IoT Application Development Guide for 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) industry is expanding rapidly. Its market is currently valued at $439 billion and is expected to grow fivefold by 2034 (according to Precedence Research findings). As smart technology becomes more integrated into everyday life and industries, IoT application development offers you a unique opportunity to enhance efficiency, automation, and user experiences.

From smart homes and connected fitness equipment to industrial automation and AI-powered agriculture, IoT is reshaping how devices interact and operate. However, the real power of connectivity lies not just in the devices themselves but in the software that controls them. A well-built IoT app can bridge the gap between hardware and seamless user interaction, unlocking new levels of functionality and connectivity.

Step 2: Establish Secure Data Collection

Your app will handle sensitive info and you should make security a top priority in developing IoT applications, especially when dealing with the Internet of Things in medical fields where patient data protection is critical. Key strategies include:

• End-to-End Encryption: Protect information during transmission and storage.
• Device Authentication: Use secure API keys or public-key infrastructure (PKI).
• Tamper-Resistant Devices: Prevent unauthorized access or statistics manipulation.

🛠 Recommended Tech Stack: Utilize platforms like Telit, which offers modules, platforms, and services for secure info collection, ensuring end-to-end IoT security.

Why This Matters: Strong security ensures info integrity, regulatory compliance, and user trust.

Step 3: Implement Scalable Data Streaming & Storage

IoT applications generate large volumes of real-time information. To handle this efficiently:

• Use Stream Processing: Apache Kafka, MQTT, or Amazon Kinesis for real-time data flow.
• Cloud Storage: Amazon S3 or Microsoft Azure IoT for scalable storage.
• Edge Computing: Process statistics locally before sending them to the cloud to reduce latency.

Why This Matters: Without a high-performance streaming and storage system, your application may suffer from delays, crashes, or excessive cloud costs.

Step 4: Develop a Scalable Backend with IoT Platforms

Your backend is responsible for data processing, analytics, and device management, especially in use cases like EV charging mobile app development or BMS software development. To build a robust and scalable backend, leveraging IoT apps development platforms can significantly streamline the process.

These platforms offer ready-to-use tools and services that cover:

✅ Secure device-to-cloud communication

✅ Protocol management for seamless connectivity

✅ Authentication and security features

✅ Data collection, storage, and real-time analytics

📌 Many platforms also support IoT remote update features, enabling developers to push firmware updates remotely to enhance security, fix bugs, and introduce new functionalities seamlessly.

Choosing the Right IoT Platform

Instead of developing everything from scratch, IoT platforms provide pre-built infrastructure that simplifies backend development. Some of the most widely used options include:

• Google Cloud IoT – Scalable cloud solutions with integrated AI/ML capabilities.
• Arduino IoT Cloud – Best for prototyping and small-scale IoT solutions.
• Azure IoT Suite – A comprehensive set of tools for connecting, managing, and analyzing IoT details.
• AWS IoT Core – Robust infrastructure with built-in security and flexible deployment options.
• IBM Watson IoT – AI-powered insights and seamless device-server communication.
• Oracle IoT – Cloud-based platform with strong visualization and security features.
• KAA IoT – Open-source IoT platform with customizable features.

Using an IoT platform, you can reduce initial costs and develop IoT application faster. However, many platforms operate on a subscription or usage-based model, which might lead to increasing expenses over time.

Backend Architecture Considerations

To ensure scalability and long-term performance, focus on:

• Microservices Architecture: Break down backend functionality into smaller, manageable services for better scalability.
• API Integration: Enable seamless communication between devices, cloud storage, and analytics tools.

Why This Matters: A well-structured backend ensures that connected devices operate smoothlywithout overloading your system. Whether you choose a cloud-based or custom-built solution, it should align with your project's long-term goals and growth strategy.

Step 5: Design an Intuitive Frontend

Your IoT mobile app should be user-friendly and provide meaningful insights. When considering how to make IoT app, focus on key design principles:

• Clear Statistics Visualization: Graphs, real-time status updates, and alerts.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensure smooth operation across iOS, Android, and the web.
• Low Latency UI: React Native, Flutter, or Kotlin for fast and responsive experiences.

