Introduction

As we move through 2020, App development in remote-first COVID era has become critical for Australian app developers and product teams. With iOS 14, App Clips, SwiftUI maturing and Android 11 both evolving rapidly, understanding current best practices is essential for success.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:

  • The current state of App development in remote-first COVID era in 2020
  • Platform-specific considerations for iOS and Android
  • Best practices and proven strategies
  • Real-world Australian examples
  • Tools and technologies available now
  • Future outlook and emerging trends

Let’s dive into how Australian app developers can excel with App development in remote-first COVID era in 2020.

The 2020 Mobile Development Landscape

iOS 14, App Clips, SwiftUI maturing continues to evolve with recent releases, while Android 11 brings new capabilities. For Australian developers, this means:

iOS Development:

  • iOS 14, App Clips, SwiftUI maturing
  • Flutter growing, React Native established gaining traction
  • Apple’s focus on Privacy, App Clips, and Widget enhancements

Android Development:

  • Android 11
  • Scoped storage and privacy improvements
  • Growing adoption of Flutter growing, React Native established

Cross-Platform Considerations: Cross-platform frameworks are mature and production-ready. Many Australian teams successfully ship with Flutter and React Native.

Best Practices for 2020

Based on current industry standards and real-world Australian app development experience, here are the proven practices for App development in remote-first COVID era:

1. Platform-Native Approach

iOS 14, App Clips, SwiftUI maturing is maturing for iOS. Kotlin is standard on Android. Cross-platform frameworks are mature. Choose based on long-term maintenance needs.

2. User Experience Focus

Australian users expect:

  • Fast performance and responsiveness
  • Intuitive navigation patterns
  • Offline capability where appropriate
  • Compliance with Australian privacy requirements

3. Development Workflow

Modern 2020 development workflows include:

  • Version control with Git (essential)
  • GitHub Actions mature for mobile. CI/CD is table stakes for professional development
  • Beta testing with TestFlight (iOS) and Google Play Beta
  • Analytics integration from day one

4. Monetization Strategy

Post-IDFA changes coming. Subscription models proven. Focus on user value and retention over acquisition costs.

Australian Market Considerations

Developing for the Australian market in 2020 requires understanding:

Local Payment Requirements:

  • Support for Australian credit cards and PayPal
  • Pricing in AUD with appropriate GST handling
  • Integration with local banking systems

Regulatory Compliance:

  • Privacy Act compliance for user data
  • Consumer law protections
  • App Store and Play Store regional requirements

Market Characteristics:

  • High smartphone penetration
  • Strong preference for quality over price
  • Active app economy in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Tools and Technologies in 2020

The following tools are essential for Australian app developers right now:

Development:

  • Xcode 12, Android Studio 4.x, SwiftUI previews, Flutter DevTools, modern debugging

Testing:

  • Testing automation mature, accessibility testing expected, performance profiling

Analytics:

  • Privacy-focused analytics emerging, Firebase/Amplitude with consent, first-party data focus

Backend:

  • Firebase/AWS Amplify mature, edge computing emerging, Supabase appearing as alternative

Real-World Australian Success Example

Consider this real scenario from 2020:

The Challenge: An Australian startup in remote work and collaboration needed to build a mobile app with App development in remote-first COVID era as a core requirement.

The Approach:

  • Chose Flutter for rapid iteration with COVID-driven timeline based on team expertise
  • Implemented remote-first development with accelerated timeline
  • Launched with phased rollout approach
  • Focused on Australian market first

The Results:

  • Successful launch in 2020
  • Strong user adoption in key Australian cities
  • Positive revenue growth
  • Scalable foundation for future expansion

Common Challenges and Solutions

Australian app developers in 2020 often face these challenges:

Challenge 1: Platform Fragmentation

The Issue: Supporting multiple iOS and Android versions while maintaining code quality.

Solution: Modern frameworks handle much fragmentation. Focus on recent versions. Automated testing across matrix.

Challenge 2: Development Resources

The Issue: Limited budget for specialized mobile developers.

Solution: Remote work enables access to broader talent pool. Cross-platform reduces specialist need.

Challenge 3: User Acquisition

The Issue: Standing out in competitive App Store and Play Store markets.

Solution:

  • Focus on App Store Optimization (ASO)
  • Leverage Australian user reviews and ratings
  • Use targeted social media campaigns
  • Consider local app review sites and tech blogs

Looking Ahead from 2020

As we look forward from 2020, several trends are emerging:

  • Post-COVID app usage patterns evolving
  • Privacy changes (IDFA) requiring adaptation
  • App Clips and instant experiences
  • Low-code platforms challenging traditional development
  • Remote work driving new app categories

These developments will shape how we approach App development in remote-first COVID era in the coming months and years.

Conclusion

App development in remote-first COVID era in 2020 requires understanding both global mobile trends and Australian market specifics. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, Australian app developers can build successful, sustainable mobile applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Stay current with iOS 14, App Clips, SwiftUI maturing and Android 11 platform updates
  • Choose tools and frameworks based on team expertise and project requirements
  • Focus on user experience and Australian market needs
  • Implement proper analytics and testing from the start
  • Plan for scalability and future growth

Next Steps

Ready to get started? Here’s your action plan:

  1. Evaluate your current technology stack against 2020 best practices
  2. Plan your development approach with temporal considerations
  3. Implement using proven frameworks and tools
  4. Test thoroughly with Australian users
  5. Launch with proper analytics and monitoring

For expert guidance on App development in remote-first COVID era for Australian apps, contact the Awesome Apps team. We specialize in helping Australian developers build world-class mobile applications.

Published: 2020-11-23 Author: Awesome Apps Team

References and Further Reading

This guide is based on:

  • Current 2020 mobile development best practices
  • Real-world Australian app development experience
  • Official Apple and Google documentation
  • Industry research and trends

Authoritative Sources

  1. Apple Developer Documentation - iOS development guidelines
  2. Android Developers - Android best practices
  3. Australian Mobile Industry Reports - Local market data
  • iOS development best practices 2020
  • Android development strategies 2020
  • Cross-platform mobile development
  • Australian app market analysis

Last updated: 2020-11-23 Written for Australian mobile developers

Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile App Development

How has COVID-19 changed mobile app development?

COVID-19 accelerated mobile app development adoption by 300% in health, delivery, and remote work categories. Australian app development teams shifted to remote-first workflows, increased focus on digital transformation, and prioritized contactless solutions. Mobile app development now emphasizes remote collaboration, faster iterations, and health/safety features.

What tools support remote mobile app development teams?

Remote mobile app development requires GitHub/GitLab (version control), Slack/Teams (communication), Figma (design collaboration), TestFlight/Firebase (testing), and CI/CD platforms like GitHub Actions. Australian app development teams use these tools to maintain productivity while working remotely.

How do I manage mobile app development projects remotely?

Effective remote mobile app development requires clear documentation, regular standups, async communication, sprint planning, code reviews, and automated testing. Australian app developers should establish communication protocols, time-zone considerations, and outcome-focused management rather than activity tracking.

Contact Awesome Apps for expert remote mobile app development services.