12 iOS App Development Predictions for 2018

1. Augmented and Virtual Reality: This is the new upcoming trend in the field of mobile apps. With increasing demand for 3D viewing of movies and TV shows, the next big trend will be viewing iOS apps in 3D. Also, the gaming industry will see a major boost in the field of virtual reality, especially in core gaming regions such as India, China, and Japan.

2. Cloud-driven Apps: Cloud technology-driven iPhone apps will continue to dominate the market in 2018. This will allow the iOS app developers to keep the app size small and also users will be able to sync the app with multiple devices due to cloud compatibility.

3. App Data Security: With the number of mobile purchases and payments on the rise, the iOS app security issues will be watched very closely this year. Customers store bank and card details on various iOS apps, so this data need to be completely secure to avoid any misuse. The customers need to be assured that their confidential data is kept safe, and app data security will see some major improvements in 2018.

4. Smart Device Compatibility: With Apple having already launched the iWatch, we can expect many more such devices in this year. The iOS app development team will be creating various other wearable tech apps for healthcare and fitness. These apps will be synced on all platforms and compatible with all devices.

5. Fingerprint Detection: With the incorporation of the fingerprint detection feature into the latest iPhone, the new apps being developed have to take this feature into consideration. iOS app developers will now have access to the Touch ID biometric fingerprint scanner which they can incorporate into the apps being developed.

6. NFC Enabled Devices: NFC or near field communication is one of the emerging technologies used for data transfer. With the "touch to pay" option being available increasingly in the market today, the iOS apps coming into the market are expected to be NFC compatible.

7. Internet of Things (IoT): Internet of Things is already gaining popularity among all app developers throughout the world. The idea of controlling various devices without even being physically present is something that is catching everyone's attention. Such iOS apps will be quite in demand in the coming years.

8. Beacon and Location-Based Wi-Fi Services: The distinction between online and offline is diminishing fast due to the beacon technology. Apple is the first company to incorporate this technology into the iOS. Beacon technology and location-based Wi-Fi, will allow OS app developers to create better apps.

9. Force Touch Keyboard: Apple's Force Touch technology, which was recently granted a patent, may soon replace the existing physical switches on keyboards. This new technology uses pressure sensors which gives multiple uses to each key depending upon the amount of pressure applied. The future iOS apps are likely to take this technology into consideration during development.

10. Retina Display: In 2015 we saw Apple releasing MacBook with the latest Retina Display technology. This technology uses very high resolution for its devices to the extent that a person cannot discern between two adjacent pixels. iOS app prediction in 2018 is that Apple may release the MacBook Air with its own Retina Display. iOS apps being developed are bound to make use of this high resolution technology.

11. iPhone Subscription: Every year a new variant iPhone is launched making the older versions outdated. In 2018 we might be able to see the launch upgrade program in which people will be able to upgrade to the latest iPhone by paying the same price. This scheme will attract a lot more people and hence result in a lot more customers for the iOS app market.

12. iCloud Voicemail: Apple is rumored to be testing the iCloud Voicemail which could be a very useful feature. The feature would see Siri talking to people who contacted you, and converting their voicemail into text for you to read later. The future iOS app developers may want to use this innovative feature.