GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

App Development Industry Statistics

The app development industry is rapidly growing, with over 2.7 million apps available for download on the Google Play Store and over 1.8 million on the Apple App Store, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.

Highlights: App Development Industry Statistics

  • The total app revenues amounted to over 581.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.
  • There were 478 billion mobile apps downloads in 2021.
  • In 2019, 66% of app developers earned less than $5,000 per month.
  • The global market for mobile apps will reach 935.2 billion dollars by 2023.
  • Over 85% of apps are games on the Apple App Store.
  • 7% of developers use Flutter as their primary app development tool.
  • 66% of mobile users have 11-30 apps installed on their devices.
  • 80% of users stop using a mobile app within 90 days of downloading it.
  • More than 2.7 billion people use Android, the most widely used mobile operating system.
  • By 2022, the number of mobile app downloads will reach 354 billion.
  • Mobile apps are projected to generate over $935 billion in revenue by 2023.
  • On average, smartphone users spend 4.2 hours per day using apps.
  • 84.9% of mobile applications are free to use.
  • Users spent on average 4.2 hours per day on mobile in 2020.
  • Hybrid apps make up 32% of mobile app development in the market.
  • Only 25% of mobile app users come back after day one of downloading an app.
  • 60% of all Google Play apps are free.
  • Users spend 90% of their mobile internet time in apps.
  • Over 250,000 developers worldwide use Xamarin, a popular app development platform.

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In an era dominated by smartphones and digital technology, the app development industry continues to thrive and evolve at a rapid pace. Understanding the latest statistics and trends in this dynamic field is crucial for developers, businesses, and consumers alike. Let’s delve into the essential statistics shaping the app development landscape and explore what the future holds for this ever-expanding industry.

The Latest App Development Industry Statistics Explained

The total app revenues amounted to over 581.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.

The statistic that the total app revenues reached over $581.9 billion in 2020 represents the overall financial success of the mobile application industry during that year. This figure highlights the immense growth and profitability of the app market, driven by factors such as increased smartphone usage, digital transformation, and the proliferation of app-based services. The statistic underscores the significant economic impact of the app economy, with app developers, platforms, and investors benefiting from this booming sector. Additionally, it suggests the widespread adoption of apps across various industries and the growing reliance on mobile technology for everyday tasks, entertainment, and commerce.

There were 478 billion mobile apps downloads in 2021.

The statistic “There were 478 billion mobile apps downloads in 2021” indicates the total number of times that mobile applications were downloaded globally throughout the year 2021. This high number reflects the increasing reliance on mobile devices for various purposes, such as communication, productivity, entertainment, and business. The significant growth in mobile app downloads highlights the continued expansion of the mobile app industry and the importance of mobile technology in today’s society. This statistic also underscores the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets worldwide, as well as the increasing demand for mobile apps across different sectors and demographics.

In 2019, 66% of app developers earned less than $5,000 per month.

The statistic “In 2019, 66% of app developers earned less than $5,000 per month” suggests that a significant majority of app developers were not making substantial income from their app development activities in that year. This statistic highlights the potential challenges and competition in the app market, where a majority of developers may struggle to generate significant revenue. Factors such as market saturation, lack of effective monetization strategies, and high competition could contribute to the majority of developers earning less than $5,000 per month. This statistic underscores the importance of understanding market dynamics, consumer preferences, and implementing successful business strategies to achieve financial success in the app development industry.

The global market for mobile apps will reach 935.2 billion dollars by 2023.

The statistic stating that the global market for mobile apps will reach 935.2 billion dollars by 2023 suggests a significant growth potential in the app industry in the coming years. This projection indicates a strong demand for mobile applications worldwide, driven by a rise in smartphone usage, advancements in technology, and an increasing reliance on digital platforms for various activities. The estimate of nearly one trillion dollars underscores the economic weight of mobile apps and highlights the opportunities for developers, businesses, and investors to capitalize on this expanding market. The forecast hints at a lucrative landscape for app development and monetization strategies, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the mobile app sector for individuals and organizations looking to participate in the digital economy.

Over 85% of apps are games on the Apple App Store.

