How will the IoT change app development? 

The internet of things (IoT) is set to transform the way consumers use technology in their homes and even outside of their properties. Apps are going to be critical for the way the IoT runs and is accessible to users and, as a result, could shake-up the app development industry in the process.

The IoT will create a network of physical devices, from home appliances to family cars, which will then be able to share data. The IoT is the next step in merging the physical world with computer based systems. It might still seem far off to many but it’s one of the biggest tech trends to have emerged this decade. Between 2016 and 2017, the number of IoT devices increased by 31% reaching 8.4 billion. While it’s still a relatively new market, it’s predicted that its value will reach over $7 trillion by the end of the decade. If the rapid rise of smartphones is anything to go by, the rate that it increases by will only go up.

The rising number of IoT devices means there’s going to be a demand for an intuitive place where devices can be controlled. So, how will you need to approach the app development process when working in this emerging but potentially lucrative sector?

· Choosing hardware – Hardware isn’t often thought about in the app development process in the same way that it will need to be when it comes to the IoT. You’ll need a way of connecting to the IoT devices, the most common way at the moment is through a Bluetooth sensor, and you’ll also need to decide whether it’ll be a third party device or custom built.

· Smart management – As the IoT market grows, consumer will quickly acquire a mass of smart devices. One of the challenges apps will need to consider is how manageable they make all these devices. The design of an app needs to be intuitive and, to an extent, customisable, for example, allowing users to group together their own devices, to compete.

· Managing data – IoT devices will collect an enormous amount of data on a daily basis. In a world where there are increasing concerns and regulations over personal information, an app that’s built for the IoT age need to have security and processes for handling this in place.

· Ease and speed of use – Consumers and businesses will invest in IoT products because they should make life easier and tasks quicker to carry out. As a result, an app needs to be user-friendly, with each set of instructions being completed in the least number of steps as possible. When using the IoT, consumers will come to expect instant responses, a factor that apps need to recognise.

· Connection – The connected network that the IoT creates is what makes it so appealing. You need to be clear on areas such as distance and connectively strength when developing your app, reflecting what can be achieved with both components.