In today’s hyper-globalized markets, the use of smartphones is at its peak. Increased use of E-commerce and smart devices are extensively linked with each other. In 2024, the number of smartphone owners is recorded as 4.88 billion with an annual increase of 635 million new users. Moreover, the number of smartphone users is expected to increase to the historic threshold of 7.7 billion by 2028. Interestingly, the number of mobile e-commerce activities is expected to reach a historic high of $710 billion in 2025.
When we say people have increased daily digital time, it means more ads are being watched, more targeted content is being shown to relevant audiences and ultimately increasing the number of digital sales of goods and services. The credit goes to mobile application localization services. 62.6% of the global population uses social media daily which amounts to 5.07 billion users. This startling data indicates the high potential of access to smartphone users. Every modern business, brand, or service has started to build and use mobile applications. Especially after the post-COVID era, people from all around the world became comfortable making online purchases.
This might look like just a bunch of numbers but actually, this is high-end data indicating the increased use of mobile apps, the relation between mobile app users and the increased amount of global financial activity. Today, we will briefly discuss the need and importance of apps and software localization.
App Localization for Global Expansion
Mobile app localization is the process of enabling the application to be accessible in any target region(s) according to the specific cultural and linguistic nuances. The services of Apple’s app store are accessible in 175 countries and Google’s app store is available in 195 countries. By localizing your app, you can improve your reach and tap into international markets. It is very important to note that the reach of online stores does not guarantee global access. It is just the spec of the broad possibilities of global expansion and highlighting the need for the localization and translation of applications.
Professional app localization is a doorway to boost access to your applications. Moreover, Localization is a broad term and involves many parts and translation is an integral part of the localization process. The expertise of your selected translation company, the use of modern technologies, the subject matter expertise of localization and translation professionals, and the efficiency of computer-assisted (CAT) tools are some key factors that will determine the success of your mobile app localization strategy.
Essential Elements of a Successful App Localization Strategy
The technical difference between localization and internationalization (i18n) should be kept in mind. Internationalization refers to user-friendly coding irrespective of the language of the target audience. The key difference is that i18n must be incorporated into the application at the development stage, whereas localization and translation come after the completion of the development process.
Overview of the App Translation Process, Benefits, and Challenges
| Textual Elements | Benefits of App Localization | Challenges |
| User Instructions | Increased Reach | Finding the Exact Linguistic and Cultural Replacement |
| Terms and Conditions | More Downloads | Adhering to the Spacial Extraction and Expansion of Languages |
| FAQs | More User Engagement | Keeping Up the Textual and Graphic Formats |
| Text of Graphics | Target Relevant Users by Mobile App Localization | – |
| In-App Language | Familiar Language will Facilitate User Navigation | – |
| Terminologies | Accurate Terminology Translation Build Loyal Customer Base | – |
Technical Challenges of App Translation and Localization
With regards to app translation, the UX challenges are prominent when translating from one language to another. Moreover, some languages require a change of direction like English to Arabic. To cope with these challenges, you need to work with professional software localization services. In the context of app localization, the change of currency units is also important. The currency units must be customized according to the location of the users.
Interpretation of symbols and emojis is also different around the globe. Understanding the cultural nuances and region-specific interpretation is very crucial to refrain from causing potential misunderstandings around the use of emojis. Moreover, units of measurement are also used differently around the globe. Professional app translation companies will make sure each of these translation and localization-related requirements are completed with utmost accuracy and regional familiarity.
Language Expansion and Contraction as English as a Standard
| Language | Expansion | Contraction |
| English | 0% | 0% |
| Japanese | +20-60% | – |
| Arabic | +20-25% | – |
| Korean | – | -10 to-15% |
| Spanish | – | +20-25% |
| German | – | +10-35% |
| French | – | +15-20% |
| Units of Measurements | US, UK, and Myanmar Measurements | Rest of the World |
| length | Inch, foot, yard, mile | Millimeter, centimeter, meter, kilometer |
| Mass | Ounce, pound, stone | Milligram, gram, kilogram |
| Capacity | Pint, gallon | Millimeter, centimeter, liter |
| Date Formats | ||
| China, Japan, Korea, Iran | Majority of the Word | USA |
| Day-Month-Year | Day-Month-Year | Month-Day-Year |
Takeaways
In the bigger spectrum of globalization, the growing number of smartphone users indicates potential business growth opportunities via mobile apps. Professional app localization and translation companies are always ready to take your business to the next heights of your return on investment. Consult with a professional app localization service today and secure your share of the globalization of businesses, brands, and industries.