Number of App Downloads in 2025: Top Stats & Trends
The number of app downloads is skyrocketing globally. As a vital metric for app developers and industry stakeholders, knowing the current stats and future trends is essential. This article covers the key statistics and trends in app downloads, offering insight into what drives these numbers and what the future holds.
Key Takeaways
- Global app downloads reached 218 billion in 2024, illustrating strong growth in mobile app adoption.
- Free apps dominate the market, comprising 98% of mobile app revenue, primarily through in-app purchases.
- Emerging markets show significant growth potential for app downloads due to increasing smartphone adoption.
Prominence of App Downloads
The app market is not just surviving, it’s thriving. Forecasts indicate continued expansion in user engagement and download rates, painting a promising picture for the future. Understanding the importance of app downloads is crucial for anyone looking to make their mark in the app industry.
Global App Downloads Statistics
Global app downloads reached an astounding 218 billion last year, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores the ever-increasing consumer adoption of mobile apps across the globe. The statistics reveal a robust upward trend in global downloads, indicating that more people are integrating mobile apps into their daily routines.
These numbers are not just figures; they represent a global shift towards mobile-first experiences. From the Apple App Store to the Google Play Store, every platform is witnessing a surge in downloads, each contributing to the overall growth of the mobile app market.
Free vs. Paid App Downloads
Worldwide, free apps dominate the revenue landscape, accounting for 98% of mobile app revenue. This trend is driven by user expectations that app downloads should be free, resulting in fewer downloads for paid apps. However, users who do pay for apps tend to be more engaged, reflecting a deeper commitment to the app’s content and functionality.
The popularity of free downloads has created a competitive environment where paid apps struggle to gain traction. Developers need to innovate constantly to capture user interest and ensure that their apps compete and remain relevant in a market saturated with free options that are released regularly.
App Store Download Trends
The app store landscape is a tale of two giants: the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. While the Google Play Store leads in overall downloads, the Apple App Store continues to grow steadily, with downloads becoming more evenly distributed between the two platforms in certain markets.
The trends indicate a diverse range of popular app categories, reflecting the broad appeal of popular apps from gaming to communication. This diversity reflects the varied interests and needs of global users, who turn to app stores for everything from entertainment to productivity tools.
Apple App Store Download Insights
Wondering how many apps are on the App Store? Apple currently hosts approximately 1.96 million apps, catering to a wide array of user needs. Gaming remains the most popular category, attracting millions of downloads and high engagement rates. However, success is not limited to top-ranking apps; even niche applications can thrive if they meet user expectations and adhere to App Store guidelines.
The growth trends in the Apple App Store reflect a healthy ecosystem where developers can find opportunities to innovate and capture user interest.
Google Play Store Download Insights
The Google Play Store has experienced a higher growth rate in downloads compared to the Apple App Store, with Android users driving tens of millions more downloads. The number of Android app downloads continues to rise, with the Play Store offering around 2.87 million apps and a vast selection to its users.
Despite a drop in available apps since mid-2017, the Play Store has seen steady growth leading up to 2025. App usage Android trends reveal that categories like social and communication dominate user engagement. This growth highlights the platform’s resilience and adaptability in a competitive market.
Most Downloaded Apps by Platform
A closer look at the most downloaded apps across platforms uncovers some fascinating trends.
- ChatGPT led the charts globally in April 2025 with 52 million downloads, reflecting the growing interest in AI-driven tools.
- Tinder achieved 60 million downloads in 2024.
- Subway Surfers recorded 218 million downloads in 2024.
Social media and communication apps continue to dominate both iOS and Android platforms, with Facebook maintaining a strong presence in download charts worldwide. These apps demonstrate the diverse interests of global users, from dating and gaming to social networking.
Top iOS Apps in 2025
What is the most popular app? TikTok was the most installed iOS app in 2024, leading the pack in 2025 among the most popular apps like Instagram and Facebook. Users spend approximately 406 minutes on TikTok each month, highlighting the platform’s high engagement levels.
Entertainment apps like Netflix and music apps like Spotify also rank highly in app rankings, reflecting users’ preference for diverse content. Google apps, including YouTube and Gmail, remain consistently popular on iOS devices.
Top Android Apps in 2025
With such massive engagement, people often ask what is the most used app in the world, a title currently fought over by apps like:
- Telegram
- WhatsApp Business
- TikTok
Threads emerged as the fastest-growing app, achieving 100 million downloads in just five days, showcasing the rapid adoption of new social media platforms.
Gaming apps like Free Fire, ROBLOX, and Subway Surfers also saw substantial downloads, reflecting the diverse interests of Android users.
Mobile App Usage Patterns
Understanding mobile app usage patterns is crucial for developers aiming to enhance user engagement. Smartphone users often express that they can’t live without certain top apps, which include the most used app categories, leading to a spike in daily engagement rates.
Different mobile devices exhibit distinct usage patterns, influencing app download behaviors. These data insights are vital for developers looking to optimize their apps for various devices.
