Key app trends across top industries in 2025

Forget swapping Santorini for Paros; 2025 is all about the detour. Travellers aren’t just seeking alternatives to popular destinations; they’re adding on entirely new experiences to their trips. Data from Expedia shows that 63% of customers are planning to visit a “detour destination”. Think of Santa Barbara as a pit stop from Los Angeles or Girona as a detour to Barcelona. Apps that help travellers easily plan multi-stop trips and uncover hidden gems will be key players in this trend.

Luxury travel isn’t just thriving - it’s constantly advancing. With the global luxury travel market predicted to hit $2.2 trillion by 2030, apps catering to high-net-worth individuals will need to offer more than just bookings. Think exclusive gastronomic tours, private spa services, and ultra-personalised itineraries. This isn’t about opulence for opulence’s sake; it’s about crafting unique, meaningful memories for your users. Businesses that can integrate bespoke travel planning tools with AR/VR previews and concierge services will capture this growing market.

The intersection of sports and travel is hotter than ever. With events like the Olympics and Formula 1 drawing fans worldwide, apps that connect users to ticketing, travel, and behind-the-scenes experiences will thrive. Younger travellers are also embracing active exploration, such as running, cycling, and outdoor challenges. Apps that gamify these experiences, track fitness goals, and link to local activities are set to score big in 2025.

With long-term sickness at a 20-year high in the UK, preventative health is a priority. Apps that focus on early intervention, stress management, and lifestyle coaching are in demand. Employers and individuals alike are seeking tools that provide actionable insights to combat issues like mental illness and musculoskeletal problems. Features like predictive analytics and AI-powered coaching will set these apps apart.

We partnered with GoodShape to craft an app that sets the standard for this trend prediction. Designed to enhance staff well-being and support their return to work, it’s a game-changer. Discover more here.

From personalised meal plans to chronotype-based productivity hacks, biohacking is no longer a niche trend. Over 67% of people in the UK already use health-tracking apps, and this figure is climbing. 2025 will usher in the era of hyper-personalised health apps, integrating wearables, AI-driven insights, and even VR experiences for virtual health consultations. Just picture an app that knows when you’re most productive, helping you optimise your day, and track your physical and mental health in real-time and more accurately.

The ongoing focus on mental health will see apps like Headspace and Calm expanding their offerings, while new players introduce innovative solutions. Virtual reality therapy, AI chatbots for 24/7 support, and immersive mindfulness tools will become commonplace. Those who can combine helpful and encouraging experiences with scientifically backed features will lead the charge in 2025.

AI has been a hot topic in recent years, often dismissed as just another trend. But in the world of finance, it’s the key to transforming operations. From detecting fraud to real-time risk assessment, apps that automate and enhance financial processes will charge ahead. This goes beyond efficiency - it includes achieving greater accuracy, minimising human error, and creating transparency across the industry.

Imagine an app that doesn’t just track your spending but also offers users tailored investment advice. Generative AI is set to redefine financial planning, providing users with personalised plans for improving their savings, pensions, and investments. However the challenge with this is ensuring these solutions are user-friendly while maintaining the highest standards of data security.

Why use ten apps when one can do it all? Super-apps are the future, integrating everything from messaging to shopping, payments, and fitness tracking into a one-stop shop. Think WeChat, but with even broader functionality. As users demand effortless, all-in-one solutions, businesses will need to prioritise clever interfaces and bullet-proof back-end integrations.

The pandemic may have accelerated touchless tech, but the trend is here to stay. From facial recognition to gesture-based navigation, touchless interfaces are becoming more and more of an expectation. Imagine scrolling through an app with a glance or navigating menus with a subtle hand movement. These innovations don’t just add convenience; they redefine accessibility, opening doors for users of all abilities.

Augmented and virtual reality aren’t just for gaming. In 2025, they’ll play a pivotal role in app design, offering immersive experiences across industries. From virtual property tours to try-before-you-buy shopping experiences, AR/VR will set a new standard for how users engage with businesses. Those who embrace these technologies now will be at the forefront of a seismic shift in user interaction.

2025 isn’t just about new features or buzzworthy tech - it’s about creating experiences that resonate and leave a lasting impression on users. Whether it’s helping travellers uncover hidden gems, encouraging users to take more accurate control of their health, or transforming how we manage our finances, the trends we’ve outlined are shaping the future of apps.

At The Distance, we’re not just building apps; we’re crafting journeys, solving problems, and delivering innovation that lasts. Ready to explore the possibilities?