Top 20 App Design Trends to Watch in 2025

Snow
Dec 27, 2024
72750
10 min read

As we step into 2025, it's time to reflect on the mobile app design trends that shaped 2024 and look ahead to those that will dominate in the coming year. Here are the top 20 app design trends to watch for 2025.

These trends aim to elevate the user experience, inspire designers, and guide teams to create more engaging, functional, and innovative mobile apps.

Let's dive into these trends, exploring what’s here to stay and what’s on the horizon for the app design industry.

1. AI-powered assistant and experiences

Since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, AI assistants have been rapidly integrated into apps and websites, transforming how we interact with these websites and mobile apps.

In 2025, AI will go beyond automating routine tasks, playing a central role in crafting smarter, more intuitive app experiences. Apps will predict users' needs based on their behavior, preferences, and context, offering tailored recommendations and personalized services.

For instance, fitness apps could adapt workouts, and music platforms like Spotify will refine playlists to match not just listening patterns, but users’ emotional states as well.

An AI-powered health app

An AI-powered health app that deliver tailored medical care, insights and recommendations based on users' unique needs and conditions.

2. Focus more on user personalization

User personalization is evolving beyond basic name greetings in 2025, becoming a cornerstone of app design. This trend will see apps tailoring content, interfaces, and notifications based on individual behaviors, preferences, and even real-time data like location.

E-commerce apps, for instance, will dynamically adjust their offerings based on past purchases, browsing history, and even where users are located. This level of personalization ensures users experience an app that feels intuitively aligned with their needs, making interactions smoother and more relevant.

3. Multi-modal input interfaces

As technology continues to evolve, so too do the ways we interact with apps. In 2025, multi-modal interfaces will become the norm, enabling users to seamlessly switch between touch, voice, and gestures.

Imagine interacting with an app through a combination of swipes, spoken commands, and even physical gestures, all without disrupting the experience.

For example, voice-controlled features, like those in ChatGPT’s voice mode, will allow users to execute tasks with just words. Similarly, apps like Google Assistant and Siri have already paved the way for hands-free control, and in 2025, we’ll see more apps adopting a blend of touch, voice, and gesture inputs.

This will create smoother, more accessible user experiences, making apps easier to use in a variety of contexts—whether you’re walking, cooking, or on the go.

4. Multitouch and multiscreen interfaces

Multitouch gestures and multiscreen apps will continue to expand in 2025, offering users more flexibility and control over their app interactions. Designers will need to think beyond the constraints of a single screen and consider how apps can seamlessly transition from one device to another.

For instance, a user might start a task on their phone and then move to their tablet or desktop, picking up right where they left off. Apps that allow fluid transitions between devices will not only create a smoother experience but also increase user satisfaction.

Multitouch and multiscreen interfaces

5. Exaggerate minimalism

While minimalist design has been the go-to strategy for several years, 2025 will usher in a new trend: exaggerate minimalism. This design style strikes a balance between simplicity and boldness, combining clean layouts, ample white space, and minimal elements with bold, expressive features like vivid visuals, unique typography, and oversized icons. The result is an aesthetic that feels both modern and dynamic, without overwhelming the user.

Minimal bank app design

This approach allows designers to craft apps that are visually striking yet easy to navigate. Apps will embrace clean, uncluttered spaces, but will also incorporate larger-than-life visuals and distinctive typography to add personality and intrigue.

A furniture app design concept that features for a minimalist look.

If you've seen glimpses of minimalist maximalism in 2024, get ready to see it dominate in 2025. It’s all about combining the best of both worlds—simplicity and expressive flair.

6. Motion design becomes more natural, personalized, and playful

Motion design is not just about adding flair to an interface—it’s about guiding the user’s journey, making interactions feel more intuitive. In 2025, motion design will become even more personalized and playful, reacting to user behavior in a natural and engaging way.

Micro-interactions, such as subtle hover or click animations, interaction feedback or swipe through a carousel will become the norm.

