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There have been colossal technological advancements in the abilities of Android mobile applications over recent years. These developments and unprecedented levels of mobility have presented both opportunities and challenges for aspiring mobile developers. For instance, the advent of COVID-19 created opportunities for app developers to innovate new remote-learning solutions.
Kahoot became one of the most downloaded education apps during the 2020 pandemic. Image Credit: kahoot.com
Mobile entrepreneurs are continually searching for the next big app idea to sustain them and make a substantial profit. However, a unique mobile application idea doesn’t come rather easily. It takes a bit of innovation and standing out to break the bank. The primary gist of it is, the app has to solve a problem or offer consistent value.
That being said, since we are keen optimists here at MobileApps.com, we prepared several futuristic concepts and Android app ideas that could potentially create a whirl in the app market in 2021 and deliver financial benefits to any budding developer. Without further ado, let’s delve in!
Android App Ideas and Categories That Could Be Profitable In 2021
1. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Apps
Machine Learning(ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) fall under what many call ‘cognitive technologies.’ These two technologies are shaping and advancing mobile applications at a tremendous rate by extending developer’s ability to automate tasks(for example, chatbots) or to predict and leverage user behavioral patterns.
An example of a chatbot based app. Image Credit: medium.com
AI and ML implementations reported reduced Amazon’s shipping time by 15 minutes. At the same time, Accenture research predicts that AI applications will generate US$14 Trillion of additional revenue worldwide by 2035. Not to mention that researchers expect the global ML market to grow to US$8.81 Billion by 2022.
So, as an app developer, you take advantage of this frenzy in multiple ways. For example, you can create a restaurant app that leverages Artificial Intelligence and location technologies to understand user’s preferences in a data-driven manner to provide tailored food experiences.
Furthermore, with the predictive capabilities availed by ML and AI technologies, app developers can extensively analyze user behavior to solve problems in their communities. For instance, you can create a party app that tells users the number of people in a Club and the likelihood of having fun at the event based on user data.
2. Internet of Things (IoT) Apps
According to Bain & Company, the IoT is expected to be worth US$520 billion by 2021. Other researchers predict that there will be 25 billion connected devices by 2021, with 94% of businesses using IoT by the end of 2021.
This spells a variety of opportunities for app developers as many individuals and businesses seek new ways to control devices from their smartphones, for example, for home automation, automotive assistance, or property surveillance. Developers in 2021 can explore this space to see how they can add value since multiple APIs exist nowadays.
Tesla’s mobile app is an example of an app that applies IoT principles. Image Credit: tesla.com
3. Blockchain Apps
Cryptocurrency is the new frontier, according to many enthusiasts. According to Markets & Markets research, the blockchain global market size is projected to expand from US$3 Billion in 2020 to US$39.7 Billion by 2025. Furthermore, worldwide blockchain spending is expected to grow to an estimated US$15.9 Billion by 2023.
App developers can explore different ways to innovate cryptocurrency wallet applications in 2021. For example, developers can contemplate creating a blockchain tax invoicing app. Such an app can help users track and streamline their tax payments.
Robinhood’s mobile app is an example of a successful blockchain app. Image Credit: robinhood.com
Another android app idea is a simplified crypto-exchange app. Developers can always find ways to tap into this emerging space and decentralized market to serve different crypto enthusiasts and make their lives easier. App developers can create apps that provide better transparency, lower fees, or faster processing. The sky is the limit since it’s a maturing landscape.
Developers can always research apps like Coinbase, the world’s leading app for trading currencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Ethereum, that offer a built-in wallet for digital money.
4. Medical and Wearable Apps
The global wearable tech market is expected to peak at US$51.60 Billion by 2022. This means that several opportunities exist to create mobile apps that provide health-based functions that involve both IoT and AI. Such apps can incorporate wearable technology to facilitate remote health monitoring, fitness regimes, reminders for intake of food or water, or even offering a preliminary diagnosis.
We believe that in 2021, the scope for medical apps will only grow since COVID-19 after-effects will push for more remote medical innovation. So developers should investigate how to create more innovative on-demand telemedicine apps, pharmacy delivery apps, or even smarter fitness apps.
The Mi-fit fitness application from Xiaomi. Image Credit: mi-fit.com
For the case of fitness apps, app developers can target more health-conscious people by creating real-time means for them to access registered nutritionists, pathologists, and health coaches. Such applications can be equipped with lifestyle plans, nutrition plans, and detailed charts to help the users better manage their weight, sugar, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.
5. Music Apps
Mobile developers can explore the music space and create apps that bring audiences closer to musicians since the COVID-19 pandemic made audiences less accessible. Furthermore, app developers can consider creating apps that help musicians in unique genres to find like-minded band members or audiences.
6. EdTech / Learning Apps
Since more students are transitioning to remote learning in 2021, mobile developers can consider surveying the EdTech space to create new Android app ideas.
