Improving Your on-demand food app: 12 Key Functionalities for the Year Ahead

In the fast-evolving space of on-demand food delivery, consumers require speed, precision, personalization, and an seamless ordering journey.

As international growth for online food ordering continues to surge—projected to hit over USD 466 Billion by 2027—startups must remain competitive by optimizing their mobile delivery apps with the right mix of functionalities, intuitive UI, and cutting-edge tech.

Whether you're building a clone of UberEats or rolling out your own rebrandable food delivery platform, understanding what ensures user engagement and backend performance is critical.

1. Seamless Onboarding and Account Creation

First impressions matter. A clean sign-up process sets the tone for a frictionless user journey. Let users to register using social logins, and offer optional preferences like favorite cuisines to personalize future menus.

2. Real-Time Order Tracking with GPS

Modern customers want transparency. By including real-time GPS tracking, you enhance trust. Enable users to see:
- Live courier position
- ETA
- Order progress updates

3. Advanced Search and Filter Functions

An effective search system is vital as your ecosystem scales. Use tags like:
- Cuisine
- Health filter
- Speed filter
- Pricing range

Pair it with smart suggestions for a unique user experience.

4. Flexible In-App Payments

To streamline checkout, integrate:
- Cards
- Wallets
- Coupons

Ensure security with PCI-DSS. Touch-free payment is a must.

5. Loyalty Programs & Referral Bonuses

User retention is more cost-effective than new acquisition. Add:
- Point-based rewards
- Tier levels
- Invite bonuses

This can amplify customer stickiness.

6. Delivery Partner App + Route Optimization}

Drivers need a dedicated app to complete tasks:
- Navigation
- Earnings dashboard
- Customer chat

Shortest paths save effort.

7. Admin and Restaurant Dashboards

Empower your partners and food delivery solution team with:
- Inventory tools
- Analytics
- Support

Restaurants should easily add discounts.

8. Device Responsiveness

Your app should work seamlessly on:
- Apple devices
- Android
- Web

Use cross-platform tools for scalability.

9. Push Notifications & Engagement Triggers

Keep the role of AI in food apps users informed with:
- Order status
- Coupons
- Retention campaigns

Apps with strong mobile alerts enjoy better click-through.

10. AI-Powered Personalization

Use AI to:
- Suggest meals
- Study behavior
- Trigger smart deals

This can increase order value.

11. Reviews & Ratings

Let customers voice feedback with:
- Scores
- Written reviews
- Complaint escalation

Positive reviews build trust.

12. Scalability & Cloud-Based Architecture

Use serverless solutions for:
- Real-time syncing
- Performance scaling
- User traffic

This prepares your app for multi-city rollout.

Summary

The food delivery industry is about more than just getting mealsit’s about creating satisfaction.

By including scalable app infrastructure these must-haves, your app can excel in the modern landscape.

Looking for a faster launch? **Oyelabs’ UberEats clone** provides a power-packed solution to help you scale fast.