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Apple App Store Statistics You Need to Know for 2024

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Updated on: April 15, 2024
Time to read: 7 minutes

The Apple App Store is always changing, with new apps being added and existing ones being updated almost every day. We looked at some of the stats to understand a few of those changes. In this article, we are going to see the Apple App Store continue to thrive as a dynamic platform and provide some insightful data based on recent statistics.

Table of Contents

The Continued Growth of Apple's App Store: What the Numbers Can Show Us

The Apple App Store for both iOS and macOS has seen success in recent years, for example, the number of app and game downloads increased by 7% in 2023. With an average of 500,000 visits per week, it’s clear that users spend a lot of their time there and are constantly on the hunt for new apps.

According to Merci Larry, 70% of the visitors use the Search feature to explore new apps, and 65% of the downloads happen right after users search for apps. 

With the App Store growing at such a rapid pace, developers are constantly striving to innovate and put more apps on the platform. Last year alone, there were more than 3 million apps and games on the App Store. This shows just how important it is for developers to keep up with this upward trend in order to grow their business.

Number of available apps in the Apple App Store
Number of available apps in the Apple App Store from 2008 to July 2023, Statista

Our company has also been trying to adapt to these evolving trends to give our users what they need. For the past 10 years, we have been committed to developing quality apps and improving them based on our users’ feedback. We take great pride in offering a wide range of products that cater to various needs and preferences:

Elmedia

Elmedia Video Player is a Mac-exclusive software that lets you play the most common types of video and audio formats without having to download additional codecs or plugins. It offers a user-friendly interface, along with a plethora of useful features.

Commander One

Commander One is a file manager that has a dual-pane interface, allowing you to work with two directories at the same time. It offers an endless list of features that you can use to streamline your workflow and make your work with files more productive.

CloudMounter

CloudMounter is a cloud manager that lets you work with your cloud storage accounts, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and others as if they were local drives. You can easily upload and download files without constantly switching tabs.

MacDroid

MacDroid is the ultimate solution for transferring files between Android and Mac. It is the perfect match for those who work with both operating systems and need something to help them sync and manage their data effortlessly.

DoCast

DoCast lets you mirror your iPhone’s screen on Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku. You can also use it to stream offline videos, photos, and music. Its user-friendly intuitive interface makes casting and streaming a breeze.

All of these apps have not only paid but also free versions, so you can easily try them out. We invite you to check out our products, try out their features, and let us know what you think!

User Preferences Based on the Platform

Over the past 12 years, macOS has steadily gained popularity, increasing its market share from 7.32% to 20% worldwide. MacBook computers are on a clear upward trajectory, which means developers will continue to make apps for it and the App Store will continue to expand.

Leading computer operating systems worldwide
Market share held by the leading computer operating systems worldwide from January 2012 to February 2024, Statista

According to TechJury, Apple’s sales have been rising since 2009 despite a downward trend in the overall personal computer market for the past 10 years. According to the same source, Mac computers saw a surge in sales when the new M2 MacBook was released in July 2022, further solidifying Apple’s position as a key player in the personal computer market, alongside Windows PCs.

A Few More App Store Facts

Here are some more facts about the App Store:

Why Many Users Prefer Free Apps

It’s no secret that most users prefer free apps, solely because they’re free. They give them a chance to explore different features and functionalities without any financial commitment. It’s not that they don’t want to spend any money, they just prefer to test out an app before making in-app purchases or upgrading to a premium version. 

Developers can tap into this by offering a free version of this app to attract a high number of users who can then share their feedback and help improve the app’s overall quality and user experience.

What Are the Advantages of Paid Apps

Paid apps allow users to experience a better and more user-friendly version of the app, often with enhanced features, improved functionality, and an ad-free experience. Developers often allocate higher budgets for the development and maintenance of paid apps, which is why they get better customer support and frequent updates.

Users tend to think of it as an investment, so they expect a higher level of quality, reliability, and longevity from paid apps. Free apps may get you more users, but paid apps often attract a more committed and engaged user base, leading to higher customer satisfaction and potentially greater revenue in the long run.

Number of free and paid apps on the Apple App Store and the Google Play
Distribution of free and paid apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play in March 2024, Statista

The Role of Recommendations and Ranking on the App Store

Recommendations are often based on things like user preferences, browsing history, and app interactions. They help people find new apps that align with their interests and preferences. Because of the abundance of apps on the App Store, a user can’t try out every single one of them. 

From a developer’s perspective, getting good recommendations and high rankings is key to getting noticed and attracting users.

Rankings on the App Store play a very important role in an app’s success. It essentially tells users that they can trust the app’s quality and popularity. If a developer’s app reaches the Top Charts, it not only boosts visibility but also builds credibility and attracts more users.

Conclusion

The Apple App Store continues to show no signs of slowing down. It gets over 500,000 visits every week and saw a 7% increase in apps and game downloads in 2023. Developers have been doing all they can to adapt to these trends by publishing innovative apps and making ongoing improvements based on the feedback they get from their users.

With the MacBook gaining momentum in sales, the ecosystem of Apple products is on an upward trajectory. Users continue to download both free and paid apps, often relying on the App Store recommendations and the Top Charts. How do you know you’ve made it as a developer? It’s when the App Store begins recommending your app to its users. That’s the ultimate validation of your hard work.