Why This Matters: A well-designed frontend enhances user engagement and simplifies IoT info interpretation.

Step 6: Test and Iterate

Rigorous testing ensures performance, security, and reliability across different devices. Test for:

• Functional Testing: Verify sensors, data collection, and device interactions.
• Security Testing: Penetration testing to prevent unauthorized access.
• Load Testing: Simulate high-traffic conditions to ensure system stability.

🛠 Recommended Tech Stack: For testing, use platforms like Mocha for JavaScript applications, and for device simulation, the Azure IoT Device Telemetry Simulation tool.

Why This Matters: IoT applications fail without proper testing, leading to security breaches, hardware failures, or poor user experience.

Step 7: Deploy, Maintain, and Scale Your IoT Application

When building IoT applications, ensure seamless deployment, maintenance, and long-term scalability by:

• Using Containerization & Orchestration: Docker + Kubernetes.
• Implementing Continuous Monitoring: Update the software and continuously improve the application based on user feedback.
• Optimizing for Growth: Automatically scale cloud resources as user demand increases.

🛠 Recommended Tech Stack: Google Cloud's Bigtable offers robust and scalable solutions that can grow with your user base, while AWS Auto Scaling can dynamically adjust resources based on usage.

Why This Matters: Without a solid deployment and scaling plan, your application may suffer from downtime, performance bottlenecks, or excessive operational costs.

SportPlus

SportPlus approached us to develop an IoT application, ensuring seamless communication with multiple workout machines.

Our Solution:

• Built a generic protocol handler with BLE integration to unify device communication.
• Developed a custom CMS to allow SportPlus to create and manage workout content for users.
• Designed an intuitive real-time workout tracking feature with clear progress milestones.

💡 Outcome: Users get a personalized, data-driven workout experience, while SportPlus can easily update and expand their fitness equipment.

If you want to learn more about IoT in the fitness industry and how to integrate workout equipment with mobile apps, check out our comprehensive guide 👇

STEPR

STEPR needed to develop an Android-based console application that integrates with its 27-inch display of the stair-climbing machine while overcoming Android security restrictions and enabling real-time control.

Our Solution:

• Reverse-engineered Android’s hidden APIs to enable system-level operations.
• Integrated a custom Serial protocol to ensure stable communication with the fitness machine.
• Designed a user-friendly UI with large, interactive elements for easy navigation during workouts.
• Added OTA updates, real-time workout metrics, and entertainment features (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube).

💡 Outcome: A fully interactive, feature-rich console that enhances user engagement and makes workouts more immersive.

Egret

Egret contacted us to solve OTA update delays and BLE inconsistencies after the mobile app migrated from Native to React Native.

Our Solution:

• Developed a custom native Bluetooth module to speed up OTA updates.
• Reverse-engineered protocol handlers to identify inefficiencies and improve communication speed.
• Created a universal BLE handler to ensure compatibility across all Egret e-scooter models.

💡 Outcome: Faster updates, smoother BLE connectivity, and an overall more reliable e-scooter app experience.

One crucial aspect to consider is Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. These allow remote firmware updates without manual intervention, improving security and user experience.

However, mandatory updates can sometimes disrupt user interactions. Imagine a smart lock refusing to open because it requires an update — frustrating, right? To enhance the user experience:

✅ Make updates optional when possible

✅ Notify users in advance about upcoming updates

✅ Allow users to schedule updates at their convenience

Third-Party Integrations

If your IoT solution needs to work with external devices or AI-powered assistants like Google Home & Alexa, you'll need to focus on these aspects of Internet of Things application development.

# 1: Data Acquisition Module

This module collects physical signals (e.g., temperature, motion, light) from IoT sensors and converts them into digital info. Key considerations include:

• Which signals need to be measured (motion, temperature, etc.)
• The number of sensors required
• The speed and accuracy needed for information collection

Once you have answers to these questions, you’ll determine the requirements for this module.

