Upgrading Your on-demand food app: Twelve Crucial Features for the Year Ahead

In the fast-evolving space of online food delivery, consumers demand quick service, accuracy, customization, and an intuitive ordering journey.

As global need for online food ordering accelerates—expected to exceed over 466B USD by 2027—entrepreneurs must remain competitive by enhancing their mobile delivery apps with the necessary mix of features, intuitive UI, and modern tools.

Whether you are developing a food delivery app like UberEats or launching your own rebrandable food delivery platform, understanding what fuels user engagement and backend performance is essential.

1. Smooth Onboarding and Account Creation

Onboarding is make-or-break. A quick sign-up process sets the tone for a uninterrupted user journey. Enable users to sign up using social logins, and offer optional customizations like order history to enhance future offers.

2. Live Delivery Tracking with GPS

Today’s users need transparency. By including live location updates, you boost retention. Allow users to see:
- Live courier position
- Estimated delivery time
- Stage-by-stage tracking

3. Smart Search and Filter Options

An effective search system is essential as your platform scales. Use segmentation like:
- Food type
- Dietary preference
- Speed filter
- Pricing range

Pair it with machine learning for a personalized user experience.

4. Secure In-App Payments

To simplify checkout, integrate:
- Debit/Credit
- UPI
- Coupons

Ensure compliance with PCI-DSS. Digital-only payment is a must.

5. Loyalty Programs & Referral Bonuses

User retention is more cost-effective than new acquisition. Add:
- Gamified incentives
- Membership clubs
- Refer-and-earn

This can amplify customer stickiness.

6. Delivery Partner App + Route Optimization}

Drivers need a dedicated app to manage tasks:
- Turn-by-turn directions
- Earnings dashboard
- Customer chat

Shortest paths save effort.

7. Admin and Restaurant Dashboards

Empower your partners and team with:
- Menu management
- Analytics
- Support

Restaurants should effortlessly add discounts.

8. Multi-Platform Support

Your Oyelabs mobile app development app should work seamlessly on:
- Apple devices
- Google Play
- Browser platforms

Use React Native for scalability.

9. Push Notifications & Engagement Triggers

Keep users informed with:
- Live delivery
- Coupons
- Abandoned cart nudges

Apps with strong mobile alerts enjoy better conversion.

10. AI-Powered Personalization

Use AI to:
- Recommend dishes
- Study behavior
- Trigger monetizing food delivery app smart deals

This can increase engagement rate.

11. Reviews & Ratings

Let customers rate their experience with:
- Star ratings
- Quick comments
- Service recovery

Positive reviews build trust.

12. Scalability & Cloud-Based Architecture

Use cloud services for:
- Data management
- App speed
- Growth support

This future-proofs your app for massive adoption.

Conclusion

The food delivery industry personalized UX in ordering platforms is about more than just getting mealsit’s about creating satisfaction.

By including these 12 key features, your app can compete in the modern landscape.

Looking for a faster launch? **Oyelabs’ UberEats clone** provides a customizable solution to help you start strong.