The number of global consumer mobile app downloads is set to increase
from 2.6 billion in 2009, to more than 25 billion in 2015, according to
new research.
Juniper Research predicts the number of app stores from mobile
operators will increase, with launches including Apps and Games Shop
from Vodafone 360, Airtell App Central from Bharti, and Mobile Market
from China Unicom.
The multi-operator app storefront GetJar has benefited from this
increase in app demand, passing one billion downloads earlier this
month.
Windsor Holden, author of the report, said: "Apple has been able to
achieve several billion downloads from a comparatively small handset
base, because customers are buying the iPhone for the apps. That's not
been the case with other handsets."
The "freemium" business model, which offers basic web services for
free at the point of sale and then charges a premium for advanced
features via app-based billing, is also becoming more widely used by
publishers, according to the research.
Author: Sarah Shearman
Source: Brand Republic
Date: 20/07/2010