Mobile technology has revolutionized the way we live and shop. As a result, mobile commerce trends are constantly evolving. Consumer buying behavior has undergone significant changes over the years, and mobile commerce will continue to thrive in the future.
With mobile commerce controlling 73% of the global ecommerce market share, up from just 59% back in 2017, it's essential for ecommerce store owners to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Whether you're using Shopify or another platform to sell online, you can't ignore mobile consumers.
To help you prepare and adapt accordingly, I've researched and analyzed the most recent trends in the ecommerce industry and narrowed down the ones that will dominate in 2026. In this guide, I'll not only explain these ecommerce trends but also provide mobile commerce tips for 2026 to help you succeed in this space.
Trend #1: Shopping via Mobile Apps
It's no surprise that consumers are using their mobile devices to buy online. However, the way people are using those devices to shop is changing. Rather than using an internet browser, more than half of US shoppers went straight for a mobile app to accommodate their shopping needs. This trend will continue to shape the future of m-commerce in 2026.
In fact, 85% of consumers prefer mobile apps to mobile websites. By building an app for your Shopify store, you're giving customers what they want – and that can lead to higher conversions. Mobile shopping apps actually convert at a higher rate than mobile websites, with a conversion rate that's 157% higher.
Trend #2: Sales From Smartphones
As consumers continue to shop online, smartphones will dominate sales in 2026. The average order value from a mobile app is $102 compared to $92 from a mobile website. With smartphones controlling the majority of m-commerce sales volume, it's essential for ecommerce businesses to adapt their strategies accordingly.
In 2024, $418.9 billion mobile commerce sales came from smartphones, while $69.1 billion came from tablets. As tablet sales continue to decline, smartphone sales will only increase in importance.
Trend #3: One-Click Ordering
The shift to shopping from mobile apps will ease the checkout process in 2026. By storing customer information in their user profile, ecommerce mobile apps can simplify the purchasing process and reduce cart abandonment rates. With one-click ordering, customers can complete the entire purchase process in just one click – a win-win scenario for both parties.
These trends highlight the importance of building a mobile-friendly ecommerce strategy that prioritizes shopping via mobile apps, targets smartphone users, and simplifies the checkout process with one-click ordering. By staying ahead of these trends, you can ensure your Shopify store remains competitive in 2026 and beyond.