5G connectivity is already here, and the whole digital web is eagerly waiting for a massive upgrade to the most advanced communication standard. Yes, 5G will make the slow loading speed and latency problems a thing of the past. Naturally, we are waiting for the impact of 5G on the future of app development to be huge and a critical one.
Here through the length of this post, we will assess the future dynamics of the mobile app development after 5G connectivity becomes a reality. But before that, let’s begin with the basics.
What is 5G, and What are Its Key Value Propositions?
5G or 5th Generation is the latest and most updated mobile connection standard with the highest ever speed and optimum performance. It has already come on the market, but it has not been available worldwide now. It is expected that 5G network connectivity will be available to users worldwide down the line in a couple of years. According to experts, the 5G network will offer at least 1000 times more connection speed than its predecessor 4G technology.
Some of the key features of the 5G network include the following.
- The lightning-fast speed goes up to 3 Gbps to 20 Gbps.
- Least minimum latency of approximately one millisecond.
- Capability to establish a simultaneous connection across a multitude of devices.
The practical benefits of the above features can be summed up as follows.
- Easy streaming of 4K quality content without any latency.
- Easy capability to load high-resolution visual contents in less than milliseconds.
- Allowing multiple networks to work and remain in sync on a single platform.
- Easy and smooth integration of smart sensors and connected IoT devices within a complex and multifaceted industrial environment.
While these features and their immediate impact on digital applications are instantly visible, we also need to consider the specific ways 5G will transform mobile app development.
Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC)
The biggest impact 5G is likely to have on the mobile apps is the lightning-fast data transfer. Thanks to the 5G network, data can be transferred with the least delay in real-time. The app developers in India and in many emerging markets are well aware of the 5G network’s huge impact. While performing a number of critical actions by using mobile apps such as app-based medical surgery or app-based automobile controls, the lightning-fast 5G network will have a revolutionary impact.
Thanks to the reliable 5G network, apps now can enjoy a seamless, smooth, and streamlined data-driven experience allowing real-time communication to make way for proactive actions. On the other hand, just like the huge increase in the data transmission quality with 4G from the 2G, the all-new 5G will ensure optimum quality for video and images.
AR and VR based Media
Some technologies, by their nature, consume more data than others. For example, Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), because of consuming loads of data, need faster Internet speed. The current 4G network connectivity has already been proved to be less reliable for these technologies on many occasions. This is where 5G networks can show revolutionary potential.
Though augmented reality (AR) started its journey through mobile apps, Virtual Reality (VR) first required separate VR headsets to allow users to go through the immersive virtual experience. VR consumes many data to deliver the immersive experience with true-to-life 3D visuals and immersive actions. This is where 5G technology can play a great role in presenting AR, VR, and MR through mobile apps.
Video Streaming
As per the YouTube user statistics, most of all YouTube traffic is generated through mobile devices. YouTube and other leading video streaming apps are often disturbed by slow loading speed and higher latency in the connection. This is where the latest 5G network can play a great role by ensuring faster loading speed.
A whopping 60% of the mobile traffic mostly consumes video content, but due to the higher latency and slower loading speed, users often set the quality at 360p or 420p. With the 5G network becoming a reality, the users will now enjoy streaming video content with much better resolution. According to some experiments carried out by Japanese firms, the 5G network can stream even ultra-high-definition videos with lightning-fast loading speed.
The Robust Mobile Gaming Experience
Thanks to the 5G network, mobile gaming will boost speed, immersive gaming experience, graphics and animation quality, and smooth low-latency interactions. The 5G technology will help build games that can be accessed from anywhere and through many devices.
All the mobile games that utilize AR and VR technologies will be able to deliver a more advanced, supple, and smooth gaming experience than ever before. Thanks to higher data transmission speed, gamers will be able to enjoy playing games with more speed and the least minimum latency.
High-Speed Internet of Things (IoT) Adoption
4G played a great role in the adoption of IoT systems across industrial environments. But the limitations in terms of performance, speed, and latency were obvious with 4G technology. Thanks to the 5G connectivity, IoT will be deployed to its optimum potential and help developers bring together a whole array of devices and sensors within a connected ecosystem.
Thanks to better connectivity standards, IoT systems will become capable of connecting bigger cities and large public spaces to make the so-called smart cities an achievable reality instead of a futuristic idea. Thanks to 5G connectivity, all connected devices will have increased data processing capabilities.
More Powerful Cloud Services
Cloud services catering to consumers and businesses worldwide will be more capable of stream content faster thanks to the 5G network connectivity.
Thanks to low-latency and high-speed internet facilitated by the 5G network, there will be a more smooth, frictionless, and speedier device-to-device communication. More enterprises will rely on cloud-based services instead of in-house computing and IT ecosystems.
Conclusion
The whole world is already gearing to welcome the 5G network. Once it becomes available for the masses worldwide, we can expect a digital revolution to take place, overcoming many shortcomings of earlier digital apps and platforms.
