The Super App: A One-Stop Shop for Your Daily Needs
Americans use an average of 46 mobile apps each month to complete everyday tasks, but what if you could combine all of those programs into a single, standalone app? A one-stop shop to socialize with friends, order food, pay rent, or even consult with a doctor – colloquially known as the “super app.”
The concept of the super app has been popularized by Tencent’s WeChat, which began as a simple messaging app in China and today boasts over 1.3 billion monthly active users. The appeal of such apps can be attributed to convenience, seamless user experience, and user behavior.
However, the adoption of super apps in Western markets, including the U.S., has been slower due to regulatory environment. “The regulatory environment in the U.S. today is certainly not as conducive to allowing a super app to develop,” said Dan Prud’homme, assistant professor at Florida International University’s College of Business.
But things may be starting to change. In recent years, more and more tech companies have set their sights on bringing the super app model to the U.S. With the right regulatory environment and consumer demand, we may see a super app in the U.S. anytime soon.
