GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Mobile Application Industry Statistics

The Mobile Application Industry is projected to continue growing rapidly, with an estimated 218 billion app downloads in 2020, generating approximately $581.9 billion in global revenue.

Highlights: Mobile Application Industry Statistics

  • Free apps are the most common kind of app type, with 95.1% of all available applications made free to download as of the second quarter of 2021.
  • In 2020, app store user spending rose 31 percent to $111 billion worldwide.
  • As of the first quarter of 2021, 94.24% of all downloads were free apps while only 5.76% were paid app downloads.
  • Games were the most popular App Store category, with a 21.49% share as of June 2021.
  • In 2020, mobile apps were expected to generate over $935 billion in revenue via paid downloads and in-app advertising.
  • China leads the world in the number of mobile app downloads, recording nearly 100 billion app downloads in 2020.
  • 90% of mobile time is spent on apps.
  • In 2020, over 218 billion mobile applications were downloaded worldwide.
  • The average price for an app in the Apple App Store is $1.02.
  • Mobile apps are expected to generate over $935 billion in revenues in 2023 through paid downloads, in-app advertising, and purchases.
  • Users only use around 9 apps daily and 30 apps monthly, out of 80+ apps installed on their phones.
  • The average mobile user checks their device 63 times per day.
  • Users spend 88% of mobile time on apps and only 12% on web browsers.
  • On average, smartphone users have 30 apps installed.
  • Younger millennials have on average 67 apps installed on their phones.
  • Users spend, on average, more than 4.2 hours per day using apps.
  • Mobile games revenue reached $81.7 billion in 2020.
  • The most downloaded app in 2020 was TikTok, with over 850 million downloads.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

The Latest Mobile Application Industry Statistics Explained

Free apps are the most common kind of app type, with 95.1% of all available applications made free to download as of the second quarter of 2021.

The statistic suggests that free apps dominate the mobile application market, accounting for the vast majority (95.1%) of all available applications as of the second quarter of 2021. This indicates a strong trend towards offering apps for free download, likely driven by various monetization models such as in-app purchases, ads, or subscription services. The popularity of free apps can be attributed to their accessibility and lower barriers to entry for users. Developers may opt for the “freemium” model where basic features are free to attract a large user base, with the option to unlock additional features through paid upgrades. Overall, the data underscores the significance of offering apps for free as a strategic choice to reach a wider audience and potentially generate revenue through alternative means.

In 2020, app store user spending rose 31 percent to $111 billion worldwide.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, the total amount spent by users on mobile applications through app stores globally increased by 31 percent compared to the previous year, reaching a total of $111 billion. This substantial rise in user spending suggests a growing trend towards the adoption and utilization of mobile apps across various platforms. The increase in user expenditure could be attributed to factors such as the expanding availability of apps, increased smartphone usage, and the shift towards digital services and entertainment in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The significant growth in app store user spending highlights the continued importance and potential of the mobile app industry in the global economy.

As of the first quarter of 2021, 94.24% of all downloads were free apps while only 5.76% were paid app downloads.

The statistic indicates that as of the first quarter of 2021, the majority of app downloads, amounting to 94.24%, were for free apps, with only a smaller fraction of 5.76% attributed to paid app downloads. This implies that free apps are more popular and widely adopted compared to paid apps among users during this time period. This data is significant for app developers and industry experts as it sheds light on consumer preferences and behavior towards app consumption, highlighting the current market dynamics in the mobile app industry.

Games were the most popular App Store category, with a 21.49% share as of June 2021.

The statistic indicates that as of June 2021, games were the most popular category within the App Store, accounting for 21.49% of all available apps. This means that a significant portion of the apps available for download and use in the App Store were games. This high percentage suggests that games are in high demand among consumers and are a key driver of activity within the App Store ecosystem. The popularity of games as a category may be due to the widespread appeal and entertainment value they offer to users, leading to their dominance within the App Store marketplace.

In 2020, mobile apps were expected to generate over $935 billion in revenue via paid downloads and in-app advertising.

