10 Must-Have Features for Your Next Mobile App [2024]

In the vast world of mobile phones including Android and iPhone, millions of mobile applications exist that users use in their day-to-day lives. The success of mobile applications can be defined if the application has a growing audience, a good user retention ratio, a great feedback feature, and an uninstall ratio. By just including some good features in mobile applications, developers can make a successful mobile application as discussed below.

As a Developer starting the journey of creating next-generation mobile applications, it becomes very important to consider comprehensive sets of features that meet the user’s expectations. Today in this article, we will explore 10 must-have features in the mobile app, having those features in the mobile application will not only help to retain current users to use the app but also will help to gain more audience due to the app’s rich features.

Let’s start our journey by looking at the table of contents that we will be discussing in this article.

1. Biometric Authentication: (A seamless Gateway to Security and Convenience)

Biometric authentication feature in mobile applications refers to the use of unique biological or behavioral characteristics of an individual to verify their identity. So biometric authentication includes Fingerprint, Facial, and Iris scanning. Usage of these features in applications eliminates the need for entering credentials manually. For adding biometric features in mobile applications, the device must be compatible with biometric options. Adding this feature makes the authentication process much easier. This feature ensures not only user data safeguard but also makes UI easier.

2. Day/Night Theme Support: (Prioritizing User’s comfort)

Good user experience for the applications is not limited to the app’s functionality only it also includes the user’s visual comfort. Dark Theme support feature not only enhances the visual comfort of users by reducing their eye strain during nighttime use but also caters to diverse user preferences. Most users are moving towards using the night theme due to its visual comfort as well and it also helps their smartphone batteries to run longer. Additionally, customization of the color selection of the theme can enhance the user’s experience.

3. Social Media Integration: Simplifying SignUp and SignIn Process

Social media is one of the most loved features of mobile applications. Motion bile application developers must consider this feature as it helps users simplify the onboarding process. Social media integration is not limited to making user engagement user-friendly but also serves as a marketing tool through user-generated content and referrals. Developers need to pay attention while integrating this feature as data security is a crucial element to consider otherwise it can lead to legal terms for privacy consent.

4. Simple UI with Easy Navigation: (Easy User Experience)

Simple UI such as correct logical arrangements of elements and Easy Navigation such as Tab controls helps to increase users’ engagement in the application. Give main feature access in the home screen, so users don’t have to go through the entire application to access main features. Simple UI is not limited to the arrangement of UI elements but also includes correct combinations of color combination that attract the user’s interest in the application.

5. Address Large Audience: (Device Compatibility and Accessibility)

Mobile OS such as iOS and Android, released the latest versions each year. And they also give their latest or to specific users. Each new version came up with new features. Sometimes it also happens that few features they upgraded to the latest OS and depricate in older OS. So, developers must give priority to making their applications compatible with most OS versions. Making apps compatible with most OS helps to address large numbers of users which increases the chance to have large installations ultimately.

6. Push Notifications: (Best Way to Catch User’s Attention Even without Application Engagement)

Push notifications are a very powerful tool for user engagement if it’s implemented strategically. Developers should avoid push notifications for each and every piece of information of the application as it can lead to user irritations. Push notification is a tool that can catch the user’s attention towards the app even if a user is not using the app currently. Nowadays, users who are using smartwatches can have application information in their watches with the use of push notifications. Developers should also provide users the ability to customize their preferences to respect user’s interests and boundaries.

7. Less Response Time: (Optimizing the Performance)

Minimizing waiting time is not only about the faster loading speed in applications but also about optimizing the entire user’s journey. To deliver a seamless and responsive experience to the end users, developers should use techniques like lazy loading and caching. Users always appreciate and give positive feedback to the applications that respect their time and respond quickly to their actions. Continued performance monitoring and optimization efforts are very crucial, as they help applications maintain their efficiency.

8. Security First: (No Compromise with User’s Privacy)

Security is not an optional feature; it is a fundamental or default required feature for any successful application. Apart from standard security algorithms and encryptions developers should also regularly update their security protocols to stay ahead of security concerns. Social media applications must keep user’s data like pictures and chats secure, Banking applications must pass user data via strong encryption techniques, and other kinds of applications that take user data and send it to the server, must enforce SSL certificates. Developers must keep themself aware of the latest security features and app security threats, and keep application and application data safe.

9. Battery Saving: (Resources Efficiency for Long User Engagement)

Along with security, nowadays battery optimization is a very critical factor to consider for an application’s success. Since mobiles are an integral part of users today, similarly its battery life is also a very important factor. The developer should optimize the application’s code, minimize background processes, and utilize efficient data fetching techniques to save battery life. Developers should also consider features like battery saver and give additional control over the app’s impact on device resources.

10. Feedback Support: (Let Users Allow to Give Their Opinion About the App)

The feedback feature is the best way to know the end user’s feelings about the applications. This transparent and responsive approach not only boosts user engagement but also helps developers to know user’s valuable opinions. By actively addressing users’ feedback, developers knew users’ opinions and their interests. Sometimes some apps don’t work on some devices due to device or OS compatibility users can provide feedback so developers can address them, while in some scenarios such as social media apps users post unusual content in such scenarios feedback features help developers to refine those contents.

Conclusion

In the large and continuously upgrading world of mobile applications, perfection is achieved through a combination of user-centric design, cutting-edge features along with continue feedback addressing. As developers start the journey of creating applications that include the above-mentioned features. By prioritizing security, user engagements, and performance optimization developers can create features that not only meet users’ expectations but also set a new standard of excellence in the mobile application world. Addressing user feedback, including innovation helps the application to achieve the desired audience with the best experience.

FAQs

What are the most important features of an app?

The most important features of an app depend on its purpose and target audience, but some universally essential features include:

• Intuitive User Interface (UI)
• High Performance
• Security
• Offline Functionality
• Regular Updates

What is next generation mobile apps?

Next-generation mobile apps are those that leverage advanced technologies and innovative features to offer enhanced user experiences and capabilities. These apps often incorporate elements such as:

• Leverage advanced technologies like AI/ML, AR/VR, IoT, and Blockchain
• Offer enhanced user experiences and capabilities
• Focus on innovation and cutting-edge features

How many features should an app have?

The number of features in an app should be determined by its purpose, target audience, and usability. While there’s no fixed limit, it’s important to strike a balance between providing enough functionality to meet user needs and avoiding feature overload that can overwhelm users. Start with core features that address the app’s primary purpose and gradually introduce additional features based on user feedback and market trends. Quality and relevance of features are more important than quantity; focus on delivering a seamless and valuable user experience.