App Annie, an analyst, believes that by 2018 Google’s Play Store will bring in more revenue than Apple’s App Store. Currently iOS is the most profitable platform for developers. Whilst it has a smaller user base, the users typically have more disposable income and are more likely to have their card details saved with their App Store (making impulse purchases much easier and faster).
However App Annie’s research shows that fewer iOS users are choosing paid apps now. Instead they’re turning to free and “freemium” titles. This might be because of the influx of freemium gaming, as developers realize that they can potentially earn more money through it.
Android is also growing, and at a far faster rate than any of its rivals. Obviously the more people who use the Play Store, the more revenue the Play Store will earn due to app sales. This growth is largely coming from the low-end and mid-range devices in growing economies like China and India. According to data from the IDC, the average price of an Android smartphone is $333, nearly half that of an iPhone. Despite Apple’s efforts with the 5C, Android will continue to dominate the low and mid-end markets.