They can consider focusing on using AI and ML to create better audio features for correct pronunciation, or more innovative video features to facilitate video lectures or online tutoring classes. Thus, providing more augmented experiences for students in 2021 in low-resource settings.
The Remind mobile app for group learning. Image Credit: mindster.com
For example, developers can consider creating a data-driven virtual study group app that allows students in a particular geography to virtually meet up on a common forum and prep for their exams with other students studying for the same subject matter. All with detailed study material, tools, guides, and discussion helps.
7. Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Apps
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) mobile applications will prevail in 2021, especially with the explosion of the e-Sports domain and the increasing affordability of VR gear. Furthermore, beyond the mobile gaming sphere, we expect more VR and AR mobile apps to emerge from the e-commerce, healthcare, automotive industries.
That being said, mobile developers can consider creating new apps that implement AR capabilities with smarter avatars into shopping apps such as virtual dressing rooms. Such apps allow users to visualize the clothes they want to buy, in different styles. As such, shoppers can virtually try on different clothes without waiting in a dressing room queue.
An example of a virtual fitting app. Image Credit: inecommerce.com
Relatedly, the same AR concepts can be exploited for Construction, Moving and Freight, sports dressing, Painting, Landscaping, and Building Maintenance industries.
8. Translation / Foreign Language Apps
With people having more time on their hands in 2021 with the growth of remote work, many are looking to learn fancy foreign languages.
App developers can consider creating smart apps that gradually teach foreign languages with accurate translation to a user’s local language. Furthermore, with speech recognition technologies advancing, such apps can be further extended to help visitors in foreign countries find their way around.
For instance, AR and AI can be exploited to create an app that translates foreign billboards, books, advertisements with the help of the smartphone camera by image interpretation. Furthermore, developers can choose to explore building more advanced apps that translate sign language into foreign words to help communicate with vocally impaired travelers.
A language translation app example Image Credit: androidauthority.com
9. Asset Lifespan Apps
Developers can consider building apps that record the complete lifecycle of an asset, and handles services like: issuing and extending the warranty/insurance, finding nearby support centers to fix devices, tracking the deprecated value of the asset, or discovering vendors online who would wish to buy people’s assets.
10. On-demand /Service Apps
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for on-demand apps substantially grew. This occurred mainly because businesses were scrambling to devise ways to stay afloat via digital means.
Since on-demand mobile apps focus on facilitating the delivery or the ordering of products or services, there are still several Android app ideas that developers can tap into. For instance, developers target local businesses and offer them online solutions that provide convenience to their customers like babysitter or pet walker apps.
11. FinTech Apps
According to a recent Research and Markets report, the global FinTech industry is expected to reach $309.98 billion by 2025, growing at a 20% CAGR. Furthermore, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic stimulated a 72% rise in the use of financial technology (FinTech) mobile applications worldwide.
That being said, app developers can consider innovating Android app ideas that revolve around mobile banking. For instance, they can research how to improve financial accessibility, account tracking. Or they can devise solutions that simplify the block or unblocking cards, or even simplify the addition of beneficiaries.
The Money Lion mobile app. Image Credit: moneylion.com
Additionally, app developers can consider leveraging Machine Learning (ML) concepts to serve future-centric financial advice according to the user’s spending habits, tax obligations, and income in a more personalized way.
Another Android app idea a developer can explore is creating more innovative peer-to-peer (P2P) loan and mobile credit applications. Such apps connect and cater to each other’s requirements, circumventing the use of banks or financial institutions.
Furthermore, developers can contemplate creating more advanced digital wallet apps that facilitate users when making online transactions, without physical wallets, credit or debit cards. There is substantial untapped potential in this space, especially in local geographies, which are typically underserved.
Honorable Mentions
In this section, we shall list Android app ideas you can explore and consider exploiting in the future, depending on your target audience, geography or technical objectives.
- An on-demand fuel delivery app
- A cricket score tracker app
- Home security apps
- Cooking Apps
- Disaster management app
- Subscription alert app
- Meditation app
- Tribe-based Dating app
Conclusion
Wrapping up, the Android app ideas suggested above are simply the tip of an iceberg as countless ideas can be explored in 2021. The purpose of this blog was to get your creative juices flowing with regards to new app ideas that are profitable. COVID-19 generated an unprecedented growth rate for monthly app installs and revenue of approximately 30%, and this is just the beginning, according to Sensor Tower.
Mobile apps are no longer an asset but a daily requirement that affect a person’s lifestyle, behavior, or status quo. Mobile applications have changed our way of life and will continue to evolve with time.
Since the penetration of 5G Technology will make life easier in 2021, with speeds 100 times faster speeds than 4G networks (up to 100 Gbps), expect new opportunities for mobile app developers. Especially those who are brave enough to create apps that will exploit augmented reality, virtual reality, and 4K video streaming.