# 2: Data Processing Module

This module handles:

• Data analytics & processing
• Local or cloud data storage
• Real-time decision-making

When setting up this module, you should answer several questions to understand how to make an IoT app:

1. How much info will be processed? The info flow could range from a few kilobytes to gigabytes per day, depending on the number of sensors and the frequency of stats updates. This factor will affect the choice of processing platforms (cloud-based vs. edge computing) and your overall infrastructure.
2. Will you store data locally or in the cloud? This decision has profound implications for costs, scalability, and security. Local storage offers speed but has limited capacity. Cloud storage offers scalability but may introduce latency.
3. How long should the device function offline? In some use cases, devices need to operate without a connection to the internet. For example, if you're building an IoT-enabled security camera that must record even when the network is down. Hence, you should ensure sufficient local storage and processing capacity during IoT applications development.
4. Edge computing vs. cloud computing: Depending on the use case, you may opt for edge computing to process info closer to the device, which minimizes latency and bandwidth consumption. Alternatively, cloud computing is suitable for large-scale storage and more complex analytics.

Your decision will impact the performance and scalability of your IoT solution, so it’s crucial to get it right from the start.

# 3: Communications Module

The Communications Module is the backbone of any IoT device, enabling it to exchange information with other devices, storage, and platforms. When developing software for your IoT device, you should choose the right connectivity options based on your specific requirements.

Key aspects to consider:

1. Data Exchange Needs:

• Ensure smooth communication between your IoT device, sensors, gateways, and external services.
• Consider the power consumption, range, bandwidth, and latency that best suit your application.

2. The Right IoT Connectivity: The connectivity protocol determines how your device communicates with other systems. When selecting a protocol to create IoT app, you need to consider various factors such as:

• Range: How far will the device need to communicate? For instance, Wi-Fi offers a shorter range than LPWAN or cellular options.
• Power Consumption: Battery-powered devices require low-power protocols like Z-Wave or ZigBee.
• Speed: Depending on the data transfer needs (e.g., real-time or periodic updates), you might opt for protocols like Ethernet for high-speed connectivity or Android BLE connection for short-range, fast communication.
• Industry Requirements: Some industries might have specific standards for connectivity. For example, LPWAN is ideal for agriculture or urban development due to its extended range, while Bluetooth is often used in consumer applications.

By understanding these aspects and protocols, you can select the most appropriate connectivity solution and develop an IoT application with reliable and efficient communication.

📌 For more details on the different IoT protocols and how to choose the right one for your solution, check out our article about connectivity in IoT.

#4: Testing with Real Devices or Prototypes

Testing your IoT application with real devices or IoT prototypes is crucial to ensure that everything works in the real world, not just in theory:

1. Device Durability: Test the hardware in real-life conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) to ensure it functions in various environments.
2. Network Reliability: Ensure the device works across different network conditions and stays connected.
3. Application Interaction: Make sure the app interacts smoothly with the hardware for a seamless user experience.
4. Security Testing: Conduct penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities and ensure user information is protected.

By testing in real conditions, you ensure the device will meet the reliability, security, and performance expectations of your users.

How to Integrate an IoT App with Third-Party Devices like Google Home & Alexa?

When such virtual AI assistants entered the market, it became truly disrupted. Integrating IoT with voice-controlled assistants like Google Home or Amazon Alexa enhances the user experience with hands-free control.

Here’s how to build IoT applications with a virtual assistant integration:

1. Use APIs for Integration: Google and Amazon provide APIs to create "Actions" (Google) or "Skills" (Alexa) that enable voice commands.
2. Host on the Right Server: Google’s system can run on any server, but Alexa requires AWS Lambda for hosting.
3. Ensure Security & Compliance: Ensure your integrations meet data privacy and security standards, and submit for platform approval, which can take up to a week.
4. Leverage Existing Commands: Both platforms offer pre-built commands that may meet your needs, saving development time.

Integrating smart assistants can offer users a more convenient and seamless interaction with your IoT device.