The statistic states that in 2020, it was anticipated that mobile applications would generate a substantial revenue exceeding $935 billion through a combination of revenue sources such as paid downloads and in-app advertising. This figure illustrates the significant impact and growth of the mobile app industry within the global economy. Paid downloads refer to revenue generated from users purchasing apps directly from app stores, while in-app advertising revenue is derived from advertisements displayed within the app itself. The increasing reliance on mobile devices for various purposes like entertainment, communication, and productivity has fueled the growth of the mobile app market, making it a lucrative industry for developers, advertisers, and stakeholders alike.

China leads the world in the number of mobile app downloads, recording nearly 100 billion app downloads in 2020.

The statistic reveals that China stood out as the global leader in mobile app downloads in 2020, with nearly 100 billion downloads recorded. This indicates a significant level of mobile app usage and engagement within the country, reflecting a strong mobile app market and high adoption rates among Chinese consumers. The sheer volume of app downloads highlights the tremendous opportunities for app developers and businesses targeting the Chinese market to reach and connect with a vast number of users through mobile applications. This statistic also underscores the significance of China as a key player in the global mobile technology landscape.

90% of mobile time is spent on apps.

The statistic ‘90% of mobile time is spent on apps’ indicates that the vast majority of the time spent on mobile devices is dedicated to using applications rather than other activities such as browsing the internet via mobile web browsers or making phone calls. This statistic highlights the widespread popularity and importance of mobile apps in today’s digital landscape, suggesting that users prefer the convenience, functionality, and entertainment provided by various mobile applications. The dominance of app usage in mobile device usage patterns also underscores the significance of app development and marketing strategies for businesses seeking to engage with consumers on mobile platforms effectively.

In 2020, over 218 billion mobile applications were downloaded worldwide.

The statistic that over 218 billion mobile applications were downloaded worldwide in 2020 indicates a significant global trend towards the use and adoption of mobile technology. This staggering number reflects the pervasive influence of smartphones and other mobile devices in modern society, highlighting the importance of mobile applications in various aspects of daily life, including communication, entertainment, education, and more. The sheer volume of app downloads also suggests a thriving mobile app industry, with developers creating diverse and innovative applications to meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers around the world. Overall, the statistic underscores the integral role that mobile technology plays in shaping contemporary lifestyles and driving digital innovation on a global scale.

The average price for an app in the Apple App Store is $1.02.

The statistic that the average price for an app in the Apple App Store is $1.02 indicates that, on average, apps available for purchase in the store tend to be priced around $1.02. This suggests that a significant proportion of apps in the store are priced lower than $1.02, while others may be priced higher. The average price serves as a summary measure of the pricing distribution across all apps in the store. It is important to note that this statistic does not provide information on the specific pricing of individual apps but offers a general overview of the pricing trend within the Apple App Store.

Mobile apps are expected to generate over $935 billion in revenues in 2023 through paid downloads, in-app advertising, and purchases.

The statistic suggests that the mobile apps industry is projected to experience substantial growth, with an anticipated total revenue of over $935 billion in 2023. This revenue will be generated through various monetization methods, including paid downloads, in-app advertising, and purchases made within the apps. The increasing reliance on smartphones and mobile devices for everyday activities and entertainment is driving the growth of the mobile apps market, presenting significant opportunities for app developers and businesses to capitalize on this trend and generate substantial profits.

Users only use around 9 apps daily and 30 apps monthly, out of 80+ apps installed on their phones.

This statistic suggests that on average, users tend to use a limited number of apps regularly despite having a large number of apps installed on their smartphones. Specifically, users typically engage with approximately 9 apps on a daily basis and around 30 apps on a monthly basis out of an inventory of over 80 apps available to them. This data indicates that individuals display a preference for a select few apps that they find essential or enjoyable, while the majority of other apps remain underutilized. Understanding app usage patterns can provide valuable insights for app developers and marketers seeking to enhance user engagement and retention by focusing on improving the appeal and functionality of top-used apps.

The average mobile user checks their device 63 times per day.

