Mobile apps have reshaped daily life in profound ways. Whether it’s managing our finances or ordering lunch, we now depend on apps to navigate much of our day. When the first iPhone launched in 2007, apps were basic and largely utilitarian. But what has changed since then? How did mobile apps evolve into such an integral part of modern society?
Well, apps got better; they became more advanced and better designed, enabling them to disrupt a variety of industries. It got to the point where people now prefer to manage their lives, entertain themselves, and take care of tasks via mobile apps. It’s now difficult to find an industry that hasn’t been touched by mobile innovation. Of course, some have undergone more dramatic transformations than others. Below, we highlight five industries that have been completely revolutionized by mobile technology.
Banking and Finance
The way we manage our money has been completely changed by mobile apps. In some cases, it’s as simple as checking our bank account or depositing checks with an app rather than making a trip to the bank. But it goes beyond that, especially since there are e-wallets that enable us to send and receive money from friends, family, and even employers. Likewise, credit cards and other financial accounts can be linked to mobile apps, enabling us to make purchases with a mobile device rather than pulling out a credit card or cash. Mobile banking has even gotten to the point where it’s possible to trade stocks and make other investments using an app without needing a broker or financial advisor. There is almost no financial transaction in today’s world that can’t be done on a mobile device, which would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
Casinos
The casino industry has been turned upside down by mobile devices. Keep in mind that online casinos have been around for decades. But now that these platforms can be accessed from anywhere using an iPhone or another mobile device, their popularity has soared because they are more convenient than ever before. You can explore some of your online casino options at casino.com/canada to see the various features and bonus opportunities different sites offer. The technology of mobile apps has improved to the point that the graphics and gameplay at online casinos can imitate the experience of being at a real casino, making trips to a brick-and-mortar casino as superfluous as financial apps have made a trip to the bank.
eCommerce
With personal computers, online sales have taken a big chunk out of the business done at malls and brick-and-mortar retailers. However, being able to make both big and small purchases on mobile devices has made ecommerce purchases even more convenient. We’ve actually reached the point of Cyber Monday having more sales than Black Friday to open the holiday shopping season. Beyond that, many retailers use data collected from apps to create a more personalized shopping experience, recommending new purchases based on past shopping habits. They also use social media apps for advertising and marketing purchases, altering those industries as well. Perhaps the most surprising change in the retail industry created by apps is how businesses are using them to improve the in-store shopping experience. Stores use their apps to make it easier for customers to locate and pay for in-store items, which is also a significant change.
Real Estate
A generation of young homeowners is now finding their homes on mobile apps. They can see pictures of properties, study the market, and do all of their research on a mobile device. Real estate information also travels much faster on mobile apps, because new listings appear right away, making it easier for home buyers to see what’s available as soon as it becomes available. With a wide variety of real estate mobile apps, those looking for a new home are better informed and more empowered. As a result, transactions can happen a little quicker, which also makes sellers happy.
Healthcare
Last but not least, the changes for the better that mobile apps have made for the healthcare industry shouldn’t be overlooked. In healthcare, time and accuracy mean everything, which is why mobile apps have been so helpful. For starters, apps have made virtual doctor appointments possible, making medical care more accessible for people. Even in more traditional settings, mobile apps have made communication between doctors and patients more seamless. It’s now easier to ask questions and make appointments with medical offices. Also, don’t forget all of the health and exercise apps that encourage healthy behaviors and make it possible to track one’s healthcare goals.