Technology is changing, and so are mobile apps. Every few months, new technologies appear which also result in a change in user behavior, making what was considered cutting-edge technologies become quickly outdated.
The question is what technology, or trend, will wipe 90% of current apps?
AI-powered apps or AI-powered personalization
Personalization is not a new technology or trend; however, how artificial intelligence is now being used for deep, intelligent, and responsive experiences is a turning point for mobile apps.
AI-powered personalization option in apps is not just a feature; it’s becoming more of an essential part of mobile apps to be successful.
Why are most mobile apps headed towards being obsolete?
A huge number of mobile apps that are built today are built on the concept of ‘one app fits all models’ where all apps have the same interface, every user gets the same notification and the app journey itself is not built based on the user’s behavior.
The personalization in these app if they exist, is often the ‘recently viewed’ or ‘people also bought’
In this age of technology and AI, a mobile app needs to feel like it knows you too well. Users expect relevance in mobile apps they use, along with speed, and adaptation. If they don’t find that in apps, they’re more likely to stop using it and eventually delete it.
Apps that don’t learn, adapt, and respond in real-time will not survive the next wave.
What Is AI-Powered Personalization?
At its core, AI-powered personalization uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create dynamic, individualized user experiences.
AI-powered personalization is known for using AI and machine learning to create individualized user experiences.
This means:
Content and features change depending on who you are, what you’ve done, and what you’re likely to want next.
Also, user journeys aren’t fixed for all users, instead, they evolve based on the suer’s behavior and decisions are made by ‘algorithms’ not pre-set
For example:
- A fitness app can adjust your workouts automatically based on your performance and rest days.
- A shopping app could do hyper-targeted suggestions based on the season, your past orders, and even your browsing speed.
- A learning app might adjust difficulty, tone, and timing based on how you interact and respond to content.
If your app sends the same push notification to everyone or don’t improve based on usage, then your business should reconsider.
Real-World Examples:
Let’s look at how some apps are already using AI-powered personalization:
TikTok: The ‘For You page’ is a perfect example of an algorithm. It knows what you like, how long you watch, and what you’re likely to engage with next all within minutes of use.
Spotify: The "Discover Weekly" and "AI DJ" features deliver music based on mood, time of day, and past listening behavior. It doesn't just know what you like, it knows when you'll like it.
These apps don’t just “serve content.” They build relationships with each user
Learning and Adapting
The apps that will dominate are apps that constantly learn from user behavior, adapt the journey based on users, make them feel understood, and can relate to the app.
If you’re building an app, ask these questions
- Is your app the same for everyone?
- Are user flows flexible or fixed?
Start tracking behavior, preferences, drop-off points, and experiment with AI tools.
In conclusion,
Technology is evolving and is changing how mobile apps are performing and how long they will live. AI-powered personalization is a technology trend that is changing what users expect from mobile apps. It is becoming an essential foundation rather than an optional feature.
Your mobile app must be adaptive and tailored to each individual user.
So, here’s the question every founder need to ask themselves: “Is my app learning fast enough to survive the future?”
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