Android App Development Trends And Challenges In 2025

You want more people to download the app, but what if your mobile app looks like 100 other ordinary apps? Would you think users would install such an application?

Fortune 500 brands such as Netflix or Spotify, use predictive analytics to recommend your favorite movies or podcasts by tracking how you interact with the app. That’s one app development trend.

The success of these personalized experiences shows why mobile apps are gaining huge traction these days, with Android apps being no exception. Today, there are over 3.9 million apps in Google Play Store, yet only a few are regarded as truly popular Android apps, with WhatsApp being one of them.

WhatsApp has become a popular messaging app from constantly adding new features, integrating AI/ML technologies, and improving the app functionalities to increase user satisfaction.

As an Android app developer, if you too want to create an app that customers love downloading, you should stay aware of popular trends in the Android app development space to stand out from the competition.

Top 11 android app development trends in 2025

Here are the Android App Development Trends-

1. AR/VR   

AR/VR is changing the way mobile applications have been used earlier. These immersive technologies aren’t NEW; they’ve existed for many years and are making a big difference in people's lives.

These technologies are booming in the gaming industry ranging from games such as Pokémon GO to Harry Potter.   

Virtual reality provides immersive experiences to users by transporting them to the virtual world. While Augmented reality adds digital elements on top of physical surroundings.

Research studies suggest that the global augmented and virtual reality market is expected to reach 114.5 billion by the end of 2027.

Integration of these technologies in Android apps makes your business stand out because customers love engaging with those apps, which provides immersive experiences to them.

Some popular examples of Android apps integrated with AR and VR are – Pokémon Go, Google Street View, etc.   

2. Low code/no code android apps 

It's a growing mobile application development trend where developers can build engaging mobile apps without writing a single line of code. With simple drag and drop functionality, they can build android apps, that too with faster turnaround time. 

This is a game changer for non-tech entrepreneurs, marketers and startups to convert their ideas to life. 

For small businesses, no code app development is a blessing even if they have a talent shortage. Not only does it require few resources, but it also saves developers time by 85%. 

Research studies state that 65% of mobile applications will be produced using low code no code tools. This means the size of low code no code market is expected to rise by $36.43 billion in 2027. 

Flutter Flow, for instance, is a low code platform that allows developers to quickly create mobile applications and deploy them on respective stores such as Play Store and App Store. 

Best part? They can define the app logic, design user interfaces and add animations – without needing coding knowledge. It's like building your app once and deploying it everywhere with a few clicks. 

The good part is that you can quickly prototype your ideas for MVP before developing a final app. 

3. Kotlin multi-platform app development

Initially, creating separate apps for platforms such as Android or iOS requires huge development resources in terms of time and cost. With Kotlin SDK, developers can use up to 70% of the shared codebase and create apps across multiple platforms such as Windows, web apps and mobile apps. 

The best part? It still provides native-like performance. A survey was conducted by Kotlin Multiplatform which states that 76.5% of the developers chose Kotlin for their production projects. 

Though JetBrains developed Kotlin Multiplatform, Google supported it. Global brands such as Forbes, Netflix, McDonald's, and Careem used Kotlin Multiplatform development for creating mobile apps. 

Forbes developed its mobile app using Kotlin Multiplatform which used 80% of the business logic and developed it for multiple platforms. They were able to add new features quickly and market their app faster. 

Not only did Forbes save their development time, but they also released new features on the go. This means 

Less development time = Less cost 

4. Voice based interfaces 

Another latest trend in Android app development is creating voice-based interfaces. The journey of voice assistants has started from Alexa to Siri and now it has become a part of users' lives. 

People want everything to be available at their fingertips, and they've become so dependent on voice searches no matter if they want to order anything, browse something, or adjust smart home settings. 

By integrating voice interfaces in mobile apps, conversations feel more natural and less salesy as the LLMs have become more advanced, and they can now understand the voice intent and context behind conversations. 

Apps like Snapchat allow users to activate filters using voice commands and Uber provides hands-free experience to people to book a ride using voice commands. 

5. Instant apps 

Instant apps provide a try before you install experience meaning users can access the app content and use specific features/functionality without downloading the app. All Android users can access instant mobile apps. 

Users can access these mobile apps either by clicking on a link or scanning the QR code and these apps are rolled out on Google Play Store and Google Play Instant. 

For users, instant mobile apps provide a seamless experience by removing friction involved in the installation process. This also saves them storage space. 

