Charu Bhatia |Business Remedies | In 2025, apps like Ola and Zomato are no longer just tools for commuting or ordering food, they are shaping how India’s urban population lives, works, and consumes. The app economy has matured, with consumers expecting seamless, fast, and personalized experiences across transportation, dining, and lifestyle services.
Rides on Demand, Smarter Than Ever
Ola has moved beyond simple ride-hailing. Daily commuters are increasingly subscribing to monthly plans that guarantee affordability, predictability, and convenience. AI-powered route optimization, shared rides, and integration with e-scooters and e-bikes have redefined urban mobility. For businesses, this opens opportunities in hyper-local marketing, strategic partnerships, and data monetization, as platforms collect rich insights into commuter patterns.
Food Delivery as a Lifestyle Choice
Zomato and other food delivery platforms have evolved into lifestyle enablers. Users no longer order solely for convenience, they are seeking curated meal experiences, health-conscious options, and locally sourced produce. Subscription-based meal plans, personalized recommendations, and loyalty-driven gamification keep consumers engaged. Restaurants partnering with these apps benefit not just from expanded reach but also from analytics on customer preferences, peak ordering times, and regional demand trends.
The Sustainabilityand PersonalizationImperative
A striking feature of 2025’s app usage is the focus on sustainability and ethical consumption. Ola’s electric ride options, carbon-offset initiatives, and Zomato’s eco-friendly packaging reflect consumer demand for responsible choices. Personalization, powered by AI and machine learning, drives loyalty, suggesting meals, ride options, or experiences tailored to individual preferences and habits.
Business Insightsand Opportunities
For companies, this trend underscores the importance of building integrated ecosystems. Standalone services face competition from platforms that combine transportation, food, and lifestyle offerings. Brands that can leverage data analytics, improve operational efficiency, and enhance consumer experience are positioned to thrive in a market where convenience and customization define success.
Looking Ahead
The app economy in India is shifting from transactional to experiential. Ola and Zomato exemplify how digital platforms can shape not just habits but lifestyles, influencing consumer expectations, urban mobility, and business strategies. For startups, traditional businesses, and investors, the lesson is clear: understanding the interplay of technology, convenience, and personalization will be crucial to remaining relevant in 2025 and beyond.
