Top Industries Changed by Mobile Apps

How much have mobile apps changed your life? From dinner ideas to music playlists to a convenient ride home, there’s an app that can do that for you – and with it, an industry that has been changed forever. We’ve put together a list of 10 industries that have been dramatically changed by mobile app development – and while this list does not encompass the myriad of areas that have grown by way of the mighty mobile app, these 10 are definitely some of the biggest head turners of recent memory.

1. Music

From Pandora to Spotify to Sirius XM, mobile apps are crucial to success. While all of the aforementioned music giants have solid desktop components, their mobile apps are the shining stars that allow music lovers to access their favorite songs anywhere, whether it’s integrating a phone or tablet with Sonos, and playing music across your home, or whether it’s using the Spotify app in your car to play a customized playlist for your road trip. Without the mobile versions of these music applications, listening would not have the flexibility and versatility that it does today.

2. Banking and Finance

By now, most people couldn’t imagine banking any other way than by mobile app. Banking and finance via mobile app is the penultimate convenience. Many banks allow you to use their app to check your bank account balances, transfer funds, pay bills, and even deposit checks while never leaving your house. There are an array of stock and financial planning apps available on the App Store and Google Play Store as well, that allow people to monitor their financial goals on the go – perfect for business travelers.

3. Healthcare

The healthcare industry has been changed forever by way of the mobile app. Health insurance companies, hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics now allow you to access your health information online, make appointments, speak with your doctor, and screen yourself for potential conditions. Other health related apps that are changing the way consumers view medicine completely include the WebMD mobile app, which is a mini version of its website and allows you to use its symptom checking tool, and mental health apps like Optimism and Happify, which allow you to record and work on issues from self-esteem to anxiety.

4. Food and Restaurants

Thanks to mobile app development, hungry foodies can now find the ideal restaurant for them, based on criteria like pricing, cuisine, and ambiance, make reservations in a few seconds flat, read ratings from real patrons, and order takeout. Restaurant reward systems are also increasingly popular; coffee shops, sports bars, and bakeries feature their own mobile apps that allow you to rack up points for free treats.

5. Taxis and Ride Sharing

One of the most explosive mobile app industries of all time has to be taxis and, more specifically, ride sharing. Without mobile app development itself, ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft would not exist. Pay attention to your local taxi company and you’ll probably notice that they’ve jumped on the mobile app bandwagon as well.

6. Travel

Today’s travel sites make it easy to casually browse travel accommodations via tablet or phone to find the ideal vacation. Moreover, while traveling, these mobile apps allow you to access your travel information anytime, anywhere, as long as you have your smartphone. The best part is, most of the top travel apps are extremely fluid and easy to use – almost easier than the desktop versions themselves. Lookout for your favorite airline by mobile app, too – especially if you’re a frequent flyer.

7. Job Search and Employment

Job search companies have been helped immensely by integrating mobile apps into their marketing strategy. Again, convenience saves the day, as job seekers can browse jobs of interest anytime, anywhere – and even bookmark them so they can apply later. It’s a lighter, portable version of your desktop job search website – and it allows you to keep track of your job search and the latest positions no matter where you are.

8. Real Estate

The advent of mobile app development has been a godsend for both realtors and home buyers. With real estate mobile apps, prospective home buyers can quickly and easily browse homes that fit their criteria, and contact realtors through the app so they can set up a viewing. One of the best parts about real estate mobile apps is the real time notification ability – both clients and real estate professionals will know instantly when a home is on or off the market.

9. Retail

Retail company owners know that there is a cardinal rule to their business – make it as easy as possible for the consumer to purchase goods. Mobile apps make shopping really easy. Now, shopping occurs on the go, on a whim, and on the run, which makes store owners happy. The mobile apps can hold special sales and coupons for those who sign up – which encourages retaining customers.

10. Weather and Meteorology

With mobile weather apps, users can instantly glean information about their local temperature and chance of precipitation. Furthermore, most weather apps today allow you to view an extended forecast, check airport delays, and gauge pollen count and UV rating for the day. Now, there’s no need to watch TV and wait for the forecast. These industries are serving their clients and customers well by providing convenient versions of their desktop or brick and mortar products and services, and it’s changing the way we do business forever. Is your company in one of these industries above? You may want to consider an app for your company!