Best part? As users can take a preview of apps before downloading them, that enhances their experience. 

Ludo King for instance is a good example of an Android instant app that allows players to play ludo by clicking on the try now button. Users don't need to download the app and still enjoy the gaming experience. 

6. SaaS app development 

Many mobile app development companies are changing their business model and moving towards developing SaaS apps. Popular companies such as Netflix, Amazon, Headspace etc. are providing digital streaming services on a subscription basis. 

It simply means users can enjoy streaming content for a specific period, say monthly basis. These are quite popular in industries such as education, entertainment, fitness, etc. 

Using a SaaS-based model is advantageous for both users and service providers. Users need not worry about paying upfront cost while businesses can get continuous revenue for their services. 

Studies state that the market size of SaaS app development is expected to reach 1131.52 billion USD by 2032. In fact, Salesforce is considered one of the largest cloud-based software companies with a revenue of $34 billion in 2024. That means SaaS based solutions are in high demand. 

Netflix, for instance, the world's largest streaming service provider, is the most beloved SaaS brand as it offers unlimited drama, documentaries, and movies at the same time. Instead of charging a one-time fee from customers, it runs its business model by providing subscription-based services. 

It has rolled out subscription plans for its users – basic, standard, and premium. 

7. Artificial intelligence and machine learning 

Integration of AI and ML in mobile development changes the way users interact with applications. From using AI powered chatbots to providing real-time customer support to using predictive analytics for analyzing user behavior, its importance can’t be ignored in mobile apps. 

The popularity of AI is going to explode in coming years and one research study states that integration of AI in mobile apps is expected to increase by 354.09 billion by 2029. 

Siri and Google Assistant, for instance, use machine learning capabilities to interact like a human. They understand voice commands and then give the desired output.  

Over time, these voice assistants are improving because of machine learning capabilities which make them more advanced in understanding the nuances and context behind each conversation. 

Similarly, Spotify uses machine learning algorithms to provide a good listening experience to users. As the mobile app can track user preferences and note down their listening habits, its smart algorithms recommend their favorite songs or create a personalized playlist for them. 

8. Apps for Foldable devices

Foldable devices are the next biggest Android app development trend in 2025 and beyond. App developers need to optimize their devices as per different screen sizes and user changing preferences so that they get a seamless experience. 

Let's say if a user wants to make a call, then he would prefer a smaller device, and this might be a different case when he wants to watch a video, then he needs an unfolded device to view a bigger screen experience. 

Studies indicate that the market growth of foldable devices is expected to reach $54.65 billion by 2028. Whether it’s the Samsung Galaxy smartphone Z or the Google Pixel smartphone series, foldable devices are gaining huge traction these days. 

This means that the demand for foldable devices has been increasing because of flexibility and bigger screen experiences they provide. 

So, when developing Android apps, developers should ensure that apps are optimized for different screen sizes when the user folds or unfolds the phone. The user interfaces should be more adaptive and fit per screen sizes and device types. 

Example 

Google Calendar is a good example of an Android app that’s optimized for users of both Android tablets and foldable devices. The left side allows users to view day and date details, and the right side provides a walkthrough of events occurring on that day. 

YouTube Music is another app optimized for the screen sizes of foldable devices. Users can get a good viewing experience—on one hand, they enjoy their lyrics, and on the other, they get similar music-related recommendations.

9. Beacon technology

Do you ever imagine when you pass through Zara or any other showroom and suddenly an exciting offer and discount pops up on your smartphone? Isn't it exciting? But it's not coincidental. Your smartphone is flooded with such offers because of beacon technology. 

Beacons refer to the small devices that are installed in retail stores. As and when a person passes by the showroom, these devices send a signal to the user. 

Generally, Beacon technologies are used by retailers to track their customers' behavior and use that to increase their sales. Research studies from Statista say that the demand for beacon technology is potentially huge. It's expected to reach 56.6 billion US dollars by 2026.   

So, it becomes an opportunity for Android app developers to integrate such technology into Android devices so that businesses can engage with their customers. 

10. Wearables   

These days smart devices are becoming smaller and smaller. You might have heard about various smart devices, such as wearables, fitness devices, smartwatches, and smart clothing.   