The statistic that the average mobile user checks their device 63 times per day indicates the frequency at which individuals interact with their mobile phones on a daily basis. This statistic suggests that mobile devices play a central role in people’s daily lives, with individuals constantly reaching for their phones for various reasons such as communication, entertainment, information, and productivity. The high frequency of phone checking also implies a strong reliance on mobile technology for staying connected and engaged with the digital world. This statistic sheds light on the pervasive nature of mobile phones in modern society and highlights the widespread integration of technology into everyday routines.

Users spend 88% of mobile time on apps and only 12% on web browsers.

This statistic suggests that the majority of users’ time on mobile devices is spent using apps rather than web browsers, with a significant 88% of their mobile usage dedicated to apps and only 12% to web browsers. This implies that apps are the preferred choice for accessing content, services, and features on mobile devices compared to traditional web browsing. The high usage of apps could be attributed to their convenience, personalized user experience, offline functionality, and easy accessibility via smartphones. This data underscores the importance for businesses and developers to prioritize app development and optimization to cater to the preferences and behaviors of mobile users.

On average, smartphone users have 30 apps installed.

The statement “On average, smartphone users have 30 apps installed” indicates that when you consider a large group of smartphone users, the average number of apps installed on their devices is 30. This statistic provides a general idea of the typical app usage behavior among smartphone users, suggesting that they tend to download and use a significant number of apps on their devices. It does not specify the range or distribution of the number of apps across individual users or any demographic characteristics that may influence app installation patterns.

Younger millennials have on average 67 apps installed on their phones.

The statistic that younger millennials have on average 67 apps installed on their phones indicates the extent to which this demographic group engages with mobile technology. The relatively high number of apps suggests that younger millennials are active users of mobile devices, utilizing a wide range of applications for various purposes such as communication, entertainment, productivity, and social media. This statistic also reflects the digital native nature of younger millennials who have grown up in an era where smartphones and apps are pervasive in everyday life. Additionally, the diversity of apps installed implies that younger millennials are open to exploring new tools and platforms, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology.

Users spend, on average, more than 4.2 hours per day using apps.

This statistic indicates that, on average, users spend more than 4.2 hours each day engaging with mobile applications. This suggests a significant amount of time dedicated to using digital platforms, reflecting the growing reliance on apps for various activities such as communication, entertainment, productivity, and information retrieval. The figure underscores the widespread integration of mobile technology into daily routines and the increasing role of apps in shaping how individuals interact with digital content. It also highlights the importance of optimizing app experiences to cater to users’ preferences and behaviors, given the substantial time they invest in using these platforms.

Mobile games revenue reached $81.7 billion in 2020.

The statistic “Mobile games revenue reached $81.7 billion in 2020” indicates the total amount of money generated from sales, in-app purchases, and advertising within mobile gaming applications throughout the year 2020. This statistic reflects the significant growth and popularity of mobile gaming as a major sector within the global gaming industry. The substantial revenue figure highlights the increasing consumer interest and engagement with mobile games, driven by factors such as the accessibility of smartphones, advances in technology, and the variety of game offerings. The revenue generated by mobile games contributes significantly to the overall video game market, demonstrating the lucrative nature of the mobile gaming industry.

The most downloaded app in 2020 was TikTok, with over 850 million downloads.

The statistic indicates that TikTok was the most popular app in terms of downloads in the year 2020, with a total of over 850 million downloads globally. This significant number highlights the widespread popularity and adoption of the social media platform among users around the world. The high download count suggests that TikTok attracted a large and diverse user base, likely driven by its engaging content, user-friendly interface, and viral trends. Additionally, this data underscores the platform’s success in capturing the attention of a large portion of the mobile app market in 2020, solidifying its position as a leading app in the digital landscape.

Conclusion

The statistics presented clearly illustrate the ever-growing and dynamic nature of the mobile application industry. As technology continues to advance and consumer demands evolve, app developers and businesses must stay vigilant in understanding trends and adapting to market changes to remain competitive in this rapidly expanding industry. By keeping an eye on key statistics and insights, stakeholders can make informed decisions to drive innovation and success in the mobile app market.

References

0. – https://www.www.gamesindustry.biz

1. – https://www.sensortower.com

2. – https://www.buildfire.com

3. – https://www.www.statista.com

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

5. – https://www.www.broadbandsearch.net

6. – https://www.www.appannie.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.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!