The statistic “Over 85% of apps are games on the Apple App Store” indicates that a significant majority of the apps available on the Apple App Store are categorized as games. This implies that gaming apps dominate the platform in terms of quantity compared to other types of apps such as productivity tools, social networking apps, or education applications. The high prevalence of gaming apps suggests that there is a strong demand for this type of content among Apple users and developers alike, potentially highlighting the popularity and profitability of the gaming industry within the App Store ecosystem.

7% of developers use Flutter as their primary app development tool.

The statistic that 7% of developers use Flutter as their primary app development tool indicates the proportion of developers within a specified population who prefer to utilize Flutter for creating mobile applications. This implies that Flutter, a popular open-source software development kit, is chosen as the main tool by a subset of the developer community for building mobile apps. Understanding this statistic provides insight into the adoption and usage patterns of Flutter among developers, suggesting its relevance and appeal in the app development landscape.

66% of mobile users have 11-30 apps installed on their devices.

The statistic ‘66% of mobile users have 11-30 apps installed on their devices’ indicates that a majority of mobile device users have between 11 and 30 applications installed on their smartphones or tablets. This data suggests that the typical mobile user tends to have a moderate to high number of apps installed, reflecting the diverse range of functionalities and services available on mobile platforms. Additionally, this statistic highlights the growing reliance on mobile apps for various purposes, such as communication, productivity, entertainment, and more. Overall, it points to the increasing importance and integration of mobile technology in people’s daily lives.

80% of users stop using a mobile app within 90 days of downloading it.

The statistic “80% of users stop using a mobile app within 90 days of downloading it” suggests that the majority of individuals who download a mobile app eventually disengage from using it within three months. This high churn rate indicates that app developers may face challenges in retaining users and driving long-term engagement. Factors such as poor user experience, lack of valuable content or features, intense competition, or shifting user preferences could contribute to this trend. To improve user retention, developers may need to focus on enhancing the app’s functionality, providing ongoing value, and effectively communicating with users to encourage continued usage beyond the initial download.

More than 2.7 billion people use Android, the most widely used mobile operating system.

The statistic that more than 2.7 billion people use Android as the most widely used mobile operating system highlights the significant market dominance of the Android platform in the global mobile industry. This statistic indicates that a vast majority of smartphone users across the world rely on Android for their mobile operating system needs, showcasing the widespread popularity and adoption of Android devices. The large user base of over 2.7 billion people underscores the pervasive reach and influence of Android in the mobile technology landscape, solidifying its position as a leading player in the market and a preferred choice for a majority of mobile consumers worldwide.

By 2022, the number of mobile app downloads will reach 354 billion.

This statistic suggests that the total number of mobile app downloads across various platforms is projected to reach 354 billion by the year 2022. The significant growth in mobile app downloads can be attributed to the increasing global penetration of smartphones and the rapid expansion of mobile internet connectivity. The rising popularity of mobile apps for entertainment, communication, productivity, and other purposes contributes to this uptrend. This statistic indicates a thriving mobile app market and highlights the evolving digital landscape as users increasingly rely on mobile devices for a wide range of activities.

Mobile apps are projected to generate over $935 billion in revenue by 2023.

The statistic that mobile apps are projected to generate over $935 billion in revenue by 2023 represents a significant growth opportunity within the rapidly expanding mobile technology industry. This forecast highlights the increasing popularity and widespread adoption of mobile applications across various sectors, from entertainment and gaming to e-commerce and finance. The revenue projection not only showcases the financial potential for app developers and businesses but also emphasizes the importance of mobile strategies in driving revenue growth and innovation. As the demand for mobile apps continues to rise globally, this statistic underscores the lucrative opportunities available in the mobile app market for both established companies and emerging startups.

On average, smartphone users spend 4.2 hours per day using apps.

The statistic ‘On average, smartphone users spend 4.2 hours per day using apps’ indicates that the typical smartphone user dedicates approximately 4.2 hours daily to interacting with various mobile applications on their devices. This finding suggests that apps play a significant role in the daily lives of smartphone users, serving as both sources of entertainment and tools for communication, productivity, or information. The high average usage time highlights the pervasive nature of smartphones in modern society and underscores the importance of the app ecosystem in shaping user behavior and engagement with digital technologies.

