The number of Play Store downloads of apps continues to beat the App Store, but the latter remains leagues ahead in generating revenue.
According to figures by App Annie, downloads on the Play Store have increased 20 percent year-on-year. That’s impressive enough, but put in the context that represents 160 percent more growth than Apple’s iOS App Store – well, it’s quite staggering.
Perhaps it’s of less surprise when the sheer number of Android devices is considered.
In May last year, Google announced it had surpassed two billion active Android users. Earlier this year, Apple said it had 1.3 billion active iOS devices.
Android accounts for around 75 percent of the global smartphone OS market.
Regardless, the iOS App Store continues to dominate in its ability to generate revenue.
Apple continues to focus on the upper-end of the smartphone market and upholding its reputation as being more of a luxury brand.
The willingness of Apple users to spend more, combined with less piracy on iOS, may account for why consumer spending remains 80 percent higher on iOS.
For developers, it seems the Play Store remains the place to be if you want to reach as many people as possible. However, for generating revenue, the App Store is the place to be.
What are your thoughts on the research? Let us know in the comments.
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