How to develop Android apps for the next gen of mobile devices

How To Develop Android Apps for the Next Gen of Mobile Devices?

In the present time, mobile devices don't just stand for optional tools but have become essential aspects for businesses. Mobile devices have become vital tools for user engagement, brand promotion, and sustained growth.

With the rising demand for foldable and wearable devices, how can we make one that remains compatible with the rising quality of mobile devices that deliver a smooth application experience? Let’s check on some best practices on how to build an Android app to meet the rising quality of next-gen devices.

Understanding the Changing Landscape of Mobile Devices

In the dynamic and growing scenery of mobile technology, today you will find a range of smartphone devices ranging from foldable screens to wearable devices. Let’s have a look. 

Foldable & Large Screens:  

The new era of foldable devices has arrived, with phones like the Samsung Galaxy Fold gaining popularity. The adaptable UIs made it possible to transition between different display states seamlessly.  

The global market of foldable smartphones was valued at USD 27.79 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow to USD 74.02 billion by the end of 2030. 

5G Network:  

The greatest speed of 5G network devices opens a new door for real-time apps, cloud gaming, and a visually rich experience. To improve app performance and fully utilize 5G, programmers should prioritize mobile app performance optimization strategies.  

AI & ML:  

AI and ML capabilities are helpful to deliver personalized experiences, intelligent features, and efficient data analysis. Artificial Intelligence in app development has excellent benefits to offer.  

AR & VR:  

With the integration of AR and VR technologies, it is now possible to deliver a real-world experience blended with digital devices.  

Improvised Sensors:  

More efficient GPS technology and specialized sensors are unlocking new opportunities for advanced location-based services. 

Wearable and IoT Integration:  

With efficient communication and data synchronization, mobile devices can seamlessly connect with smartwatches and fitness trackers, making people’s lives easier.

To make your app future-proof, businesses must follow the crucial trends of AI and machine learning, IoT integration, and AR/VR innovation. These trends have a significant impact on how your Android app should be designed and developed to remain competitive.  

Core Principles of Future-Proof Android App Development 

To build an Android app compatible with modern devices and a rapidly growing tech environment, CTOs and developers should focus on the following key areas.

Select the Right Development Tool  

The first concern is to choose the right tool and framework for Android app development.  

Kotlin: Choose Kotlin as the primary language to build your Android app. As it provides such great features as null safety, conciseness, and fantastic tooling to craft maintainable code.

Jetpack Libraries: Google’s official Jetpack suite, consisting of Room and Workmanager, streamlines regular tasks, including managing databases, background processing, and navigation. This results in decreased boilerplate code and improved architecture.  

Popular Architecture Patterns: Adapt to modern architecture patterns like MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel), the most popular architecture to create Android apps with Jetpack Compose and Kotlin.

Cross-platform Trends: Cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React remain popular in 2025, especially for startups and small teams. Choosing a cross-platform app will reduce development cost while also maintaining a native like performance.

Performance Optimization  

A key factor is to optimize Android app performance to make the app compatible with modern devices. As users expect quick responses and smooth interaction.  

Lightweight UI: Work to build your user interface fast and responsive. Don't pack too many features or animations on one screen, as they can consume accessible resources. Use system-native components to optimize app performance. 

Image and Media Optimization:
Compress images and media files with advanced formats like WebP. Use lazy loading for pictures to load only what you see on screen; this will save resources and battery usage. 

Code Structure:
Craft neat, modular, and streamlined code. Use Android Profiler to spot and resolve performance issues related to CPU, memory, network, and battery use. Incorporate Baseline Profiles and DEX layout improvements into action for quicker app startup.

Background Thread:
Move complex parts like loading images, processing data, or heavy computations to background threads (with Kotlin Coroutines or WorkManager). This will keep the main UI thread free and snappy.

Enhance User Experience (UX) 

Developing an Android app compatible with modern mobile devices not only relies on performance, but user experience also matters the most.

Seamless Navigation:
Craft a clear and simplified navigation flow that allows users to easily access and use the Android app regardless of the form of device.  

Personalized-touch:
Give users a personalized experience, recommendations based on their personal interests and behaviour by using AI and ML technologies.  

Accessibility:
Make your Android app easily accessible for users with disabilities by using Android’s accessible features and accessibility guidelines.

Enhancing Compatibility Across Devices 

It is essential to enhance your Android app compatibility across devices to meet the rising standards of mobile devices.  

Responsive Design:
It is most essential to craft UIs that seamlessly adapt to different screen sizes, resolutions, aspect ratios, and foldable components. For that, you can use responsive layouts and window size classes of Jetpack.

Identify Features:
Do not rely on certain device functionality; instead, go for identifying diverse capabilities and popular features of the current time, be it sensors, 5G connectivity, AI-powered search, and integrate functionalities accordingly.   

Testing:
Another best app development practice is to regularly test your Android app on diverse devices to ensure the app provides expected performance and behaviour.

Battery and Network Optimization  

Apps that drain too much battery is more likely to get uninstalled, no matter how perfect the ui and other things are. So, apart from improving app performance, consider battery consumption also.

Minimize Data Size:
Implement efficient data formats, such as Protocol Buffers, where required, and compress data before transmission.  

Decrease the Use of Wake Lock:
Limit the use of wake locks only when it's too important, as it can prevent the device from entering a state of low power.  

Manage Network Connectivity:  
Always check for network state and build your Android app in a way that functions smoothly without a network connection by showcasing cached data. 

Background Network Operation:
Utilize WorkManager for prolonged background network activities, which enables tasks to run under optimal conditions, such as when connected to a wi-fi network, etc. 

Security and Testing 

To meet the increasing device capabilities, it is essential to follow security best practices and continuous testing for maintaining app quality.  

Unable Biometric
Biometric authentication is another best practice to enhance app security and user convenience. This practice surely ensures your app meets the rising security standards of devices.

Data Storage and Communication
Always use HTTPS/TLS to secure data in transit and utilize encrypted local storage to store sensitive data. Also, use authorization tokens for saving credential details on the device.  

Automated Testing
Integrate automated testing for unit tests, integration, and UI tests to identify defects at an early stage and work to resolve the errors accordingly.  

Real-time Monitoring
Incorporate the Firebase Performance Monitoring tool to monitor app performance in real-time, crashes, and user behaviour in production, and address issues accordingly.

Concluding: Building Android Apps for Tomorrow

Developing highly performant Android apps in today’s rapidly evolving mobile technology demands a strategic optimization approach. The best Android app development practice is to focus on UI responsiveness, graphic elements, and proper data and memory management. By focusing on these elements, you can surely create an app that not only meets the rising mobile quality standards but also satisfies user expectations. So be engaged with regularly testing your mobile app on different devices and keep up with Android development best practices to keep your app reliable, secure, and competitive. 

Ready to build your next Android app? Hire App Android developers from Lucent Innovation today. We boast a team of talented and experienced programmers who can help you create a future-proof Android app tailored to your unique needs.