We live in a super-connected world where IoT technology is leading the change with hyper-interconnectivity solutions while mobile app development companies work hard to keep up with it.

With the huge potential identified in smart devices, developing IoT-based mobile apps has gained traction like never before. App development companies are banking on this change and investing heavily in IoT-based mobile apps that promise so much growth and new revenue possibilities when compared to traditional mobile apps.

A lot has changed in the mobile app industry with the entry of IoT technology. Let’s discuss in detail the impact IoT has had on mobile app development processes and how development companies are adapting to these new changes. 

What is IoT in Mobile App Development?

Before we move on to discuss the way IoT technology has impacted app development, let’s try to understand what IoT is, particularly in the context of mobile app development.

The term Internet of Things or IoT is used to denote a network of interconnected devices that collect and exchange data via the internet using sensors and software. This technology is now being integrated into mobile applications to further their functionality and offer solutions that are more in sync with individual use cases. An IoT system usually consists of mobile apps/user interface, IoT devices/sensors, internet connectivity, and data processing. 

Today, mobile apps help you operate your IoT device unmindful of the distance or geography thus enabling non-stop communication and data exchange. The result of this integration is enhanced functionality, interactivity, and automation where mobile apps interact with and control the concerned IoT device. More and more businesses are investing in IoT application development. 

With IoT, your mobile phones are far more powerful than usual as they can now interact with a multitude of connected devices and sensors giving users innovative functionalities like never before. They can now control home appliances, keep you updated on various health issues and even remotely manage industrial equipment. 

Industries that Leverage IoT Applications

IoT has grown in leaps and bounds and today it is hard to spot an industry that is untouched by this technology. However there a few industries that have integrated IoT into their processes brilliantly and leveraged the technology to open new revenue channels. 

Let’s dive deep into how this technology has influenced some of these industries worldwide.  

IoT in Healthcare

Healthcare is one industry that is constantly in search for innovations, be it in research, medical science or technology. There was a time when patient monitoring was strictly restricted to personal visits to the doctor and the subsequent diagnosis. Continuous health examination always remained a distant dream. But, today, IoT has made this possible. From smart medical devices to remote patient monitoring, IoT has changed the way healthcare functions. 

According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the healthcare IoT market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 25.9%, growing from $89.07 billion in 2021 to $446.52 billion in 2028.

IoT in Retail

This is yet another industry that has witnessed revolutionary changes with the onset of IoT. The IoT technology has been able to track everything from customer behavior to creating personalized shopping experiences, and more. While using this technology gives customers a great shopping experience, it also gives retailers enough data on customer behavior and preferences so that they can be there at the beck and call of the customer – understanding and meeting all their needs and wants. 

According to market research, the size of the global IoT in the retail market was $28.14 billion in 2021, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.3% from 2022 to 2031, reaching a projected value of $177.90 billion by 2031.

IoT in Manufacturing

Looking to make your manufacturing unit efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable? Then it’s time to stretch your wings to IoT. 

IoT’s predictive maintenance, supply chain management, energy management, and safety and security measures can totally change the way factories function. The concept of smart factories took shape as a result of this technology, allowing manufacturers to control several aspects of a factory from a single central location. In the case of supply chain management too, this technology can track the movement of products from their point of origin to their final destination to the customer giving manufacturers a sense of control over any delivery or quality issues that may arise in the process.  

IoT in Transportation and Logistics

Real-time monitoring of goods and services is no more a dream but a reality and IoT has made this possible in the transportation and logistics industry. Fleet managers can now use the data from IoT devices to optimize routes, schedule maintenance and improve overall fleet efficiency. This has a great impact on fuel consumption, delivery times, and transportation costs.

IoT in Agriculture

Think agriculture and the immediate thought might be a rural, unexplored sector. Even though technology has had a great impact on this industry, it still seems to maintain its rural charm. With the advent of IoT in agriculture, things have taken a complete ‘U’ turn. There’s now smart farming, precision agriculture, livestock monitoring, and more. IoT-enabled drones and robotics seem to weave magic into this sector by collecting crop data, surveying land, and even going further by applying pesticides and fertilizers. These gadgets also go overboard by performing tasks like weeding and harvesting. 

Challenges in IoT Mobile App Development

Let’s get this straight, every sector, industry, and technology comes with its own set of challenges. No technology is fool-proof even if they claim so. The IoT technology too comes with its own set of baggage. It is considered excellent when it comes to data collection and remote management, but this has a flip side too. 

The privacy and security issues that accompany the excessive influx of data have always kept users skeptical of adopting this technology.  With technological advancements, the IoT landscape is witnessing an excessive proliferation of IoT devices and this seems to be posing a great challenge to scalability in several areas like data storage, processing, and management. 

All facts considered, it is imperative to mention that when it comes to IoT, the challenges heavily outweigh the opportunities that this technology opens up for users and businesses.   

The Impact of IoT on Developers and Businesses

We live in an era of possibilities and all that is needed is to bank right on it. The IT sector is constantly evolving and so is IoT and this has opened up a sea of opportunities for all the concerned stakeholders involved. 

There is no dearth of possibilities here and all it takes is the mindset to take it forward. The number of industries that are being influenced by this technology is increasing exponentially. Businesses that have adopted this technology are only seen to be growing. This has led to opportunities galore for the developers involved in getting this technology up and running.

From being an economic driver for countries to making businesses smarter, IoT is revolutionizing the very outlook of our lives. 

IoT App Development at Expeed

At Expeed, we have a team of specialists who can solve issues and build applications related to IoT. Konnectware is our IoT Data Analytics Platform that transforms high-volume data into business-focused insights. Our robust and dedicated team possesses the expertise to address all issues that fall within the realm of the Internet of Things. Our specialist team keeps challenging the norm to ensure that our clients receive cutting-edge solutions that meet their specific needs to propel their businesses forward.