AI and machine learning are driving new test automation trends. By automating complex QA tasks and covering a broader codebase, AI-backed tools can test vast datasets, learn from historical results, and instantly adapt to changes in the application.

These test automation trends enable teams to focus their testing efforts on the riskiest areas and identify issues earlier in the development cycle. They also provide instant feedback on every code change and support rapid release cycles and continuous development.

In this article, we’ll explore 8 test automation trends that can help you deliver higher-quality software faster, reduce costs, and keep pace with the demands of modern development.

1. Shift-left testing

Shift-left means moving testing earlier in your development lifecycle. Basically, you start quality assurance activities, like testing, right from the beginning of your software projects. 

You embed automated tests directly into your continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) pipelines, so you get rapid feedback on every code change and create an environment of continuous validation and development. 

Why shift testing left?

• Build shared ownership: Developers and testers work together from the start, facilitating cohesion and dependability across teams.
• Fix issues early: Identify and resolve problems as they appear, save time, and minimize rework.

Release with confidence: Early testing reduces last-minute surprises, so you can deliver reliable, predictable releases every time.

2. Test data management

Test data management (TDM) is the process of planning, creating, and maintaining datasets that mimic real-world scenarios so your test results actually reflect how your application will perform in production.

Why manage test data?

• Scenario planning: With realistic, relevant data, you can create thorough tests and catch bugs before you enter production.
• Faster delivery: You can test and release on synthetic data without waiting on real data sets, which means quicker time to market.

Easier compliance: TDM automates processing, masking, and access controls so you can stay on the right side of privacy laws.

3. Cloud-based test automation

You can run your automated software tests on the cloud instead of relying on local machines or on-premise infrastructure. In cloud-based test environments, you can simulate tests, run test scripts, and get results in real time—and you can test across browsers, devices, and operating systems.

Most cloud-based test automation platforms let you run tests in parallel, so you can test multiple configurations at once. You can also integrate your cloud testing tool into your CI/CD pipeline, so every code change gets tested automatically before it goes live.

Why move to the cloud? 

• Speed: You get faster feedback because tests run in parallel and on demand, so you don’t waste time waiting for a machine to finish a test before starting another.
• Scalability: Need to test on 30 devices at once? No problem, the cloud can handle it!

Automatic updates and maintenance: Cloud platforms handle infrastructure updates and security patches automatically, freeing your team to focus on testing rather than maintenance.

4. API testing automation

Automating API tests allows you to validate endpoints quickly and consistently without manual effort. With the right tools, you can automatically send requests to your APIs, verify the responses, and confirm that all connected components work as expected. Automated API testing can cover functional, load, and security scenarios, ensuring your services remain stable under real-world conditions.

Most API testing tools integrate seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, so every change is tested as part of your build process—helping you release faster and with greater confidence.

Why automate API testing?

• Living documentation: Your automated API tests double as up-to-date, executable documentation. Anyone on your team can look at the tests to understand how your API is supposed to behave.
• Historical insight: Automated tests help you track changes and behaviors over time. You can spot when and where regressions were introduced, making it easier to troubleshoot and understand the evolution of your API.
• Proactive risk management: Automated API testing lets you simulate edge cases and stress scenarios that are tough to do manually. This means you can catch rare but critical bugs before they ever reach production, protecting your users and your reputation.

Ranorex’s automation extends to API testing, so you can validate every integration and keep your applications performing at their best.

5. Low-code/No-code automation

Gartner predicts that in 2025, 70% of new applications will use low-code and no-code testing tools. These tools let you create, run, and manage automated tests using visual interfaces like drag-and-drop tools, record-and-playback features, and pre-built components. 

Low-code tools let you add scripting for advanced scenarios, so everyone on your team (not just developers) can contribute to test automation. This opens the door for perspectives from roles like customer support, who have firsthand insight into user interactions, functionality preferences, and UX issues. By enabling these team members to identify and test for what matters most to your users, you can create a product that truly addresses customer needs.

Why should you consider low-code and no-code testing?

• Fast test creation: You can build and update tests quicker than with traditional scripting, which helps you keep up with release cycles. 

Easy maintenance: Visual tests are easier to update when your app changes, and some tools even fix themselves with AI-powered self-healing.

6. Test automation frameworks

Test automation frameworks are structured sets of guidelines, tools, and best practices that help you design, write, organize, and run automated tests. 

These frameworks also guide on how to handle tasks like logging, reporting, and integrating with CI/CD pipelines.

There are different types of test automation frameworks—such as linear, modular, data-driven, keyword-driven, hybrid, and behavior-driven development (BDD) frameworks, each with its strengths and ideal use cases—but here are two reasons why you should consider a test automation framework in general:

• Save time and effort: Frameworks give you reusable templates and components, so you don’t waste time writing the same test repeatedly.

Test consistently: Everyone on your team follows the same structure and standards, which means your tests are easier to read, maintain, and scale.

7. Performance testing

Performance testing identifies bottlenecks before they impact users and cause costly outages. How? By testing how your application behaves under different levels of load, stress, or usage. You’re practically testing how fast, stable, and reliable your software is when real users interact with it. 

Performance testing measures response times, throughput, resource usage, error rates, server resource consumption, and how your application handles spikes in traffic or heavy workloads.

Why automate performance testing?

• Pre-launch confidence: You can launch new features or updates knowing your software won’t buckle under pressure.
• Predictability: You know exactly how much traffic your application can handle, so you can plan for growth or big events based on tested parameters.

Bottlenecks at critical times can be devastating to a business, as seen with Coinbase and Ticketmaster, both of which experienced outages due to overwhelming demand. Coinbase faced operational disruptions and user complaints about canceled or delayed transactions, while Ticketmaster endured public backlash and regulatory scrutiny.

8. Mobile app testing

Automated mobile app testing is the process of testing the functionality, usability, performance, security, and compatibility of your app across all devices, screen sizes, operating systems, and network conditions.

The goal of mobile app testing is to catch bugs, glitches, and UX issues before your customers do, so your app meets both technical and user requirements.

Why test your app?

• Better user experience: A stable and reliable app keeps users happy and coming back, which boosts retention and encourages adoption.
• Cross-device consistency: If your app works reliably across the huge variety of available devices and operating systems, you won’t lose users to compatibility issues.

Keep up with test automation trends

A successful automation strategy is holistic, aligning testing with business goals. Teams that embrace these test automation trends will deliver higher-quality software faster and more confidently.

Ranorex Studio combines AI-driven test generation, self-healing automation, and a user-friendly low-code environment in a simple platform that helps teams accelerate testing and release cycles, regardless of technical skill.

See firsthand how Ranorex can help transform your testing automation by starting your free trial today.