In our age of dozens of mobile apps for every life situation, the idea of a superapp sounds like a dream solution: all services — in one place. Instead of downloading a messenger, a taxi-ordering app, and a food delivery app separately, these functions are combined into a single interface in a superapp. In this article, we will figure out how such systems differ from regular apps, and also explore examples of successful implementation of superapps both in Russia and abroad — we will analyze implementation cases to understand why this trend is gaining momentum and how it is changing the landscape of digital services.
What is a superapp
If a regular ("traditional") app, for example, performs one task (say, ordering a taxi or tickets), then a superapp covers several areas of life at once — everyday life, work, leisure, and finances. This is the key feature of a superapp (from the English "super-app"). It is built as a digital ecosystem of services. For example, the Chinese WeChat is a messenger + social network + payment system + mini-programs for ordering taxis, food, and even interacting with government services.
A superapp combines several popular functions and can gradually add more features so that the user can solve different tasks in one interface. In a regular app, you switch between different icons and enter a password for each service, while a superapp offers a single login and unified interface. This saves space on your smartphone and eliminates constant switching between programs, making life more convenient.
Examples of superapps in Russia and around the world
(Russia) – a single app for city life. Created on the basis of "Yandex.Taxi," it combines services from rides (taxi, car sharing, freight transport) to grocery and food delivery.
(Southeast Asia) – originally a taxi service that turned into a superapp. In the Grab app, you can now not only call a taxi or order food but also purchase insurance, buy plane tickets, use financial services, and even invest.
(Russia) – the mobile app of Tinkoff Bank. Initially just an internet bank, over time developers added mobile communication, investments, insurance, a taxi service (Tinkoff Auto), and a marketplace. The T-Bank app is now considered one of the domestic superapps alongside other ecosystems.
(Russia) – a portal and app for government services. This superapp adapts to the user's profile and offers all necessary services in one place — you can make a doctor’s appointment, pay a fine, apply for a passport, and use many other services through a single smart interface.
eXpress (Russia) – a corporate communication platform from Unlimited Production. It is a secure messenger with built-in video conferencing, email, and Smart Apps — mini-applications for accessing corporate services. In other words, eXpress is an “all-in-one” solution for business communications: video calls, chats, email client, and integration of dozens of systems (CRM, Service Desk, etc.). Based on eXpress, the first corporate superapp in Russia’s real sector of the economy was created — the “Supernika” app for Norilsk Nickel. This superapp brought together more than 40 company services (including job search, news feed, doctor appointments, ticket booking, etc.) in a “single window” format.
(China) – a classic global example of a superapp. Initially conceived as a messenger, WeChat later transformed into everything imaginable: messaging, video calls, social networks, digital payments (WeChat Pay), mini-apps for taxi and food delivery, business services, and even official government service applications. Essentially, WeChat is WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram (owned by Meta, recognized as extremist and banned in Russia), PayPal, Uber, Tinder, and Amazon — all in one app. Similar ecosystems are being created in other countries as well: such as Alipay in China and Line in Japan and Southeast Asia.
Advantages of superapps for business and users
User convenience: all popular services in one interface. No need to install many apps and remember multiple passwords — a single account gives access to all functions. One click is enough to switch from ordering a taxi to paying for a purchase or chatting with support.
Centralized business management: a single channel for solving business tasks — from news distribution to booking meeting rooms and managing vacations. For example, the eXpress platform describes itself as a "single window" for communication with integration of over 70 systems.
Cost reduction: savings on development and promotion. Creating a superapp requires significant upfront effort, but later the company doesn't need to invest in developing and advertising multiple apps.
Retention and loyalty: clients stay within the ecosystem and don't switch to competitors. When everything is convenient and collected in one place, people delete the app less often and are more likely to return. Engagement grows — users see cross-offers, services, and personalized features on one platform. Gradually, a habit of "living in the app" forms: for example, in the "Supernika" corporate superapp based on eXpress, Nornickel employees began independently installing the messenger and using the news feed, messenger, video conferences, and other features within the platform in the first months.
Automation and integration: simplifies data exchange and process maintenance. Instead of countless spreadsheets, scenarios, and "webs" of connections, an integrated system links user profiles and work tasks. As a result, IT managers and entrepreneurs find it easier to coordinate updates, control security, and collect analytics.
Disadvantages of superapps
Superapps seem like a universal solution, but they also have vulnerabilities. Primarily — dependence on a single platform. When all processes are concentrated in one app, its failure can paralyze access to all services at once.
Also, consider interface overload. Not all users are ready for multifunctional platforms: if the app looks too complicated or aggressively offers unnecessary services, it may cause rejection. The success of a superapp depends on balancing versatility and convenience, and on the ability to develop it gradually, responding to real user requests.
What is needed to create a superapp
First and foremost — a reliable platform that can handle the load, scale, and easily integrate with other services. A superapp can’t afford “weak links”: it must equally reliably handle video calls, document flow, mailings, and authorization. That’s exactly how eXpress is built — a corporate platform on which secure superapps are created for Russian companies and corporations. eXpress already includes key modules: messenger, video conferencing, email, calendar, and a catalog of SmartApps mini-programs.
The second element is a unified interface and access. The user should log into the system once and get access to all functions without constant switching. This approach is especially important in the corporate environment, where employees work with many services. With centralized authorization, the employee sees only the sections they need, and the company can manage access rights by role and department.
Finally, a superapp requires product thinking: it’s not enough to just “combine services” — a holistic ecosystem must be built. It’s important to understand user scenarios, offer the right tools at the right time, and be able to quickly add new features. For example, in the "Supernika" case, functionality developed in stages — first chat and news, then video communication, booking services, medical appointments, and much more. This helped Nornickel employees adapt faster and begin using the superapp in daily work.
Conclusion
A superapp is not just a trendy buzzword, but a new format for mobile platforms: a single ecosystem application that combines multiple functions. Unlike a typical “narrowly focused” app, such a system meets various needs of both users and businesses simultaneously. It offers ease of use, saves time and development/promotion resources, and ensures increased customer engagement. There are already many examples of such solutions in Russia. If you are considering a digital platform for your business, you should explore superapps by visiting the websites of market leaders. Consult with specialists to determine whether your company is ready to switch to a unified ecosystem application.
