As mobile technology continues to evolve, so does the way we use our devices. One trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is the rise of "super apps." A super app is basically an all-in-one app that offers a wide range of services to users. Think of it as a one-stop-shop for all your needs. Rather than having multiple apps for different services, a super app combines all these services into one convenient platform.
For example, let's say you need to order food, book a ride, and pay your bills. Instead of using different apps for each of these tasks, a super app would allow you to do all of them in one place.
Although the term ‘super apps’ has been around since 2010 (first coined by BlackBerry Founder, Mike Lazaridis), the impact has not been felt in the United States. WeChat is dominant in China and offers most anything you need booked and paid for through one app. Why one app? The average phone doesn’t have the power to host dozens of apps. WeChat is a solution that helps the consumer. The British-Lithuanian financial super app Revolut boasts itself as “One app, all things money.” Although Europeans have no problem with multiple financial apps, this is meant to address the desire for “ease of use.”
This idea of a super app as an entire ecosystem to meet the user’s every need has not yet taken off in the United States. In the U.S., the concept of super apps is still way off in practicality. Why? Americans are comfortable with lots of specific apps. According to Google and Apple combined, the average American has 80 apps and is comfortable to use 9-10 a day, up to 30-40 per month, and many pundits suggest that comfort negates the need for super apps.
But what’s on the horizon? Companies around the world are exploring the concept of super apps and creating their own versions. The idea is to provide users with a seamless experience and make their lives easier by offering a variety of services in one app.
Microsoft is reportedly examining options to compete with Google and Apple. Walmart is making advances with the me@Walmart app, which allows Walmart associates to have personal and work needs met in one app.
What does this mean for associations? Imagine an app for your major event that would allow members to contact their peers and staff (even if they are not able to attend the event), create their own schedule of what sessions to attend, take notes and share them with colleagues, learn what restaurants or activities are nearby – and pay for them – or even get ideas for souvenirs to take home.
mosaic 365™ has many of these options already! Before you imagine what can happen in the future, give us a call and explore what can happen today!
