Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 10:16 am
The year of 2024 is already big in the world of mobile apps. What was once reserved for candy games and navigation is nowadays an extensive ecosystem that tracks our health, helps us communicate and keep social relationships alive, pays bills, and allows us to order unicorn blankets past midnight.
According to an Ofcom survey from 2021, people from the UK spend 3 hours and 37 minutes on their phones. This article will provide a perspective on what apps are on the rise and what trends to keep an eye on.
Health Tracking via Mobile
Visiting a doctor can be such a hassle, but convenient health apps give us the impression we keep things under control. Whether you want to count your steps or track your period, you’ll have thousands of options available. In 2020, there were around 90,000 healthcare apps available worldwide. That number reached 350,000 just two years later.
Taking care of one’s health can only be positive, right? Unfortunately, things aren’t that simple. Many mental-based apps turned out to be a hoax and have displayed concerning privacy practices. Now, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) are pushing for stricter regulations in the UK.
The Rise of Mobile Gambling Apps
Mobile applications are nothing new, but 2024 proved to be a big year for all UK’s casino brands online, as mobile gambling is bigger than ever. UKGC finds that 74% of all in-play sports bettors rely on their mobile phones to place, compared to 50% of gamblers in general. No matter which way we look at it, mobile gambling is taking over the market. But why do people use gambling apps when they can enjoy bright games and beautifully displayed sports odds on the big screen? There are more reasons than you think:
- Convenience: With mobile apps, it is possible to gamble whenever one feels like it, regardless of where they are;
- Privacy: Big screens put one’s favourite pastime on display. With smaller screens of tablets and smartphones, it is much easier to stay discreet;
- Special deals and bonuses: The newly opened casino websites are putting extra effort into making their apps stand out in the sea of gambling options. Bonuses and special deals are the best way to grab attention;
- Instant customer support: When something goes wrong, mobile apps give gamblers instant access to customer support. A few taps are all it takes.
Broadening Horizons with Learning Apps
Back in the day, Duolingo was one of the very few learning apps, and we dare to say, a rather passive-aggressive one. Fortunately, that has changed, and we have a plethora of options to sharpen our skills and discover new things. Brits are going gaga over learning apps. In the first six months of 2023, the number of installs of educational applications surpassed the 2022 average by 31%. The numbers keep on growing from quarter to quarter, showing the nation is hungry for knowledge! And we are not just installing learning apps, but actively using them. Year-to-year, our sessions are getting over 30% longer. Apps are the perfect way to pass the time and make our lives easier, so no wonder the UK public can’t get enough of them. By combining convenience with support, entertainment and shiny visuals, they created a whole new domain in our lives.
