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Overview:

* A study presented by Gartner highlights the main technology trends for 2021;

* Artificial intelligence, Blockchain, Digital Accessibility, and Big Data solutions may see significant advances this year;

* The mobile app market is also expected to grow in 2021; Brazil stands out among emerging countries.

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A recent Gartner study presented the main technology trends for 2021.

After a turbulent year—especially around 5G—the next year should further expand the use of high-speed internet in areas such as digital security, cloud solutions, and artificial intelligence, for example.

Even though these trends have appeared in projections for several years, broader 5G adoption in more countries in 2021 increases the likelihood of success in developing new technologies.

The promise is that, in the near future, a large volume of data will be transmitted continuously—whether to turn your home into a smart home, expand AI capacity in Silicon Valley companies, or strengthen cybersecurity across networks.

Gartner’s research also points to increased automation in industrial processes and predicts a strong evolution in digital accessibility.

Want to understand what the main technology trends are for the coming years?

How is the mobile app market doing—should we expect growth?

Let’s explore those questions below.

What are the main technology trends for 2021?

1. Big Data and Analytics

One of the key trends for 2021 is the more advanced and specialized development of Big Data solutions.

With social networks consolidating over recent years, a massive amount of user data has been generated, enabling more consistent analytics and reporting. This helps improve user experience, boost company productivity, and support smarter business decisions.

According to Gartner, by 2025 that data volume is expected to be even larger—highlighting the need for developing new technologies.

This will make it possible to organize unstructured information faster and more accurately.

But how does this work?

When a user accesses a website—whether a social network or a simple page—their data is stored in the company’s database so the business can better understand the user profile.

These data can also be used to inform and alert the population via phone and SMS, as in the case of natural phenomena.

In addition, Big Data solutions enable features like package tracking, which has become extremely common.

2. Facial recognition

Another technology trend that should evolve significantly in 2021 is facial recognition.

Already present in many apps and operating systems, this technology is essential for user security in relation to smart devices.

Just as biometrics were adopted in smartphones and tablets—and even in electronic voting machines—the trend is for facial recognition to become more present in daily life, largely due to 5G and the increased speed for transferring this kind of data.

Another key driver is the pandemic. To avoid contamination between people, many biometric-based systems could not be used.

To address this, expanding facial recognition systems is essential.

In fact, smarter security cameras with more refined facial recognition can help increase safety in large urban centers.

3. Cloud solutions

According to Gartner’s report, the consolidation of cloud computing is another key technology trend for the coming years.

However, it should gain a characteristic different from what we know today: so-called Distributed Cloud.

This model is characterized by distributing cloud services across different geographic locations, managed by public cloud providers.

As a result, services are no longer tied to a single data center. They are managed across a much larger number of servers, accelerating computer-to-server connectivity and all processes that require speed.

The forecast is that by 2025, a significant part of private cloud computing will be replaced by public cloud services without compromising quality.

Another study—this time by Statista—projects that investments in cloud computing will exceed US$ 350 billion by 2022, reinforcing the trend of growth in the coming years.

4. Cybersecurity and blockchain

As expected, advances in cybersecurity are another trend.

Driven by recent attacks against large companies and the number of data leaks in recent months, big players are expected to strengthen their networks.

One factor behind this significant increase is the shift to remote work. With employees connecting in a decentralized way, criminals have more opportunities to invade corporate networks.

A GetApp survey helps illustrate this fragility. According to the report, about one third of companies were victims of ransomware attacks in the past year—essentially a form of data kidnapping.

Alongside cybersecurity, investments in blockchain are also expected to rise in the coming years.

This technology became well known for securely recording Bitcoin transactions, but it is now being adopted by major retail companies such as Amazon and Walmart.

According to Gartner, blockchain is expected to be combined with artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), increasing reliability and user security.

5. Artificial intelligence

Speaking of artificial intelligence, this technology should gain even more capabilities in 2021—especially with 5G reaching more countries.

With faster connections, machine learning and AI can evolve significantly, in proportion to the arrival of high-speed data transfer.

As a result, it is expected that machines can be “taught” to fight cyberattacks more accurately without compromising company resources—bringing stronger protection for user data.

Some recent studies even suggest that it will be possible to predict attacks with some advance notice, based on patterns of previous attacks and faster system calculations.

Even though this structure requires substantial investment, the trend is that it will happen—especially because the financial return can be attractive over time.

6. Digital accessibility

Often overlooked in technology discussions, digital accessibility is fundamental and is also among the key technology trends for the coming years.

In this area, it is expected that major software and smart device developers will invest in more accessibility features—whether for visual, hearing, or mobility needs.

Why can we say this is a trend?

A recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) pointed out that by 2030, 2 billion people will need access to at least one assistive technology.

This estimate is based on current numbers.

Globally, 15% of the population has some type of disability, often facing restricted access to jobs and education, for example.

With increased investment in accessibility—and especially in AI—more people with disabilities can be employed, since machines can support specific processes.

7. Process automation

Building on the previous topic, process automation is another trend projected by Gartner.

Already advancing in previous years, 5G should also impact this part of tech—especially in factories and industrial environments.

With faster connectivity, it becomes possible to produce a much larger volume of products in less time through robotic process automation.

Many companies already have this type of technology, but equipment costs can still be very high, which makes it harder for smaller businesses.

As automation consolidates, prices are expected to drop and become more accessible.

Remote work and social isolation also created new urgency: investing more in digital models helps avoid contact between people and supports scalable operations.

8. Multi-experience

Finally, according to Gartner, many future technologies will be grounded in delivering the best possible user experience—the so-called multi-experience.

The study expects more solutions in virtual reality and augmented reality, as well as increased focus on UX and UI design, which will become even more important in the development of systems and applications.

All of this evolution tends to increase interaction between users and digital products in a richer, more immersive, and more accessible way.

Many of the apps we use today are already experience-driven, such as iFood, Uber, and Rappi. Still, the total number of applications can be considered low compared to what is possible.

The mobile app market should also expand in 2021

Beyond emerging technologies, the mobile app market is expected to heat up significantly in the coming years.

One factor behind company adoption of apps is the convenience and practicality for customers, since a large part of the world population now has a smartphone with internet access.

Another sign of growth is a Pew Research study. According to the report, the app industry is expected to move US$ 6.3 trillion by the end of 2021 worldwide.

Within that number, Brazil stands out among developing countries. On average, Brazilians spend around three hours a day using apps—a behavior that further motivates investment in the area.

This growth is also driven by improvements in how apps are built, bringing responsiveness to smartphones, tablets, and notebooks, as well as smoother performance across devices.

In addition, it is always important to optimize apps in their stores, whether in the App Store or the Play Store.

But where do you start? What should you do to build your own app?

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