Bridging the digital divide: Developing business apps for all phones

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the ubiquity of smartphones might suggest that everyone has equal access to the latest digital tools. However, “phone poverty” remains a significant barrier, particularly for frontline workers who rely heavily on mobile technology for their day-to-day tasks. This means that as software developers increasingly build business applications that require the latest operating systems—necessitating the newest smartphones—a substantial portion of the workforce is inadvertently excluded.

Recognising this gap, we have dedicated ourselves to ensuring our software runs efficiently on older phones by leveraging the Sense Mobile platform, thereby empowering those who are often left behind in the digital revolution.

The rise of “Phone Poverty”

Phone poverty refers to the inability of individuals to afford or access modern mobile devices and the necessary data plans to utilise them effectively.

According to a 2022 report by the World Bank, approximately 40% of the global population does not have access to smartphones capable of running current applications. In low-income countries, this figure rises to over 70%. Even in developed nations, a significant digital divide persists. For instance, the Pew Research Center reported that as of 2021, around 15% of adults in the United States owned mobile phones that were more than five years old or were not smartphones at all.

This digital disparity is not just about ownership but also about functionality. Many users possess older models that cannot support the latest operating systems or applications. As a result, they are excluded from accessing essential services, information, and opportunities that could improve their livelihoods.

Software development trends and their impact

The software development industry is characterised by rapid innovation, with a strong focus on leveraging the latest technologies. Developers often prioritise features that are only supported by the most recent operating systems, such as advanced security protocols, augmented reality capabilities, or high-definition graphics.

But while these innovations drive progress, they also inadvertently widen the digital divide.

A study by Statista in 2023 revealed that over 60% of new business applications are incompatible with devices running operating systems older than two versions behind the latest release. This trend poses a significant challenge for users of older devices who cannot afford to upgrade their hardware regularly. The push for cutting-edge technology overlooks the reality that a substantial user base operates on outdated hardware.

Frontline workers and digital exclusion

Frontline workers—such as healthcare professionals, delivery personnel, retail staff, and field technicians—are the backbone of many industries. Paradoxically, they are among the most affected by phone poverty. These workers often rely on company-issued devices or personal phones that are not the latest models.

According to a 2021 survey by the International Labour Organization, 55% of frontline workers in developing countries use mobile phones that are over three years old.

The reliance on outdated devices means that when business applications are designed only for the latest operating systems, these essential workers are left without the tools they need. This exclusion hampers productivity, communication, and access to real-time data, which are critical components in today’s fast-paced work environments.

Our solution: Leveraging the Sense Mobile Platform

Understanding the challenges faced by frontline workers and others affected by phone poverty, we have integrated our software with Sense Mobile—a platform specifically designed to function seamlessly on older operating systems. Sense Mobile allows applications to run efficiently on devices that may not support the latest technological advancements, ensuring broader accessibility.

By building our software on the Sense Mobile platform, we can:

1. Optimise Performance on Older Devices: Sense Mobile is engineered to work with operating systems up to five versions old, ensuring our applications perform well even on outdated devices.
2. Efficient Resource Utilisation: The platform emphasises efficient coding practices and minimises resource-intensive features, allowing applications to run smoothly without overtaxing the device’s hardware.
3. Enhanced Compatibility: Sense Mobile provides a framework that bridges the gap between new software and old hardware, making it easier to maintain compatibility across a wide range of devices.
4. Simplified Updates: With Sense Mobile, updates are streamlined to ensure that new features and security patches can be applied without requiring users to have the latest operating system.

The benefits of using Sense Mobile

Adopting Sense Mobile as the foundation for our software development yields numerous benefits:

• Increased Accessibility: More users can access our applications, leading to wider adoption and a more significant impact.
• Enhanced Productivity: Frontline workers equipped with functional tools can perform their duties more efficiently, benefiting both themselves and their employers.
• Social Responsibility: By addressing phone poverty through Sense Mobile, we contribute to bridging the digital divide, promoting equality, and supporting economic development.
• Market Expansion: Catering to users of older devices opens up new markets, particularly in regions where the latest technology is not prevalent.

Challenges and solutions

While developing software for older devices presents challenges, such as limitations in hardware capabilities and security concerns, using Sense Mobile helps us tackle these issues through:

• Modular Development: Sense Mobile’s architecture allows us to build applications in modules, tailoring features based on the device’s capabilities.
• Security Measures: The platform includes robust security protocols that do not rely solely on the latest operating system features, ensuring user data remains protected.
• User Feedback Integration: Sense Mobile facilitates community engagement, enabling us to gather feedback from users to understand their needs and improve the application accordingly.

The answer: Solutions that benefit everyone

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it is crucial to recognise and address the growing issue of phone poverty. By building our software on the Sense Mobile platform, we ensure that technological progress benefits everyone—not just those who can afford the latest gadgets.

We call upon our peers in the software development industry to consider similar approaches. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and ensure that frontline workers and other marginalised groups are not left behind in the digital age.