The automotive world is rapidly shifting and automotive app development is changing because of it. As technology evolves, there’s an increasing demand for integrated digital experiences — particularly amongst Gen Z — where smartphones and vehicles are interconnected to create seamless, personalized journeys for drivers.
As this demand for in-car apps increases, car manufacturers (OEMs) are facing massive decisions on how to successfully develop and deploy these applications.
To explore the future of automotive app development, we spoke to leading consultants here at Star for their first-hand expertise and predictions.
Their insights offer a clear picture of where the market is heading over the next five years.
Challenges with automotive app development
Developing automotive apps isn’t without its hurdles. One significant challenge, according to Star’s Design Director Adrian Waibel, is ensuring that apps provide genuine value to users. Many OEMs struggle to create features that enhance convenience in meaningful ways. It’s not enough for an automotive app to simply be functional, it needs to improve the user experience by solving real problems or improving the driving journey.
The growing complexity of the automotive ecosystem as a whole also adds to the challenge. As Adrian notes, there’s a need to seamlessly integrate apps with existing digital ecosystems, including smartphones, smart homes and even smart cities. This interconnected experience is increasingly important as vehicles become more sophisticated.
Additionally, Ekaterina Glebova, Senior UX/UI Designer at Star highlights the complexity of managing a growing amount of data that exists within these apps. As more features are added and data streams increase, designers must ensure that apps remain intuitive and user-friendly.
The aim is to offer a comprehensive set of functionalities without overwhelming users.
Automotive apps: future trends
By 2030, nearly 95% of new vehicles will be connected, which is up from 50% in 2020 we know the challenges that can occur with automotive app development, let’s take a look at the trends facing OEMs and how to adhere to them going forward.
1. A hybrid (app)roach
There’s a debate central to the development of automotive apps and it’s this: standalone vs. web-based. Which is the better option?
As Alexander Debkaliuk, Head of Design for Eastern Europe at Star, explains, native solutions (aka apps designed specifically for mobile operating systems like iOS or Android) are favored by OEMs for their superior performance and ability to fully leverage device capabilities. Native apps offer enhanced features, better security and smoother integration with vehicle systems, which makes them the ideal choice for many.
Having said that, web-based apps come with their own set of advantages. Ekaterina points out that these apps are more cost-effective, easier to update and are compatible across multiple different platforms.
Web-based apps do have limitations though, like reduced performance and a lack of access to certain device-specific features. But overall they generally offer a more flexible, cross-platform solution.
As for the standalone vs. web-based debate, the answer isn’t one or the other. It's both! The future is gearing toward hybrid apps — a combination of the two approaches. This gives you the best of both worlds, allowing OEMs to balance cost, performance and functionality while meeting increasing consumer demands.
Ekaterina also predicts the rise of progressive web apps and the integration of AI and machine learning to improve the user experience (more on that to follow).
2. The rise of super apps
Looking forward, a significant development in the automotive app realm will be the emergence of super apps — platforms that go beyond basic vehicle management to offer a wide range of integrated services and functionalities.
There’s an increasing consumer demand for all-in-one solutions that simplify daily tasks and Ekaterina predicts a future where automotive apps include a broad array of lifestyle services, like e-commerce, insurance management and social networking features. The super app concept is poised to take center stage in the automotive industry.
Adrian also sees super apps as a way to integrate lifestyle features with core vehicle functionalities. Think scheduling service appointments or ordering accessories. Or imagine an app that can find parking spaces for you!
These super apps will essentially become the central hub for managing both your car and your broader lifestyle, giving you a seamless user experience in the process.
3. AI and AR innovations
A key takeaway from the recent CES 2025 event was that AI is everywhere. And that rings true for automotive app development. According to Alex Mukomelov, Design Director at Star, the integration of AI and AR solutions will significantly enhance the driving experience.
AI-powered apps will anticipate driver needs, predict destinations and assist with daily tasks. Meanwhile, AR could absolutely revolutionize in-car navigation, providing immersive, real-time guidance that enhances situational awareness.
Take Nomi for example, the world's first in-car companion, co-created by Star and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer NIO.
NOMI uses advanced AI to foster an emotional connection between car and driver, demonstrating the potential AI innovations can (and will) have on future automotive app development.
Personalization will be a key driver (pun intended) too. Last year’s Beijing Auto Show really focused on consumer desire for customization. Future automotive apps will allow drivers to tailor their in-car environment to their preferences, whether that’s infotainment settings or smart home integration. This customization will be possible through modular, user-focused designs that adapt to individual lifestyles.
4. Fully integrated experiences
Over the next five or so years, the automotive app landscape will continue to evolve. According to Alexander Debkaliuk, OEMs are likely to increase their investment in companion apps and the infrastructure required to connect them with in-car experiences.
As the role of apps expands, OEMs will likely opt to build these solutions in-house rather than rely solely on third-party suppliers.
The shift towards super apps will also expand, offering a broader range of services to meet consumer expectations. Alex Mukomelov predicts that self-driving cars will further transform vehicles into multifunctional spaces that blend entertainment, work and even social interaction.
In this new paradigm, mobile apps will be central to managing both the vehicle and the wider digital ecosystem.
Automotive app development key takeaways
- Hybrid app solutions: The future of automotive apps will likely combine the strengths of both native and web-based apps, balancing performance, cost, and security
- Seamless integration: The growing complexity of automotive systems requires apps that integrate seamlessly with broader digital ecosystems, including smartphones and smart homes
- Super apps: Expect automotive apps to evolve into all-encompassing platforms that integrate vehicle management with lifestyle services like e-commerce, social networking and more
- AI and AR: The next wave of innovation will leverage AI and AR to create more personalized, immersive and intuitive driving experiences
- Consumer-centric design: Success will depend on how you deliver genuine value to users through apps that meet real needs and offer seamless, engaging experiences
As OEMs continue to invest in automobile app development, it’s clear that the next five years will bring exciting new features and functionalities that’ll redefine how we interact with our vehicles.
The key to success will be a focus on personalization, integration and delivering practical, intuitive tools that enhance the overall driving experience.
Successful automotive app development is just one way to get ahead in the automotive & mobility industry. While it will help you rise high above your competitors, alone it won't make you the industry leader. To be that, you'll need to be aware of further trends currently facing the industry. You can find those in our on-demand masterclass below.
