Mobile Apps Are Now the Need of the Hour

At a time when social distancing has forced people to stay at home, mobile app development companies have come to the rescue. Their apps are ensuring that the lockdown does not cut the population off basic necessities. As per WHO experts, it’s evident that COVID-19 isn't something that we can get rid of anytime soon. Life as we knew it no longer exists. There is a new normal and it's about social distancing. The good news is that mobile apps can educate, entertain, and keep us connected while coping with the pandemic.

Experts say we are facing the worst economic meltdown since the Great Depression. Most businesses have hit rock bottom because of unforeseen shutdowns. Amidst all the turmoil, mobile app development has become a beacon of hope. Think about it. What are the odds to work effectively from home without Skype, Slack, or Zoom? Close to nil, right?

Think about your day without binge-watching on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Think about the instances when you ran out of supplies and turned to grocery apps to bail you out. To be honest, it’s tough to imagine life nowadays without mobile apps. They make our lives so much easier especially amidst the scenario of self-quarantine.

Let's take a look at the top mobile apps whose growth skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic...

Educational Apps

The education sector is no exception to what the economy is going through. Schools and universities have closed their doors to mitigate health risks. This gave huge momentum to the rise of education apps and E-learning. These approaches are now embraced by both students and faculties. Educational institutions are also leveraging digital platforms to organize online classes.

E-learning helps teachers deliver lessons remotely via live video chats. Educational apps are helping students from across the globe to get uninterrupted learning. Institutions are conducting webinars and online lectures to help students hone their skills. This is possible with video apps like Zoom, Skype, Google Duo, and Facebook Video calls.

Things are starting to come together but at the outset, institutions had mixed reactions to the lockdown. Some are technologically ready. They managed to leverage their Learning Management System (LMS) to conduct E-learning. Other unprepared players are just starting to realize their indiscretion on not going online.

Healthcare Apps

In an unprecedented time like this when people worry about their well-being, healthcare apps have emerged as a huge blessing. While the lockdowns have crippled the economies of several countries, the healthcare market is seeing a massive surge.

Mobile apps and telehealth systems are helping to keep our sanity in check by keeping us physically healthy. There are online fitness programs that teach people proper diet and exercise. Others provide instructions on how to meditate or do basic yoga.

On-demand doctor’s apps offer prompt consultation and e-prescriptions. People can consult doctors over medical apps to discuss their symptoms and diseases. This gives them a better understanding of their health status.

The crisis also paved the way for companies utilizing the Internet of things (IoT). The IoT healthcare market is expected to see an annual growth of 20% from 2020 to 2025.

Social Media Apps

These play a crucial role in social distancing because they encourage people to connect with each other instead of physically gathering together. They make everyone stay updated on what’s happening in the world. Social distancing measures have definitely shot up social media activities.

Popular social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Tumblr, and WhatsApp have seen a steep hike in their active user base. Engagement on social media platforms has also soared as everyone is chatting and posting more than ever before.

From celebrities and influencers to entrepreneurs, everyone is actively engaging on social platforms. People are contributing to educate, motivate, and entertain so we can all withstand the pandemic.

Grocery Apps

With strict social distancing orders in effect, the way consumers shop for their groceries has changed. People are stocking up for weeks to limit possible contact with someone infected with the virus. Stores were cleared of essential supplies and also saw crowds and long lines.

Mobile app development companies again devised a solution. They created grocery apps that allowed delivery and pickup. This presented an easy option and one where you can limit exposure to other people.

With grocery pickup apps, consumers only have to interact with a single store staff from their curbside parking space. With grocery delivery, orders can be left on the doorstep so no person-to-person contact occurs.

The demand soared and grocery apps became among the most downloaded. The most popular ones saw a staggering amount of downloads amidst the pandemic. Grocery apps evolved from merely being an option to an absolute necessity during the global health crisis.

E-commerce Apps

With regard to E-commerce platforms, products that are of no use during this crisis saw a startling drop in sales. But those considered a necessity are selling like pancakes on online marketplaces.

Among the items that are selling the most, the largest sale was for products like antibacterial sprays and sanitizers. These have seen an increase of over 800% compared to what they usually experience.

The sale of medicine was also registered on mobile apps. The demand for medications related to cough, cold, and flu has seen a massive surge to the tune of 198%.

Entertainment Apps

Binge-worthy entertainment apps are freeing people from boredom. In the backdrop of COVID-19, entertainment apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, IMDb, HBO Now, YouTube, Spotify, Snapchat, TikTok, etc., have seen an astounding spike in usage.

Children have become engrossed in gaming apps to have a little fun and excitement under these trying times. Adults are preoccupied with news apps to stay updated on what's happening across the world.

These mobile apps have got more traction than ever before as people are anxious about the latest developments around the world. People like to know what healthcare authorities are advising them to do. They want to learn more about precautionary measures and know how the world is coping with the worst health crisis in history.

E-wallet Apps

Online payment, digital payment, and e-wallet apps are thriving amidst COVID-19. Those who are hesitant to go to banks for financial transactions are turning to e-wallet apps for funds transfer. Together with banking apps, the use of Paypal, Venmo, Google Pay, Alipay, Square Cash, etc., has increased significantly to make payments as seamless as possible.

With the sudden surge in demand, mobile app development companies are working to further empower mobile payments while ensuring maximum security.

Parting Words...

The coronavirus pandemic will take time to wipe off, but it unleashed the true potential of digitalization. People are now cherishing educational webinars, workout videos, virtual happy hours, instant messaging, ordering stuff and making payment using their mobile devices.

Entertainment apps and social media apps keep people connected while the virus was all set to divide them. That said, as traditional brick and mortar stores experience a drastic slow down, the emergence of online businesses with robust mobile apps have increased to the hilt.

Businesses that have leveraged digital tools to cater to the needs of consumers will emerge even stronger once the crisis is over. Economies are set to take off by embarking on a digital journey triggered by all the disruption.

We have the experience and expertise when it comes to developing mobile apps from the last ___ years. We have helped companies to adopt digital platforms to give their businesses a much needed boost. Feel free to contact us as we all join the fight against COVID-19.

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