The Apple App Store, a digital distribution platform for applications on iOS, has seen significant growth since its inception. As of 2023, the platform boasts over 1.803 million apps, marking an increase of around 4.58% or 79,000 apps from the previous year. This growth is a testament to the App Store’s role as a key player in the global app economy, which is estimated to be worth approximately $6.3 trillion.
The App Store’s Journey
The App Store was launched in 2008, following the success of the iTunes digital music store. It quickly became one of the world’s first commercially successful mobile app marketplaces, connecting millions of iOS device users to a plethora of mobile apps and games from developers and publishers worldwide.
The App Store’s app count peaked in 2016 with over 2.1 million apps. However, the lowest number of apps was recorded in 2015, with around 1.7 million apps. Despite these fluctuations, the platform has consistently grown, with an average of 1,246 new apps being released per day.
The App Store’s Economic Impact
The App Store has not only revolutionized the way we use mobile devices but also significantly contributed to the global economy. In 2022, the app market generated US$ 265.80 billion in revenue from advertising, US$ 204.90 billion for in-app purchases, and US$ 2.25 billion for paid app downloads.
Moreover, developers generated $1.1 trillion in total billings and sales in the App Store ecosystem in 2022, with more than 90 percent of billings and sales accruing solely to developers, without any commission paid to Apple. This underscores the strength and resilience of the App Store ecosystem and its continued growth across a wide variety of categories.
FAQ
What is the Apple App Store?
The Apple App Store is a digital distribution platform for mobile apps on iOS, developed and maintained by Apple Inc.
How many apps are there in the Apple App Store?
As of 2023, there are over 1.803 million apps in the Apple App Store.
What is the app economy?
The app economy refers to the range of economic activity surrounding mobile applications. This includes the sale of apps, ad revenue, in-app purchases, and the hardware and infrastructure that enable these transactions.
What is an in-app purchase?
An in-app purchase is a way for developers to monetize their apps by allowing users to buy services or features within the app. These can include additional content, subscriptions, or premium features.
What is app revenue?
App revenue refers to the money generated from the sale of apps, in-app purchases, and advertising within apps.
What is a mobile app?
A mobile app is a software application designed to run on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They can be downloaded from app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
