The symphony of tomorrow's app development is being composed by revolutionary virtuosos – the generative AIs and copilots who can shape code and craft experiences with uncanny finesse, challenging the boundaries of what was once thought possible.

Software developers with the abilities to extract coding value out of these AI engines are in high demand—a testament to the possibility of mobile app development scaling new heights of innovation and imagination. Add to this promising duo – technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), and the bandwidth for frictionless data flow made possible by 5G – the possibilities multiply.

Empowering app development: AI copilots and their transformative role
AI-powered code assistants have taken the programming world by storm. They offer code snippets, UI designs and context-aware suggestions – and therefore augmenting developer productivity and creativity. They accelerate coding tasks, allowing developers to focus on higher-level challenges. AI copilots also suggest novel design solutions, thanks to their training across billions of lines of human-engineered code.

Currently, AI systems are regarded as ‘narrow AI’ and are created for specific tasks or areas. The adaptability and comprehension of human intelligence are lacking in these systems, despite their prowess in certain domains like natural language processing, image recognition and gaming. Generative AI, however, is growing in its ability to provide ‘human-like’ general intelligence that is versatile – and can comprehend, learn, and adapt across a variety of fields.

What possibilities unfold once generative AI crosses this stage in its evolution? It will be able to comprehend broad-based user requirements and autonomously design apps that are tailor-made but broad in their functionality. Imagine a library management software for the specific needs of an education institution that has experienced a trajectory of growth unlike other institutions. Generative AI-based programmer copilots should be able to accomplish such tasks with ease.

App development would be transformed in more ways as generative AI matures. It could streamline the development process – reducing the need for human intervention in tasks like UI design, code documentation, code creation and testing. Generative AI could lead to hyper-personalization – with apps dynamically adapting based on users' behaviours and preferences, creating tailor-made experiences for each individual.

Infusing life into applications: AR and VR technologies
App development is one of the many sectors being revolutionized by AR and VR. AR and VR-powered applications have proven to generate better user retention due to user immersion. They also allow for radically new interactions between users and the devices, like gestures, voice commands, and gaze-based interactions. However, intuitive UI design must overcome challenges like reducing user discomfort and optimizing app performance while considering hardware compatibility for frictionless experiences.

Seamless IoT integration opportunities and challenges for app developers
The Internet of Things (IoT) links devices to the internet, enabling data exchange. App developers can build ecosystems integrating smart devices, wearables, and home automation. Smart home apps control lighting, security, and appliances, enhancing efficiency and comfort. Health apps merge wearable data, aiding fitness tracking and health insights. With edge computing gaining interest, app developers will need to push some of the real-time data processing to the devices themselves to avoid latency.

5G's impact on mobile app development: Performance and security considerations
Mobile app development is expected to undergo significant changes with the introduction of 5G connections. 5G will make it possible for data-intensive services like high-quality video streaming and real-time gaming by enhancing data throughput and reducing latency. To boost app speed and real-time interactions, app developers must leverage 5G's advantages to the hilt. At the same time, they must prioritize strong security measures to protect user data from new cyber threats in the dynamic 5G environment.

Navigating security and data ethics
As technology propels app evolution, ethical and security aspects demand attention. Each of the technologies talked about bring unique challenges to the table with respect to security and ethical considerations and they all need addressing by app developers.

Rigorous data security and privacy measures are vital as AI, AR, VR, IoT, and 5G integrate. Maintaining the balance between personalization and privacy is vital. Accountability, transparency, and data privacy must be ensured as AI approaches human-level intelligence. Addressing bias through unbiased data and fairness-aware algorithms is critical. Empowering users with data control and customization when IoT, AR and VR find their ways into apps will provide ethical integrity to tomorrow's apps.

With proper guardrails, these technologies can converge in ways that could truly push the apps of tomorrow into a totally new realm of capability and user experience.