4 min read

How Many Apps are There in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store?

Ever wondered about the staggering numbers behind your favorite mobile apps? Let's dive into the key statistics shaping the dynamic world of mobile applications.

Lindsey Cash
Marketing Manager

Table of Contents

Mobile App Market Stats 2023 (Top Picks)

Here are the nine key insights into the mobile app market: 

  • Estimated mobile app revenue in 2023: $935 billion.
  • App store spending per minute in 2021: $320,000.
  • Annual global app downloads: 255 billion.

  • App retention rates: Android (2.6%), iOS (4.3%) after 30 days.
  • Global smartphone users: 6.5 billion, projected to reach 7.7 billion by 2027.
  • Average daily phone usage for Americans: 3 hours, 262 checks.

  • Mobile devices' market share: 60%.
  • Global mobile gaming users: 2.6 billion.
  • Percentage of free apps on iOS: 94%, Android: 97%.

Mobile App Market Overview

Mobile apps constitute a booming industry, projected to generate an estimated $935 billion in revenue in 2023. 

This financial landscape underscores the profitability of mobile apps, and the staggering $320,000 spent every minute in app stores in 2021 showcases the sheer magnitude of user engagement and transactions. 

While the majority of apps follow the freemium model, wherein users download apps for free but contribute to revenue through in-app purchases or advertisements, the total revenue is indicative of a thriving market.

App Download Landscape

The global demand for mobile apps continues to surge, with a remarkable 82% increase in app downloads since 2016, reaching 255 billion annually

This sustained growth contradicts concerns about market saturation, emphasizing an ongoing appetite for novel applications. 

Mobile games, leading with almost 100 billion downloads each year, dominate this landscape, illustrating the enduring popularity of gaming in the app market.

User Behavior and Engagement

User engagement on mobile apps is profound, with users collectively spending a staggering 3.8 trillion hours on these platforms in 2022. 

The nuanced retention rates—2.6% for Android and 4.3% for iOS after 30 days—highlight the challenge for app developers to maintain long-term user interest. 

The reasons for user abandonment, such as slow performance and complicated user interfaces, underscore the importance of delivering a seamless and user-friendly experience.

Demographics and Device Usage

Smartphones remain an integral part of modern life, with over 6.5 billion users globally, projected to reach 7.7 billion by 2027. 

The average American's daily interaction with their phone—nearly 3 hours and 262 checks—emphasizes the central role mobile devices play in daily activities. 

The dominance of mobile devices, commanding 60% of the market share, reinforces the mobile-first mindset of consumers and highlights the necessity for businesses to align with this trend.

App Store Dynamics

The app store ecosystem is diverse, with the Google Play Store boasting over 3.7 million apps and the Apple App Store offering 1.7 million

Despite having a smaller number of apps, the Apple App Store continues to generate substantial downloads. 

Notably, the Google Play Store's 77% share in global mobile app downloads establishes its dominance. Smaller players like Amazon and Microsoft contribute to the app market's diversity, attempting to carve their niche.

Global App Market Trends

The dynamism of the app market is evident in the launch of 2 million new apps in 2021 alone. 

The colossal mobile gaming market, with over 2.6 billion users and an expected revenue surpassing $116 billion by 2024, signifies its enduring popularity. 

The prevalence of free apps, with 94% on iOS and 97% on Android, emphasizes the importance of alternative revenue streams such as advertising, in-app purchases, and subscriptions in sustaining the industry.

Regional Insights and Market Challenges

Regional variations in app market dynamics are evident, with China experiencing a significant decrease in app numbers from 4.5 million to 2.3 million between 2018 and 2022. Huawei AppGallery's dominant 44% market share in China showcases the influence of regional players. 

While these regional disparities present challenges, they also highlight opportunities for businesses to navigate and tailor their strategies to diverse markets.

Review

What is the estimated revenue of the mobile app market in 2023?

  • The estimated revenue of the mobile app market in 2023 is $935 billion.

How much is spent per minute in app stores as of 2021?

  • App store spending per minute in 2021 amounted to $320,000.

What is the annual global app download count?

  • The annual global app download count is 255 billion.

What are the app retention rates for Android and iOS after 30 days?

  • After 30 days, the app retention rates are 2.6% for Android and 4.3% for iOS.

How many global smartphone users are there, and what is the projected number for 2027?

  • Currently, there are 6.5 billion global smartphone users, with a projected increase to 7.7 billion by 2027.

What is the average daily phone usage for Americans, and how frequently do they check their phones?

  • Americans spend an average of 3 hours on their phones daily, checking them approximately 262 times.

What is the market share of mobile devices globally?

  • Mobile devices command a 60% market share globally.

How many apps are there in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store?

  • The Google Play Store boasts over 3.7 million apps, while the Apple App Store offers 1.7 million.

What is the dominant share of the Google Play Store in global app downloads?

  • The Google Play Store holds a dominant 77% share in global mobile app downloads.

How much time do users collectively spend on mobile apps, and what are the reasons for user abandonment?

  • Users collectively spent a staggering 3.8 trillion hours on mobile apps in 2022. Reasons for user abandonment include slow performance and complex user interfaces.

How many global mobile gaming users are there?

  • There are 2.6 billion global mobile gaming users.

What percentage of apps on iOS and Android are free?

  • On iOS, 94% of apps are free, and on Android, 97% are free.

Takeaways for Businesses

In conclusion, the app industry stands as a billion-dollar powerhouse, perpetually expanding alongside the increasing usage of smartphones and tablets. For businesses, recognizing this potential is not just beneficial but increasingly non-negotiable. Users spend a substantial portion of their time on mobile devices, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to this trend. Tools like V.O.X present opportunities for businesses to effortlessly enter the app space, helping companies maximize organic downloads. 

Sources

Statista, Statista, gs.statcounter, insiderintelligence, reviews, Statista, dataai, Statista, Statista, 42matters, thinkwithgoogle, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, windowsreport, Statista, Statista, mindsea, googledocs, techcrunch, Statista, Statista, pocketgamer, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista, Statista

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