As the mobile app landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, businesses are under pressure to stay ahead of the curve. With millions of apps vying for attention on marketplaces like Google Play Store and Apple App Store, simply building a mobile platform is no longer enough. To truly stand out from the crowd, businesses need to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their mobile app development strategies.

According to Grand View Research, the global AI apps market was valued at approximately USD 2.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 5.13 billion in 2026, reaching around USD 26.36 billion by 2030. The businesses that invested in websites and mobile apps a decade ago secured a good return, and now the businesses that will incorporate AI in their mobile apps are going to be the next unicorns.

So, if you're looking to build an AI-powered mobile app but don't know where to start, how to start, or what it takes to succeed, this article is for you. We'll explore the key capabilities that AI brings to mobile app development and why incorporating AI is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must-have.

Why AI in Mobile App Development Matters

While millions of businesses are surviving without AI integration, they're only existing in the market with little to no growth. By contrast, integrating AI into mobile app development fosters core competencies and capabilities that boost a business to lead its domain and offer a better customer experience compared to its competitors.

The Capabilities of AI in Mobile App Development

SEO-Friendly Apps

AI analyzes large data volumes to enhance content relevance, understand user intent, and automate keyword research. This helps your app perform better on the App Store and Play Store. Additionally, AI optimizes content, discovers high-quality backlinks, and tailors the mobile experience according to user search.

IoT Functionality

AI fosters IoT functionality by allowing users to control associated devices from their smartphones. For example, if a user turns off the AC in the middle of the night, the app can automatically learn from it and turn off the AC without manual command.

Enhanced Security and Privacy

AI brings a strong security layer to your mobile app, featuring highly efficient locking functions like face locks and biometric locks. It also uses geofencing to control security levels based on device location and tracks suspicious activity.

Automation and Efficiency

AI eliminates the need for users to perform autonomous tasks, saving time and effort. For instance, AI can eliminate the need for users to input commands from scratch each time, actively tracking usage patterns and making informed decisions to enhance customer experience.

Emotional Intelligence

AI transforms a machine into a technical counterpart that not only performs tasks but also tracks users' emotions to behave accordingly. Such apps are capable of capturing human senses, facial expressions, and emotional cues, making them more relatable and engaging.

By incorporating AI into your mobile app development strategy, you'll be well on your way to creating a competitive edge in the market. With its capabilities ranging from SEO-friendly content to enhanced security and automation, AI is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have for businesses looking to succeed in today's fast-paced digital landscape.