For example, animations that respond to a user’s swipe speed or direction, or even the type of content being interacted with, will make the app feel alive.

Foxwise AI-powered virtual tutor

7. Interesting gamified app design

Gamification UI is a new term appeared in recent years, which is more than just adding points and badges—it’s about turning everyday app interactions into enjoyable, playable experiences.

Apps that incorporate game-like mechanics, such as earning rewards or competing against others, will continue to rise in popularity.

Language learning app like Duolingo already use gamification to encourage users to set and achieve personal goals, while social platforms like Facebook and Instagram reward users with notifications and updates on their activities.

Duolingo's game-like learning design encourages users to learn words step by step by giving rewards, just like playing a game.

In 2025, gamification will be more advanced, encouraging users to interact more deeply with the app and providing real-time feedback.

Gamified Workout App Concept


8. More "crazy" brutalist design

Brutalism design, a design philosophy rooted in raw, unrefined elements, will also find its way into mobile apps in 2025. While it may seem unconventional, brutalist design focuses on function over form, with features like bold typography, striking color contrasts, experimental layouts and nearly "crazy" repetitive animations (like shaking, rotating and similar).

This trend works particularly well for brands that want to make a statement or differentiate themselves from the crowd.

Lay Tech Festival app design concept

Beatrice Castaldo street art app concept

All of above app design concepts features raw, bold typography, unconventional layouts and animations.

Watch Store App concept

The brutalism design with a fresh grid-style also become another new trend these days.

9. Impressive visual storytelling and scrollytelling

In 2025, visual storytelling and scrollytelling will elevate app design to new heights. These techniques leverage engaging visuals and dynamic animations to communicate a brand’s story or a product’s journey in an unforgettable way. By integrating visual elements that respond as users scroll through the app, designers can immerse users in a narrative, creating a deeper emotional connection.

In 2025, expect even more apps to harness the power of visual storytelling and scrollytelling—where users are not just passive observers but active participants in a story, making for a much more engaging and memorable experience.

A responsive design project made by tubik UX, which features a visual storytelling design.

10. Chatbots will keep growing in popularity

As AI and natural language processing continue to evolve, chatbots will become even more intelligent and capable of providing human-like interactions in 2025. These virtual assistants will go beyond basic customer service, offering personalized, intuitive experiences that feel more like chatting with a knowledgeable human than a machine.

Whether for customer service, product assistance, or app navigation, chatbot UI designs will continue to evolve, making their presence more integral and useful in 2025 app designs.

A chatbot design for QuinbearAI to provide users with the most considerable and personalized experience.

11. See more immersive 3D designs

In 2025, 3D design will take a giant leap forward, becoming an integral part of mobile apps across a wide range of industries. This technology will revolutionize how users interact with apps by offering more interactive and immersive experiences that feel both realistic and engaging.

From virtual environments to interactive product demos, 3D elements will create a sense of presence, making digital content more tangible and responsive.

Skyrest Capsule Hotel Onboarding design

Skyrest Capsule Hotel Onboarding design

Architectural app design concept

3D objects or elements help to create more realistic and impressive experiences.

12. Integrate more with AR and VR

In 2025, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will become even more integrated into mobile app design, bringing a new level of interactivity and innovation. These technologies will not just be used for gaming or entertainment—they will revolutionize how users interact with a wide range of apps, simplifying complex tasks and enhancing the overall user experience.

For example, AR apps allow users to try on clothes virtually, while VR apps provide immersive simulations, such as virtual tours of real estate properties or theme parks. As hardware improves, more apps will adopt AR and VR to offer enriched, interactive experiences.

A furniture app that integrates AR technology to show how your chosen furniture would look in your home in real-time, allowing you to make the perfect decision.

13. Sound integration become a key factor

With traditional input methods like typing, swiping, and clicking well-established, sound integration will emerge as the next frontier in app design competition in 2025.