Average Time Spent on Apps
Users spend an average of 88% of their mobile time on apps, with the average time spent growing each year. People aged 25-34 spend about 1 hour and 42 minutes using mobile apps daily, while those over 65 spend close to 1 hour.
Some regions have experienced a 30% increase in time spent on apps, highlighting a broader global trend of rising app engagement. Notably, finance apps saw double-digit growth in user engagement during 2024.
Retention Rates and Churn
Retention rates measure the percentage of users who continue to engage with an app over time, indicating how well an app retains its users. Android apps have seen fluctuations in retention rates, with many experiencing considerable churn after the initial download period.
To improve retention rates, app developers should focus on enhancing user experience and engagement through regular updates and personalized content. These strategies can help reduce churn and retain a loyal user base.
Impact of Device Type on App Downloads
The type of device significantly impacts app download behavior:
- Smartphones account for the majority of mobile app downloads, far outpacing tablet users and Android devices.
- There are 2.7 billion smartphones worldwide compared to 1.35 billion tablets.
- This substantial difference underscores the importance of optimizing apps for smartphones to capture the largest share of the market.
Smartphone Dominance in App Downloads
Smartphones account for over 70% of global app download traffic, highlighting their critical role in the mobile app economy. This dominance reflects the widespread adoption and reliance on smartphones for various digital activities. The popularity of smartphones ensures that they remain the primary focus for app developers looking to maximize downloads and user engagement.
Tablet App Download Trends
Tablets, while fewer in number, slightly outperform smartphones in paid apps and subscriptions. Tablet users are more willing to pay for downloads and subscriptions due to the larger screens that enhance gameplay and user experience.
This trend highlights the importance of developing apps that leverage the unique advantages of tablets as part of a strategy to capture a willing-to-pay user base.
Revenue from App Downloads
App downloads are a critical driver of revenue, with consumer spending on mobile apps reaching approximately $150 billion in 2024. The mobile app market is expected to generate over $613 billion in revenue by the end of 2025, underscoring the financial potential of the industry.
Free apps dominate the market, with 98% of mobile app revenue coming from free apps. This trend is driven by in-app purchases and subscriptions, which are expected to account for the majority of app revenue.
In-App Purchases vs. Paid Downloads
The majority of global app revenue comes from free apps rather than paid downloads:
- Approximately 98% of global app revenue comes from free apps.
- In-app purchases account for about 75% of total mobile app revenue, significantly outweighing paid downloads.
- Among top-grossing apps, over 90% utilize in-app purchases as a revenue model.
Free apps dominate both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, with most monetization occurring through in-app purchases. The average monthly subscription cost is around $10.20, highlighting a preference for subscription models over one-time paid downloads.
Ad Revenue from Free Apps
Free apps rely heavily on advertising for revenue generation, as they do not charge users directly. In addition to ads, free apps may use in-app purchases or subscriptions to diversify their monetization strategies.
Ad revenue provides essential financial support for the ongoing development and maintenance of free apps, ensuring that users continue to enjoy high-quality and up-to-date content, and money is a crucial factor in this process.
Future Trends in App Downloads
The mobile app industry forecast for 2025 indicates continued growth in downloads and usage. Key points include:
- Current mobile usage trends are rising steadily, reaching an all-time high.
- The industry generated over $935 billion in revenue in 2024.
- It’s projected to generate approximately $407 billion in revenue by 2025.
Factors contributing to the success of the most downloaded app in the world include valuable features, wide reach, and global appeal. The trend for Google Play Store downloads indicates it will continue to rise, further boosting the app market.
Emerging Markets and Growth Potential
Emerging markets are becoming increasingly important in the global app economy, driven by rapid smartphone adoption and internet accessibility. Significant growth in app downloads is projected in emerging markets by 2025, driven by expanding digital infrastructure and increased mobile adoption.
Factors contributing to the growth potential in these markets include young, tech-savvy populations and increasing disposable incomes. Successful navigation of these accessible markets can unlock considerable revenue opportunities for businesses as the demand for mobile applications continues to rise, benefiting consumers.
Technological Advances Driving Downloads
Technological advances are set to significantly shape the future of app downloads and application functionality. The integration of AI is projected to transform user experiences by delivering personalized services and automating tasks.
The rise of 5G technology is expected to enhance app performance, leading to increased user satisfaction and higher download rates. These advances suggest a promising future for app downloads, powered by enhanced user experiences and connectivity.
Summary
In 2025, the world of mobile apps is more dynamic and expansive than ever before. From the staggering number of global downloads to the dominance of free apps, the trends highlight a vibrant and competitive market. Emerging markets are becoming key contributors to the app industry’s growth, with technological advancements such as AI and 5G poised to accelerate progress even further.
Understanding these trends and statistics is crucial for developers, businesses, and users alike. By staying informed and adaptable, stakeholders can navigate the ever-evolving app landscape, ensuring continued growth and success in the digital age.
