Mobile Application Global Market Report 2024

The mobile application market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $242.33 billion in 2023 to $277.02 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3%. The growth observed in the historic period can be attributed to the widespread proliferation of smartphones, the launch of app stores, the expansion of mobile internet accessibility, the evolution of operating systems, and the implementation of user engagement strategies.

The mobile application market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $469.83 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the integration of 5G technology, the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), the emergence of wearables, integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and the increasing prevalence of mobile commerce (m-commerce). Major trends expected in the forecast period include a heightened focus on enhanced personalization, widespread adoption of 5G technology, emphasis on cross-platform compatibility, increased attention to mobile security, and the integration of health and wellness features.

The anticipated adoption of wearable devices is poised to drive the growth of the mobile application market. Wearable devices, encompassing electronic gadgets or technology worn on the body, either as accessories or integrated into clothing, utilize mobile applications to connect sensors and processors within the wearable. This enables various uses such as data visualization and analysis. As of October 2023, the International Data Corporation reported a global increase in wearable shipments from 492,247,834 in 2022 to 519,839,947 in 2023, with an estimated projection to reach 625,399,055 by 2027. Therefore, the adoption of wearable devices stands as a significant driver for the growth of the mobile application market.

The anticipated growth in in-app consumer spending is also expected to propel the expansion of the mobile application market. In-app consumer spending refers to the money users spend within a mobile app or game, extending beyond the initial download cost. Mobile applications provide a convenient and efficient platform for purchasing goods and services, ranging from food delivery to streaming subscriptions and game upgrades, creating a captive audience for in-app purchases and subscriptions. In January 2023, a US-based mobile data and analytics platform reported a 3% increase in global in-app spending from $167 billion in 2022 to $171 billion in 2023. Hence, the growing trend of in-app consumer spending contributes significantly to driving the growth of the mobile application market.

The expected high costs of mobile application development are likely to impede the growth of the mobile application market. The elevated costs can create barriers for smaller players, limiting their entry into the app market and consequently reducing the diversity and innovation potential of the app ecosystem. High development costs may also discourage developers from taking risks and experimenting with new ideas, as the potential return on investment becomes less certain. For example, in March 2023, Couchbase Server, a US-based cloud database platform, reported that the average cost of developing a mobile application can range from $5000 to over $1 million. Hence, the high costs associated with mobile application development stand as a restraining factor for the growth of the mobile application market.

Major companies in the mobile application market are countering challenges by focusing on innovative launches, such as the Flash platform, to enhance profitability. The Flash Platform is a versatile platform for multimedia software, used to create embedded web browser video players, desktop apps, mobile games, mobile apps, and animations. For instance, in December 2023, Shadowfax, an India-based e-commerce, hyper-local, and on-demand delivery solutions company, launched its Flash app. This app promises a 30-minute delivery time and is designed to address urgent delivery needs within cities. Utilizing advanced GPS technology, it ensures transparency and enhances the customer experience by providing real-time tracking of deliveries. Positioned as a comprehensive and efficient on-demand logistics solution, Flash aims to redefine parameters for dependability, speed, and cost-effectiveness in the last-mile delivery segment, competing with other on-demand delivery services in the industry.

In November 2022, DigiTouch S.p.A., an Italy-based company specializing in digital transformation, acquired Mobilesoft Societa A Responsabilita Limitata for approximately $3.93 million. Through this acquisition, DigiTouch aims to secure a 60% stake and expand its offerings in mobile applications and fintech services, particularly in designing and implementing IT solutions for the automotive, utilities, and public administration sectors. MobileSoft S.r.l., the acquired company, is an Italy-based developer of mobile applications.

Major companies operating in the mobile application market report are Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc., China Mobile Limited, IBM Corporation, Broadcom Inc., Netflix Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, Ubisoft Inc., BlackBerry Ltd., Gameloft SE, LeewayHertz, Algoworks Technologies Private Limited, Verbat Technologies LLC, Verbat Technologies, CodigoDelSur, Mercury Development LLC, Intellectsoft LLC, Sidebench, NineHertz India Pvt. Ltd., KitelyTech, Goji Labs, RevenueCat, Adept Business Solutions FZE, Toobler Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Amber Group, Zazz, Orangesoft, Appetiser.

North America was the largest region in the mobile application market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the mobile application market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the mobile application market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

A mobile application is a software program designed to function on mobile devices, taking advantage of their distinctive features and capabilities. Users can download and install these applications directly onto their devices, providing seamless access to specific services, information, or entertainment.

The primary types of mobile applications are the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and others. The Google Play Store serves as the official app store for Android devices, overseen by Google. It encompasses various operating systems such as Android and iOS. Mobile applications are used across diverse categories, including gaming, music and entertainment, health and fitness, social networking, retail and e-commerce, among others.

The mobile application market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides mobile application market statistics, including the mobile application industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a mobile application market share, detailed mobile application market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the mobile application industry. This mobile application market research report delivers a complete perspective on everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The mobile application market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as app development services, app monetization services, app analytics, and app maintenance and support. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The mobile application market also includes sales of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.