# 1: Security

Security remains one of the biggest challenges in the IoT industry, especially in sensitive sectors like IoT in healthcare and the development of apps to track mental health. A major issue is the lack of standardized regulations that developers and engineers must follow to ensure a system is 100% reliable.

Additionally, the high number of connected devices, such as sensors, increases vulnerability, making it easier for hackers to exploit security breaches.

If you want to know how to create IoT applications with enhanced security, consider these key measures:

• Security by design. This approach focuses on preventing breaches in an IoT security system rather than fixing them after they occur. It involves regular testing, authentication safeguards, and implementing the best cybersecurity practices.
• Regular updates. Security improvements often come through trial and error. Update as soon as you identify potential vulnerabilities or areas for improvement.
• Robust security protocols. Use protocols like HTTPS and TLS to protect information transmission.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA). Strengthen access security with biometric authentication (fingerprints, facial and voice recognition), end-to-end encryption (ensuring only the sender and recipient can access messages), personal security questions, email/phone number verification, and regularly updated complex passwords.

# 2: Inconsistency

If your app is designed to control multiple devices within a single interface, you may encounter inconsistencies with devices from other brands.

For example, if a user buys your smart toaster but chooses a fridge from another company, you can’t guarantee the app will be able to control both devices. This can negatively impact your service quality and reputation.

The root of this issue is the lack of unified standardization. Different companies use varied APIs, protocols, and security features.

The trickiest part? There’s not much you can do to fully resolve it. A possible workaround is to allow third-party integrations via their APIs, but whether this is feasible during IoT apps development depends on your specific use case.

# 3: Recovery Mode

Adding a recovery mode to your IoT application can be beneficial, allowing users to restore lost information from the cloud or other storage options.

This feature must be planned before development because implementing it requires access to the device’s bootloader — something that’s significantly easier to integrate during the manufacturing stage.

# 4: Quality Assurance

Every IoT firmware update — especially when you build a smart home app — should undergo rigorous testing to assess its impact on the application. This includes:

• Fixing bugs
• Evaluating app behavior
• Ensuring proper synchronization with the cloud or other storage

However, the key challenge here is that simulations alone are not enough. For instance, our development team tests updates manually or on real devices to ensure accurate results.

# 5: Issues and Disruptions while Connecting Software and Devices

As you learn more about how to develop IoT apps — a task often facilitated by mobile app development services — you should understand how to integrate hardware and software, a process that comes with unique challenges. Here are the most critical issues developers and users may encounter.

# 3: Data Storage

IoT devices typically have limited storage, so external storage is essential. When considering how to make IoT applications and select a storage solution, keep the following in mind:

1. Quick Data Retrieval: Ensure the system retrieves and processes information efficiently.
2. Searchable & Filterable Data: Use timestamped indexing and filters to help users easily find relevant information.
3. Exportability: Allow stats to be converted into multiple formats for analysis and comparison.

# 4: Data Analytics

Data analytics enables Internet of Things systems to function effectively by filtering raw stats and extracting meaningful insights for users. Before visualization, analytics should:

1. Provide Real-Time Insights: Immediate stats interpretation helps users take action promptly when needed.
2. Identify Trends & Patterns: Long-term analytics help users observe trends and make data-driven decisions.
3. Generate Automated Recommendations: Analytics can offer actionable suggestions based on patterns.
4. Enhance Personalization: Businesses can optimize marketing efforts with data-driven targeting and customization.

# 5: Data Visualization

To present analyzed statistics, during IoT applications development you should include:

1. Visual Representation: Real-time dashboards, charts, sensor overviews, and tables.
2. Historical Data: Easy access to past stats for comparison.
3. Notifications: Alert users about new or critical stats.
4. Actionable Alerts: Highlight urgent issues requiring immediate attention.

💡 Pro Tip:

• Use sound effects or flashing icons to make critical alerts stand out.
• Avoid clutter — allow users to select specific data variables instead of displaying multiple redundant graphs.

Example: Instead of separate charts for humidity across different fields, when you build IoT application provide a dropdown menu where users can select the field they want to monitor.

