The entire world is facing the aftermath of the global crisis –the coronavirus pandemic. With businesses facing the wrath of the pandemic, there are some sectors that are still booming –even in times of such crises. One such sector is the mobile app development industry.
In this article, we will help you unravel the impact of the crisis on mobile app development and how this industry continues booming.
On-demand Service Apps
On-demand apps refer to mobility solutions that enable users to access any service across the business world in real-time at their doorstep. They include on-demand service apps like food delivery, laundry service, grocery services, rental services, payments, and many more. On-demand apps have been successfully delivering services over time very quickly, which has earned them a huge customer base.
As the governments went on promoting social distancing as one of the quivers in the arrow to tackle this virus, digital solutions across the world widened the wings and flourished at a higher pace than before. The contactless payment and delivery options came out as noble and one of the most intellectual steps in these difficult situations.
Here are some of the on-demand apps:
- Lyft
- Grab
- Instacart
- OlaCabs
- DoorDash
- Postmates
- Bolt

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Marketplace Apps
Looking at the statistics of marketplace apps like Instagram, Facebook, and others, the trend is mixed. These platforms played a major role during lockdown periods. They helped people stay connected, informed, and engaged. However, app download numbers did not grow equally across all regions. In several countries, downloads of popular social and marketplace apps remained flat. Some even saw a decline.
According to a report by research firm Apptopia, daily downloads for many well-known apps stayed almost unchanged over the last three months. In some cases, they dropped slightly. At the same time, a different trend emerged in Western markets. Consumer-focused and enterprise apps saw a noticeable increase in new downloads. People began using digital platforms more actively for business and productivity.
Many individuals turned to marketplace apps to sell products they created during lockdown. Home-based businesses, handmade goods, and small online stores became more common. This shift showed how digital marketplaces helped people find new income opportunities during challenging times.
Here are some of the marketplace apps:
- Letgo
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
- Nextdoor
- OfferUp
- Poshmark
- Tradesy

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Food Delivery Apps
During the lockdown, food delivery apps were classified as essential services. They continued to operate when most businesses had to shut down. This helped millions of customers access meals safely from their homes. Food delivery platforms quickly became a source of comfort and convenience. For many people, they were a small but important relief during uncertain times.
In an interview, the founder of a leading food delivery app shared an interesting insight. The pandemic helped the company reduce its burn rate significantly. Lower operational costs and focused spending improved overall business health. Company leaders also spoke about customer expectations going forward. People are now more aware of hygiene and safety than ever before. Social distancing remains a key concern.
Restaurants, in turn, need to adapt to these expectations. They must follow strict hygiene standards and communicate them clearly. Building trust through safety measures will be crucial for retaining customers in the post-pandemic world.
Here are some of the food delivery apps:
- DoorDash
- GrubHub
- UberEats
- Seamless
- Postmates
- Delivery.com
- Instacart

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E-learning Apps
When COVID-19 first broke out, it created an unprecedented situation. No one was fully prepared for the sudden disruption. Schools and colleges were forced to shut down overnight. Everything felt uncertain.
Many students feared losing an entire academic year. Traditional classroom learning came to a standstill. The future of education seemed unclear during those early days. Fortunately, learning did not stop. Educational institutions quickly turned to e-learning platforms. Digital education emerged as a practical solution. Students continued their studies from home without major interruptions.
E-learning apps opened up new opportunities for learners. Students and professionals could explore subjects of their choice. They could access courses and tutorials created by experienced experts. Learning became more flexible and self-paced. These platforms also introduced structured assessments. Users could submit assignments and attend online exams. On completion, they received certifications. These certificates add value to professional profiles and improve career opportunities.
COVID-19 has permanently changed the education landscape. Digital learning is no longer an alternative. It has become an essential part of modern education.
Here are some of the e-learning apps:
- Coursera
- Udemy
- Skillshare
- Photomath
- Linkedin Learning
- Duolingo