Sound will transition from a basic functional element to a powerful design tool. Apps will leverage sound elements—such as auditory cues, background music, and environmental soundscapes—to enhance user engagement and create more immersive experiences.

14. Full-Screen images, videos, slides & visuals

In 2025, full-screen visuals will become a central element of app design, taking user engagement to the next level. Whether it’s images, videos, or slides, apps will utilize large-scale, immersive visuals that dominate the screen to capture attention and convey information more effectively.

Full screen background image design

Full screen background image design

For example, in e-commerce apps, full-screen product images or videos will provide a closer look at products, allowing users to see every detail before making a purchase. In content-driven apps like news or entertainment, full-screen videos and slideshows will offer immersive storytelling, grabbing users’ attention and enhancing the overall experience.

By embracing full-screen visuals, designers can create apps that feel more impactful and memorable in 2025.

Fashion App Design with fullscreen image

15. Design tools become more smarter and user-centered

In 2025, design tools will become significantly smarter and more user-centered, making the design process more efficient and intuitive. These tools will actually listen to the user needs and integrate more advanced techniques, like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to help designers make better web or app decisions based on user behaviors, preferences, and needs.

For example, take Mockplus design tools as an examples. To meet the changing needs of customers, the team is also working hard to incorporate AI and LLMs, craft custom deployment solutions for unique security requirements and also combine prototyping and UI design capabilities into one platform, etc.

Mockplus design and prototyping tool

Mockplus design and prototyping tool

16. Popular transparent elements

Transparent elements, such as frosted glass, semi-transparent backgrounds, and overlays, will dominate app interfaces in 2025. These elements allow for a layered, depth-rich design that feels modern and sophisticated. Designers will leverage transparency to create sleek, minimalist apps that are both visually striking and user-friendly.

A popular example of this trend is seen in Apple’s iOS design, where transparent or blurred elements add visual interest without overwhelming the user.

Music Streaming Platform Mobile App Design

17. Futuristic colors

As we move into 2025, color schemes in app design will lean toward futuristic, tech-inspired palettes. Expect to see more neon tones, metallic, and gradient colors that reflect the fast-paced, digital-first world we live in. These vibrant, bold colors will be used to convey innovation, excitement, and energy.

A social networking app that uses eye-catching neon and gradient colors to engage users at first sight.

18. Emotional Design

Emotional design focuses on creating experiences that resonate with users on an emotional level, making them feel understood, valued, or entertained.

In 2025, emotional design will become more personalized, using AI and data-driven insights to craft app experiences that cater to users' emotional states and needs.

Rate your ride design concept

19. Dark mode

Dark mode, a feature that dims the screen to reduce glare and improve readability in low-light conditions, will continue to be popular in 2025. More apps will integrate this mode as a default feature, allowing users to switch easily between light and dark themes based on their preferences.

For instance, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Slack allow users to toggle between light and dark modes, giving them greater control over their experience. This trend will only expand, becoming a standard option across most apps.

Live streaming app dark mode

20. Distinctive fonts

In 2025, typography will be more expressive and unique. With an emphasis on personalization and differentiation, apps will use custom, hand-crafted fonts to set the tone of their brand and make their interfaces more memorable. These fonts will be carefully designed to match the app’s overall aesthetic, whether minimalist, futuristic, or playful.

For example, brands like Nike or Coca-Cola use distinct fonts to reinforce their identity, and this trend will continue to influence app design in 2025, with custom fonts becoming a key element of visual branding.

Online shopping app with a unique brand font

Online shopping app with a unique brand font

Conclusion

The world of app design is constantly evolving, and the trends we’ve explored here highlight the exciting innovations on the horizon for 2025.

As a designer or part of a product design team, staying ahead of these trends will give you the tools to create cutting-edge apps that are both user-centric and visually compelling. We hope this list of 20 top app design trends would give you endless possibilities.

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Design trendy app UI/UX design with Mockplus for free now
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