Forget just Thailand or Asia: super apps are surging in popularity across the globe. Their seamless integration of diverse services is turning them into a global phenomenon, destined to reshape daily life for millions. Leading tech giants such as Gartner predict that by 2027, over half the world will embrace the super app revolution.
A key indicator of the super app boom is the 2022 PYMNTS and PayPal survey, which found a remarkable 72% of consumers across the U.S., Australia, Germany, and the UK, are eager to embrace super apps.
Super App Interest Graph by PYMNTS and PayPal
In 2020, at the Mobile World Congress, a spark ignited the future of mobile technology. Mike Lazaridis, the visionary behind BlackBerry, uttered the first definition of a concept that would redefine how we interact with our digital lives: the "super app."
Lazaridis' vision was bold: a single app that becomes your digital hub, your one-stop shop for everything from messaging and payments to transportation and entertainment. While the name "super" might sound ambitious, it's the perfect descriptor for these all-encompassing platforms.
But super apps aren’t born overnight, they evolve from humble beginnings. Often, they start with a single core feature, an MVP (minimum viable product) testing the waters and learning from users. This lean approach allowed developers and businesses to validate their ideas without breaking the bank. As success and user data accumulated, these apps blossomed, adding layers of functionality and morphing into the super apps we know today.
Super apps are super competitive and hold the potential to rewrite the mobile landscape, offering a one-stop shop for daily needs and beyond. Here's a glimpse into their current repertoire:
On a global scale, Stripe has established itself as a rising star in the comprehensive payment solutions arena. Its user-friendly API simplifies website integration, while its extensive support for over 135 currencies and robust security infrastructure have garnered the trust of global brands such as Amazon, BMW, Maersk, and Zara.
Super apps incorporate features that people find indispensable in their daily routines. This is why numerous brands are keen to venture into the super app industry. Success in this endeavor can yield various benefits for their businesses, including:
True Corporation’s entertainment platform, which initially focused on movies, TV series, and integration with the TrueID digital TV set-top boxes, has added features from TrueMoney's digital wallet and payment service, including embedded finance products such as savings, loans, insurance, and mutual funds. This has transformed the platform into a larger and more comprehensive ecosystem that meets the needs of a wider range of users.
Originally, LINE was simply an app for sending messages between family, friends, or acquaintances. Later, LINE added new features, including Wallet, a digital wallet; LINE Pay, a payment system for stores and linked to public transportation services like Rabbit Card by BTS; LINE Shopping, an online shopping platform; LINE BK, an online banking system that is easy to sign up for and includes services such as deposits, transfers, loans, and insurance; and LINE MAN, which allows users to order food from restaurants, deliver parcels, and pay bills.
Grab started as a ride-hailing app in Singapore. As it gained popularity in Southeast Asia, it added a variety of other services, including a digital wallet, food delivery, parcel delivery, grocery and convenience store delivery, accommodation booking, and even tour packages.
Break the barriers between physical and digital shopping. Siam Piwat's innovative app seamlessly blends your online and offline experiences. Explore stunning stores, uncover hidden gems, and discover exclusive events at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and ICONSIAM – all within the app. Shop curated collections online, track trends, engage with brands, and unlock member benefits.Grab started as a ride-hailing app in Singapore. As it gained popularity in Southeast Asia, it added a variety of other services, including a digital wallet, food delivery, parcel delivery, grocery and convenience store delivery, accommodation booking, and even tour packages.
AirAsia, initially starting as a low-cost carrier for flights, has taken off into a new era with the AirAsia Superapp. This one-stop platform goes beyond just booking flights, offering a whole ecosystem of travel and lifestyle services, from hotels and transportation to food delivery and duty-free shopping.
WeChat also began as a simple messaging app but has since evolved into an all-encompassing digital ecosystem. Beyond social media, it boasts a built-in wallet, seamless payments, a bustling marketplace, ride-hailing, food delivery, and even travel booking. It is China's dominant mobile app with over a billion users. Its integration with Alipay and embedded finance systems exemplifies the blurring of lines separating social apps and fintech.
Super apps are the future of mobile. They offer a one-stop shop for a variety of services, making them convenient and easy to use. But developing a successful super app is no easy feat. With some of the most intense competition, it's important to do your research and partner with a reliable and knowledgeable software development company.
If you're considering building a super app, we're here to help. Seven Peaks Software is a digital transformation consultancy with extensive experience in app development, with particular emphasis on FinTech and e-commerce. Consult with one of our experts to start exploring possibilities today.