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Health & Well-being Apps
Gyms were among the first places to shut down during the pandemic. This left many people without access to their regular fitness routines. Staying active at home became a challenge for most. Long hours of sitting and limited movement affected both physical and mental health. Fitness apps emerged as a practical solution during this time. They helped people stay active without stepping outside. These apps acted as personal fitness guides at home.
Today, many users download fitness apps to maintain their health and routine. The apps track workout time and completed sessions. Users can log their weight and follow step-by-step exercise instructions. Diet charts and meal plans are also available. Most fitness apps show calories burned and daily progress. This helps users stay motivated and consistent. For anyone who wants to track their health closely, fitness apps offer strong support and structure.
Here are some of the health and well-being apps:
- Esquared
- Meditopia
- FIIT
- HealthTap
- Headspace
- Epocrates
- Mindbody

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Social Media Apps
Social media apps have always played an important role in daily life. People need to stay connected and interact with one another. During times of isolation, these apps helped bridge that gap. They made it possible to stay in touch without physical meetings. Social media platforms help users stay updated with events around the world. News, trends, and real-time updates are easily accessible. They also help people build and maintain strong personal and professional networks.
During the pandemic, many users downloaded social networking apps for the first time. They used them to follow news updates and share personal experiences. These platforms also helped people stay emotionally connected with friends and family who were far away. Social media activity increased significantly during this period. These platforms became the primary source of information for many people. They played a key role in keeping the world informed and connected during uncertain times.
Here are some of the social media apps:
- YouTube

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Entertainment Apps
Entertainment apps offer a wide variety of content. They include TV shows, web series, movies, documentaries, and comedy programs. This easy access to content helped people cope during lockdown periods. Many users downloaded entertainment apps to pass time at home. Both kids and adults relied on these platforms for relaxation. Gaming apps also saw increased downloads. They helped keep users engaged and entertained indoors.
At the same time, news apps gained significant attention. People wanted real-time updates from around the world. Information about COVID-19 cases, lockdown rules, safety guidelines, and government decisions became essential. While news apps kept people informed, entertainment apps offered mental relief. They helped users escape stress and anxiety, even if only for a short time. Together, these apps played an important role in daily life during the pandemic.
Here are some of the Entertainment Apps:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Hulu
- Tubi

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E-payment Apps
Online payment methods helped people avoid visiting banks and crowded places. They reduced the need for face-to-face interactions. This made everyday transactions safer during the pandemic. With payment apps, users can buy products and services online easily. Transactions are secure, fast, and convenient. There is no need to stand in ATM queues or deal with paperwork.
Digital payments have also reduced the pressure on traditional banking services. Routine financial tasks can now be completed in just a few taps. This has made money management more efficient for users. Online payments benefit both customers and service providers. Apart from banking apps, many financial apps support instant transfers. These apps are easy to use and widely accessible. Many platforms also offer multiple payment gateways. This gives customers more flexibility while paying. As a result, digital payments have become an essential part of daily life.
Here are some of the e-payment apps:
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- Xoom
- Square Cash
- Stripe
- PayPal

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Conclusion
This period has reshaped the world in unexpected ways. It forced people and businesses to adapt quickly. While no one was fully prepared, essential needs continued to be met everywhere. Technology played a major role in making this possible.
Mobile apps simplified daily life during the crisis. They supported people in multiple ways. From services and payments to learning and entertainment, apps became a reliable solution. As a result, mobile app usage saw massive growth during this time.
Having a strong mobile app idea is not as difficult as it seems. What matters most is a clear vision. You need to know the problem your app solves and the goals you want to achieve.
To build a successful app, working with the right development partner is important. A professional mobile app development company can guide you through the entire process. This includes planning, design, development, and launch.
If you plan to develop mobile apps from scratch, iScripts can help. We have an in-house team experienced in mobile app development. You can explore our portfolio to see our work.
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