What is a Super App? The Power that Unlocks New Profit Streams for Businesses
- What is a super app?
- Benefits of super apps
- How beneficial can a super app be?
- Why should companies develop a super app?
- Technical challenges of creating a super app
- Frequently asked questions about super apps
- Final thoughts
We increasingly rely on mobile applications for various tasks and activities. Our tools range from social media and messaging apps to shopping and payment ones, covering almost everything we do. With the rapid advancement of new technologies and devices, the number of mobile applications for every need grows exponentially.
Users get accustomed to having a huge number of services just one click away. However, the expanding need for more and more mobile apps on their smartphones impedes a smooth user experience. Therefore, customers face the situation when they require a service, but further app downloads are undesired or inconvenient.
The answer to this issue is a Super App. These applications provide access to all services on a single platform. Thus, customers don’t need to install multiple apps as they can have everything at hand with just one solution.
We will take a glance at the world of super apps, explore a super app concept and characteristics, and try to answer whether it is worth investing in super app development.
What is a super app?
Seamless and comprehensive solutions, super apps save users from the need to endlessly download new apps on their devices. The super app concept implies a one-stop shop for everything a customer needs.
Super apps have gained immense popularity due to their convenience and all-in-one capability. A super app allows a user to access various services without downloading and switching between multiple applications.
Super apps have penetrated the tech industry, with companies worldwide vying to create their own versions of these all-in-one platforms. Essentially, super apps offer a wide array of features and services beyond what a typical app could do. These functionalities can include messaging, social media, food delivery, financial services, and more, making them comprehensive and convenient for users.
Benefits of super apps
One of the main advantages of super apps is their ability to offer an easy and integrated user experience. Instead of switching between multiple apps to complete different tasks, users can access all the services they need within a unified platform. It saves time and effort for users and makes it easier for them to achieve their purposes.
The fundamental features that distinguish super apps from traditional applications include the following.
- Multiple services. Super apps provide many services within the same application, becoming a one-stop shop for every need.
- Enhanced user experience. Super apps deliver an easy and joyful user experience, allowing users to switch between various services within one application.
- Integration with third-party applications. Super apps can be integrated with other applications, granting access to additional services within a single solution.
- Easy customer data collection. Information on consumer behavior and preferences becomes more centralized through one app. By collecting comprehensive data, super apps help develop new services for individual needs.
- Increased reach for businesses. These apps become a handy tool for businesses to embrace a wider audience. By extending the number of services within a super app, companies can reach an existing customer base with new offers.
- Greater security. Super apps provide reinforced security measures, including secure payment systems and encrypted data transfer, offering an extra protection layer.
- Reduced costs. By using a single platform, businesses can simplify their operations, reach more customers, and minimize the expenses related to managing various apps and marketing channels.
How beneficial can a super app be?
Once we’ve identified that super apps can bring value to individuals and businesses, it’s time to assess this value and determine whether these applications will be in demand. To attain this goal, let’s take a brief look at a super app market review.
The expansion of super apps started in Asian countries, where solutions like WeChat, Grab, and Gojek have become recognized industry leaders. Now, their popularity has reached Europe and North America. The global super app downloads have grown by 115% between 2016 and 2019, with Southeast Asia experiencing the highest growth rate. A survey estimates that an appropriate super app could attract 98 million day-one users, generating over $3.25 billion in annual spending.
Furthermore, the potential demand for super apps in North America and Europe is significant. The chart below displays the share of customers eager to install a super app. In the U.S., for instance, 28% of consumers are extremely interested in using these tools.
One of the key factors contributing to the successful adoption of super apps is a mobile-first market, where smartphones are the primary devices for users. Additionally, the incorporation of financial and payment services is another attractive feature of super apps. Messaging, transportation, health and insurance, food, and other types of services make super apps comprehensive and convenient solutions for consumers.
Why should companies develop a super app?
Enticing features and the galloping expansion of super apps can urge companies to invest in these promising solutions. But first of all, they should carefully consider potential benefits and challenges.
Enhanced efficiency and user experience
With all the services and features consolidated in one application, users can complete various tasks without switching between multiple platforms or downloading various applications. This saves time and provides a smoother experience for the user. Additionally, a super app can leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide personalized recommendations and a better user experience.
