14 DAY TRIAL // Developers of Android and iOS apps have gained 40% more this year, as worldwide downloads grew by 15% from 2015 to 2016 and time spent inside apps increased by 25%. App Annie, the most trusted mobile app data and insights company, released its fourth annual Retrospective Report for 2016.
The report shows some major changes in the app market last year, with China becoming the largest country for iOS app revenue and global revenue growth rates for both the Google Play Store and iOS App Store increasing over 2015’s results.
Android and iOS app downloads reached 90 billion in 2016, which is 15% higher compared to last year. Both platforms have managed to generate revenue of about $127 billion. $89 billion were paid to developers after platform owners collected 30% of revenues.
Users have spent the majority of their time in messaging and social apps, as well as a variety of other app categories like shopping and video streaming. The typical consumer uses an average of 30 applications per month across multiple key markets. Time spent inside apps increased 20% reaching 900 billion hours.
Mobile games account for 75% of revenue on iOS
Mobile gaming receives a notable mention in the report, considering that it accounts for 75% of all revenue for apps on iOS and 90% on Android. Pokemon Go was the most successful mobile game of last year, generating $950 million in revenue.
Notably, app adoption is growing across emerging markets like India and Brazil, while big markets are seeing some challenges. Banking apps have become increasingly popular, while YouTube was the top video streaming app in the US and the UK, but was dethroned by Netflix in the US for App Store revenue.
Spotify generated the most revenue worldwide in 2016, followed by Line, Netflix, Tinder, HBO NOW, Pandora Radio, and others. The top games of last year on Android and iOS were Monster Strike, Clash of Clans, Pokemon Go, Game of War - Fire Age and Clash Royale. However, the app with the highest downloads number and monthly active users was Facebook.
The report mentions that 2017 will be another banner year for Android and iOS apps, as they will play a greater part in transforming and creating opportunities for companies, and dare we say, for users as well.