# 6: Device Management

Your Internet of Things system should allow users to control devices and their components efficiently. This includes:

1. Provisioning & Authentication: Securely adding new devices to the system.
2. Configuration & Control: Adjusting settings, turning devices on/off, modifying modes, and managing info transfer to the cloud.
3. Monitoring & Diagnostics: Tracking performance, detecting issues, and running self-diagnostics.
4. Software Updates & Maintenance: Enabling remote troubleshooting and firmware updates.

💡 Additional Features to Consider:

• Device Grouping & Hierarchy: Organize sensors within devices and group multiple devices into fleets.
• Advanced Search Functionality: Search by Device ID, Status (on/off, working/broken), or Type. It’s particularly useful for large-scale systems, such as hospitals or industrial setups.

Examples of IoT Apps in Healthcare

The most prominent examples of Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) usage in healthcare are:

• Smartwatches & Wearables. Devices like the Apple Watch continuously track heart rates, detect irregularities, and even help prevent heart attacks by monitoring signs such as blood clot formation. Apple has also introduced an API that enables Parkinson’s disease monitoring, automatically tracking symptoms like tremors and dyskinesia.
• CenTrak RTLS (Real-Time Location System). This IoT-powered system optimizes hospital workflows by providing real-time location for staff, patients, and medical equipment, improving efficiency and patient experience.

Use Cases in Logistics

The Internet of Things in logistics goes beyond simple asset tracking. It enables real-time info collection and remote fleet management, optimizing energy use and reducing delays. IoT apps development with React Native BLE frameworks, integrated by skilled BLE app developers, can remotely manage transport elements, optimize energy use, and enhance customer experiences by minimizing wait times.

📌 If you're interested in learning more about how Bluetooth Low Energy vs Bluetooth are used in different industries, you can read our comparison article.

Examples of IoT Apps in Logistics

Let’s discuss popular smart solutions in logistics:

• Zubie. A fleet management software that provides real-time vehicle tracking, maintenance alerts, and driver safety insights to boost operational efficiency.
• DHL Smart Logistics. IoT-powered trucks equipped with sensors to monitor vehicle locations, temperature-sensitive shipments, and optimal routing to improve delivery accuracy and reduce fuel consumption.

Use Cases in Automotive

Automotive Internet of Things transforms vehicles into smart, connected hubs that enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience. From predictive maintenance to advanced fleet management, Internet of Things application development redefines the driving experience.

📌 Encountering challenges in EMSP app development services? Our team at Stormotion can help navigate the complexities of IoT development.

Examples of IoT Apps in Automotive

Let's take a look at the IoT apps in Automotive:

• Connected Car Apps. Apps like BMW ConnectedDrive, FordPass, and Volvo Cars app offer real-time vehicle diagnostics, navigation, and remote control features. These apps can give you insights into how to build a connected car mobile app with advanced features.
• PlugShare. An EV charging app that helps users locate charging stations, start charging sessions, and track energy consumption.

📌 If you are thinking about how to develop IoT apps in the EV industry, you can check our article on the cost of developing PlugShare like app.

• Lime. Smart technologies also play a key role in e-scooter sharing app development, enabling users to locate and unlock scooters via mobile apps.

📌 You can also read our guide about the development and cost to make a Lime-like scooter app.

Use Cases in Smart Homes

Smart home app development allows homeowners to manage lighting, heating, gas/smoke detectors, cameras, and appliances remotely. These systems enhance convenience, improve security, and optimize energy use — saving costs and resources.

Examples of IoT Apps in Smart Homes

Here are examples of smart home apps:

• Philips Hue. A smart lighting system that lets users control brightness, color, and schedules via a mobile app, integrating with other smart home devices.
• AT&T Smart Home Manager App. A comprehensive app that allows AT&T Fiber customers to manage their home Wi-Fi network effortlessly. Users can monitor Internet-connected devices, optimize Wi-Fi performance, set up parental controls, and receive security alerts.

📌 For a detailed breakdown of expenses, read our article on the cost to build an app like AT&T Smart Home Manager to get insights into the factors influencing pricing.