Are lite apps the next big app trend?

When we think about new apps as app developers, we’ll often find our thoughts turning to how the next generation app can be bigger, better and more technology advanced. We could be about to see that changing however, with some experts suggesting that lite apps are actually the newest trend.

A lite app is a simpler, smaller version of an app – many popular apps have released streamlined lite versions including Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. The reason that lite apps are gathering speed and becoming a more frequent release is due to smartphone adoption in developing nations, according to analysts from IHS Markit, a London-based firm which is a leader in critical information and insight.

One of IHS Markit’s senior analysts, Jun Wen Woo told CNBC, “Smartphone penetration has been growing quickly in emerging markets ... but the limits on data consumption and connectivity can be challenging for users... Tech companies are offering Lite apps to tailor their services to data-conscious users.”

In many developing nations, the smartphone device is the primary means of accessing the Internet. Pew Research figures suggest the majority of adults in emerging nations own a smartphone. It says, “ Surveys conducted in 11 emerging and developing countries across four global regions find that the vast majority of adults in these countries own – or have access to – a mobile phone of some kind. And these mobile phones are not simply basic devices with little more than voice and texting capacity: A median of 53% across these nations now have access to a smartphone capable of accessing the internet and running apps .”

While those users have access to Internet-enabled smartphones, Internet access itself can be costly with expensive data chargers, less bandwidth and slower downloads prevalent in emerging economies. This means that apps often can’t be used or enjoyed in the same way because the internet infrastructure to support the heavier downloads and functionality isn’t yet widely accessible.

For app developers, this presents an interesting challenge; paring back app size, weight and functionality while maintaining the user experience and essence of the app. A lite app should be just that – lighter, so it downloads quicker and loads faster when in use.

To bring down app size, app developers need to hone in on what constitutes vital functionality and retains the essence of the app, while identifying additional, not so crucial features that can be removed.