Smartphones have become an essential part of people’s lives. What started as a device for calls and sending SMS, smartphones’ purposes are now aplenty, ranging from online messaging to using it as a remote control. 

By the end of 2019, it is projected that the number of smartphone users in the world would increase from 2.9 billion in 2018 to 3.2 billion this year. In line with this, the United States has one of the highest numbers of smartphone users in the world, with an average American checking their phone every 12 minutes.

Most available apps nowadays need a reliable internet connection to work. Unfortunately, not all users always have access to a fast connection. Because of this, offline apps are preferred more.

What about offline mode

A mobile app with offline mode works, as the name implies, without the need to be connected to the internet. 

Mobile users who want to save battery or have poor data connection while traveling or commuting outside favor apps with offline mode. These offline apps are also helpful to those who wish to lessen their time in, let’s say, social media and only want to use their devices for productivity purposes.

Moreover, a slow connection can cause a bad user experience, which may lead to people deleting your app and never using it again. The flexibility of being able to use a mobile app whenever or wherever you are, with or without being connected to the internet, is an important factor to most people, if not everyone. 

In addition to that, mobile apps with offline mode are faster than those without. Users do not need to wait for their app to load when they have a slow connection.

BBC News, Google Maps, and Netflix are good examples of mobile apps with the offline mode that customers appreciate.

What offline apps mean for your business

Your business will benefit from all these perks of an app being available offline. By giving users a choice to use your mobile app either they are online or not, you are already putting yourself ahead of your competitors.

If your app is already out there, listen to your users’ needs. Take a look at Trello. Their users requested for offline mode, and in 2017, they obliged. Whether people are on an out-of-town trip with a spotty connection or flying across one continent to another, Trello users can work on their boards offline. 

Conclusion

With the continuous advancement of new technologies, mobile app developers and business owners must continue to adapt and improve. However, not all apps are alike. What works for one may not work for another. So, make sure to do enough research on what offline mode means for your app. Go with experienced app developers to handle developing or updating your mobile app, someone who knows if this feature is feasible for your business model.

If you need a team that knows the latest trends in mobile app development that will help your business, we are more than glad to chat with you about it. Contact us now!