84.9% of mobile applications are free to use.

The statistic ‘84.9% of mobile applications are free to use’ indicates that the vast majority of mobile applications, nearly 85%, do not require any payment for basic access or functionality. This high percentage suggests that offering free applications is a common practice in the mobile app market, likely driven by various factors such as competition, user expectations for free content, and monetization strategies such as in-app purchases and advertisements. This statistic highlights the importance of understanding pricing trends in the mobile app industry for developers and consumers alike.

Users spent on average 4.2 hours per day on mobile in 2020.

The statistic “Users spent on average 4.2 hours per day on mobile in 2020” represents the average amount of time individuals spent using their mobile devices daily throughout the year 2020. This metric indicates the increasing reliance and integration of mobile technology into everyday life activities. The average of 4.2 hours suggests a significant portion of individuals dedicating a substantial amount of their day to mobile activities, such as communication, entertainment, information consumption, and work-related tasks. This statistic highlights the importance of mobile devices in modern society and underscores the need for individuals and businesses to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

Hybrid apps make up 32% of mobile app development in the market.

The statistic ‘Hybrid apps make up 32% of mobile app development in the market’ indicates that a significant portion of mobile app development is currently focused on creating hybrid apps. Hybrid apps are applications that are built using a combination of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while also utilizing native capabilities of the device. The fact that hybrid apps account for 32% of mobile app development suggests that developers are increasingly opting for this approach due to its benefits of code reusability, faster development cycles, and broader reach across different platforms. This statistic reflects the ongoing trend in the mobile app industry towards hybrid app development as a viable and popular alternative to purely native app development.

Only 25% of mobile app users come back after day one of downloading an app.

The statistic “Only 25% of mobile app users come back after day one of downloading an app” indicates that a significant majority of users do not engage with an app beyond the first day of installation. This metric suggests that there may be issues with user retention strategies, app usability, or the overall value proposition of the app itself. A low day one retention rate can have a negative impact on the long-term success and profitability of a mobile app, as user engagement and retention are crucial for driving revenue and sustaining a loyal user base. Developers and app owners should focus on improving the user experience, providing valuable content, and implementing effective retention tactics to increase user engagement and retention rates over time.

60% of all Google Play apps are free.

The statistic “60% of all Google Play apps are free” indicates that out of all the apps available on the Google Play store, 60% of them can be downloaded and used without any cost. This information suggests that a majority of the apps on the platform do not require users to make any payment upfront for installation or access to basic features. Understanding this statistic can help users make informed decisions about which apps to download based on their preferences for free or paid applications, and developers may consider pricing strategies given the prevalence of free apps in the market.

Users spend 90% of their mobile internet time in apps.

The statistic “Users spend 90% of their mobile internet time in apps” indicates that the vast majority of time spent browsing the internet on mobile devices is through applications rather than using a web browser. This suggests that users prefer the convenience and ease of access provided by apps for various online activities such as social media, shopping, entertainment, and communication. This statistic highlights the significance of mobile apps in shaping user behavior and preferences, emphasizing the importance for businesses and developers to focus on optimizing their mobile app experiences to engage with users effectively and capture their attention in a highly competitive mobile landscape.

Over 250,000 developers worldwide use Xamarin, a popular app development platform.

The statistic indicates that there are more than 250,000 developers globally who utilize Xamarin as their preferred app development platform. Xamarin is known for its cross-platform capabilities, enabling developers to build native applications for multiple operating systems such as iOS and Android using a single codebase. The popularity of Xamarin among developers suggests that it is a reliable and efficient tool for creating mobile applications. This high number of developers using Xamarin reflects its widespread adoption within the developer community and highlights its significance in the app development industry.

References

0. – https://www.info.localytics.com

1. – https://www.buildfire.com

2. – https://www.www.lumapartners.com

3. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

4. – https://www.www.mobilemarketer.com

5. – https://www.www.statista.com

6. – https://www.www.android.com

7. – https://www.financesonline.com

8. – https://www.www.appannie.com

9. – https://www.www.emarketer.com

10. – https://www.xamarin.com

11. – https://www.insights.stackoverflow.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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