users get a similar functionality but through the internet instead of an app, meaning anyone with a connection can use it without having to download it first.
These are the future trends and opportunities in web app development:
In a world where “app fatigue” is becoming a real challenge (where every company now has a separate app and it just becomes too much for users to manage all these individual applications), businesses need alternatives that provide value without demanding too much from users.
Web apps eliminate this pain point. With just an internet connection and a browser, anyone can access your services – no downloads, no updates, no hassle. This accessibility democratises user engagement, allowing businesses to reach wider audiences without relying on app store ecosystems.
For companies that prioritise a seamless user experience, web apps might just be the answer.
Progressive Web Apps blur the line between websites and apps, combining the best of both worlds. They offer offline capabilities, fast load times, and app-like user experiences – all through a browser.
PWAs are cost-effective for businesses and highly convenient for users, making them a rising star in the development world. Examples like Starbucks and Uber have showcased the power of PWAs in driving engagement and customer satisfaction.
See all about Specno’s web app services.
Just as with normal apps, web apps can incorporate AI and machine learning, to become smarter, more personalised tools. From chatbots that provide instant customer support to predictive analytics that help businesses anticipate user needs, AI integration enhances both functionality and user experience.
The ability to adapt in real-time to customer behaviour makes AI-powered web apps indispensable for future-ready businesses.
See how to use machine learning for personalisation.
Normally, web apps need to run on Javascript, which isn’t the native coding language for apps, resulting in slower processing or sacrificing some functionality. But the new Web Assembly options run code like C++, Rust, or Go directly in the user’s browser, unlocking new potential for high-performance web apps.
Industries that require resource-intensive applications, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering, can now deliver these experiences directly in the browser without compromising speed. For businesses, WASM opens the door to powerful, browser-based solutions that were previously only possible with native apps.
Need to future-proof and ensure continued success? See our guide to scaling your software.
Serverless computing is revolutionising how web apps are built and deployed. By offloading server management to cloud providers, businesses can scale effortlessly and reduce costs. Pair this with microservices – modular components that allow developers to focus on specific functionalities – and web app development becomes faster, more flexible, and easier to maintain.
See the benefits of customer software development for your business.
Front-end development is undergoing a rapid transformation. While frameworks like React and Angular continue to dominate, newer options like Svelte and Solid.js are gaining traction for their lightweight builds and efficiency.
These tools not only improve developer productivity but also result in faster, more responsive web apps for users.
Want to ensure high performance? See what a week on an Agile development team looks like.
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, web app security is becoming a top priority.
Innovations like WebAuthn are driving passwordless authentication, while zero-trust architectures ensure every interaction is verified. These advancements make web apps safer for users and businesses alike, fostering trust and compliance in a digital-first world.
Before you get started, here are 9 things to know before you start developing a new app.
APIs are the backbone of modern web apps, enabling seamless integration with IoT devices, social platforms, and enterprise tools. Businesses can create robust ecosystems by leveraging open APIs, and enhancing functionality while extending their reach.
The ability to integrate effortlessly with other systems gives web apps a unique competitive edge.
See how to get the best out of your digital products with a solid user engagement strategy.
Web apps are no longer limited to static content. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) is making immersive experiences accessible directly in the browser. Industries like retail, real estate, and education are leveraging this technology to create engaging, interactive solutions that enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
Discover more tech trends in the future of app development in SA.
The rollout of 5G networks is a game-changer for web app development. With faster speeds and lower latency, web apps can deliver richer multimedia content and real-time collaboration tools. For businesses, this means opportunities to create more engaging and responsive applications that meet the demands of next-gen connectivity.
See the complete guide to business app development.
Low-code and no-code platforms are democratising web app development, allowing businesses to prototype and deploy applications rapidly. These tools lower the barrier to entry for non-technical users while speeding up development timelines. For businesses looking to innovate quickly, low-code solutions are an invaluable asset.
See the uses and limitations of low code, the benefits of this method and how to save up to 80% in development costs with low code.
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