Greater customer loyalty and new user acquisition
By obtaining a range of services in one app, users are more likely to stay within the ecosystem and use the app regularly. Increased customer engagement can raise loyalty and retention. Furthermore, a super app can attract users interested in only one of the services and then open the door for multiple other features and opportunities.
Higher business value
By consolidating various services, companies can reduce the costs of maintaining multiple apps and streamline operations. Additionally, a super app can provide new revenue streams by offering services like e-commerce, payments, and advertising.
Technical challenges of creating a super app
Like any technical novelty, super app implementation is associated with a range of challenges. Based on our experience, we have outlined the five typical technical concerns companies will likely face.
Lack of expertise
Building a super app requires diverse skills, including app development, backend programming, database management, and cybersecurity. Moreover, there is no unified recipe for an optimal tech stack. Customers can choose between Java, Python, and much more to link with the nodes. Companies that do not have in-house expertise in these areas may struggle to find the right talent and determine the best framework, language, tools, and process.
Super app development process
Creating a super app is a comprehensive and multi-stage process that involves several steps, including idea generation, prototyping, design, development, testing, and deployment. Each of these steps presents unique challenges that require careful consideration to ensure that the app meets user needs and delivers the expected value. It takes a great deal of experience to prevent potential pitfalls at every stage and make the process as smooth as possible.
Integrations with other services
A super app typically integrates numerous services like e-commerce, payments, and messaging. Furthermore, a super app will implement plenty of APIs, from the payment to the security gateway. Therefore, app developers must be adept in multiple payment API integrations and ensure a smooth function of the integrated tools.
Data security
A super app collects and stores vast amounts of user data, including personal information, payment details, and transaction history. Companies need to guarantee that this data is secure and protected from cyber threats like hacking and data breaches.
App management and support
Super app management comprises regular support and app marketing. The first includes fixing bugs, updating features, and ensuring the app is compatible with the latest operating systems and devices. The latter is associated with super app strategy and functionalities. Both, however, are focused on seamless operation and reaching a broader audience.
Frequently asked questions about super apps
China’s WeChat emerged as the pioneering super app in 2011, initially serving as a communication platform but has since expanded to encompass a staggering array of over two million services spanning 200 categories. Since its inception, this innovative concept has gained significant traction, leading to a surge in the popularity of similar apps.
Super apps are trending due to their ability to offer a wide range of services and features within a single platform, providing convenience and efficiency to users. These apps consolidate multiple functionalities such as communication, social media, e-commerce, payments, food delivery, transportation, and more, eliminating the need to switch between different applications. The seamless integration of various services in one app streamlines user experiences, saves time, and enhances convenience. Moreover, super apps frequently leverage data and user insights to personalize and tailor services, further enhancing user satisfaction. The growing popularity of super apps can be attributed to their ability to simplify daily tasks, improve productivity, and offer a holistic digital ecosystem for users.
Yes, it is possible to start your own super app, but it requires careful planning and execution. You should consider such steps as identifying target markets, defining core services, developing a robust platform, establishing secure partnerships with service providers, delivering user-friendly experiences, creating monetization strategies, and promoting. This way, it’s better to collaborate with experienced developers to achieve your goals.
Final thoughts
The future of super apps looks appealing as they provide an incredibly personalized and prolific experience. They help companies establish efficient partnerships, reduce costs, and attract a wider audience of users.
Investing in super app development can bring significant benefits. However, together with anticipating dividends, companies should meticulously assess threats and address challenges that can hamper the process and lead to poor results.
Taking pride in our achievements in breakthrough app development, we offer competent support in building your super app. Our expertise spans numerous industries including logistics, retail, healthcare, fitness, and more. We deliver technical projects that are not only user-friendly and visually appealing. Our team strives to resolve the challenges of each specific business with technology. For example, you can read our article about retail trends in 2023 with a detailed explanation of how they can shape your company.
We’re also proficient in creating functional mobile applications for Android and iOS. This allows businesses to enhance their operations and customer service. In our latest article, we analyzed the most popular driver applications for the logistics industry.
Our experts know how to mitigate potential threats and enrich your app with maximum user value. With our team, you can ease your path toward a successful super app creation.
Learn more about our mobile development services — contact Coreteka.