To get ahead in this race of competition, as a business owner, you should leverage these trends while developing next-generation Android apps –  

1. Fitness apps   
2. Productivity apps   
3. Communication apps   
4. Entertainment apps   

These apps are Android apps that are used to help users to track health-related diseases. There is an increasing demand for mobile apps integrated with wearable devices, which involve smartwatches and fitness trackers.  

11. IOT   

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the latest and most popular mobile app development trend. IoT facilitates the interconnectivity among physical devices using software, sensors, and the internet. Many industries leverage the IoT trend in their business operations, including healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, retail, etc.

Businesses are integrating IoT into their Android devices to automate their business processes. Integration of IoT technology in Android apps offers strong security features and scalability.   

The demand for IoT devices has skyrocketed over the past few years because people have started relying on these technologies.   

For Instance – IoT allows the users to switch on the AC of their house while leaving their office.    

So, mobile app developers saw massive growth in this trend by creating devices with IoT integrations, such as wearables, smart home appliances, etc.   

Challenges in Developing Android App

Here are the 4 challenges in Developing Android App-

1. Finding a Good Business Plan   

App developers have wholesome app ideas but don’t know how and where to start. It has become a significant challenge that Android app developers are facing nowadays. 

So, you must convert your mobile app idea into a business plan by slicing and dicing the business concepts on paper.  

You might have heard the saying, a goal without a plan is just a wish. Of course, you can find various identical mobile apps in each category. So, the concern here is to get customers’ attention to make your app stand out in the market.   

The mobile app development process works smoothly once you develop a business plan. Here is the must to have ingredients while preparing a business plan -

1. Identify the client avatar, aka your target audience. Analyze your target audience based on the following characteristics - demographics, geographics, interests, needs, solvency (features an app user is likely to pay for)
2. Create a checklist of app features – necessary features and additional features.   
3. Figure out the powerful features of an app that can hook users. That feature will become the USP of your app.   
4. Now, when developing an Android app idea, you need to choose the monetization model as to how the Android app developer will make money from the app such as in app purchases, freemium features, etc. 

2. Finding the Development Team   

Having an app idea plays a significant role in your business, but what if you have the best app idea but need programming skills?   

If you fail to do so, you cannot turn your mobile app dream into a reality. Developing an Android app goes through various stages, such as –   

You need someone who can write code, manage the data, and test the app; here, you need to find a development team with the right skills and expertise in developing Android apps.   

3. Finalize the MVP Scope  

Many Android app developers focus on creating full-fledged apps without even creating MVPs. As an app developer, you need to finalize the MVP scope to assess the feasibility of an app idea, get insights about the target audience, and lower the bar of development time and costs.   

You might have heard about saying – MVP is not a half-ass app thrown together. It’s still valuable before developing an app.   

4. Secure Funding   

If you have an enticing app idea but are running out of funds, it’s a big challenge for you. It becomes necessary for you to get adequate funding for developing Android apps. You need to conduct market research here because you don’t just want an app. Instead, you need a successful Android app.   

Funding for developing mobile apps can be raised through various ways, such as – Angel investors, private companies, venture companies, etc.   

5. Scale to Alpha, Beta, and Full-Scaled Products to The Entire World  

Once the business raises funding, the next goal of an app developer is to build high-quality and functional apps that are free from bugs. Most app developers ignore this step and launch the full-fledged app without internal testing.

Before promoting the app to the world, an app developer should conduct alpha testing to check whether the app is free from bugs. Developing high-quality software is of utmost importance.

When alpha testing is done, the beta testing phase is conducted, wherein the app is rolled out to a specific set of users rather than covering the rest of the target audience. It is necessary to get real-time feedback from users related to the user experience of an app.

How can BigOhTech help in developing android apps?

Knowing the above app development trends is important for you to provide engaging digital experiences to users. It's not only about creating mobile applications that predict what users want but also adapting your app to changing customer preferences.

But if you miss an app trend, no worries you can collaborate with an Android app development company who has created a bunch of apps that even became popular, got massive app downloads, and increased business ROI.  

BigOhTech is one such app development agency that creates high-quality Android apps customized for users. From deciding which app is best fit for your project to using Kotlin multi-platform for creating an app that works across different platforms, we’re here for you. 

We helped a Canadian food distribution company that delivers seafood products and frozen meat to restaurants and other food chain outlets.

Problem? The company was struggling with creating an omnichannel strategy and wanted to transition to an online store to get more customers. Result – Through native mobile apps, their in-store sales increased by 2x.

Share your business requirements and one of our experts will get in touch with you. 

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