Mobile app downloads will grow at a CAGR of more than 56 per cent between 2010 and 2015, reaching 98 billion at the end of the period. This upbeat forecast comes from market research firm Berg Insight, which also estimated revenues from paid apps together with in-app purchases and subscription services (so called direct revenues) reached €1.6 billion in 2010.
Berg Insight also predicts that Apple's iOS, the current leader in the direct monetisation of mobile apps, will retain its No.1 position, while Android and Windows Phone OS will be No. 2 and No. 3 respectively by 2015.
"Even though the download numbers will increase during the forecast period, most apps are free to download and app monetisation will be a challenge for developers," said Johan Svanberg, a senior analyst with Berg Insight. "Free to download monetisation strategies such as in-app advertising and in-app purchasing will be increasingly important. This is especially true in the APAC region, which will account for over 40 per cent of all mobile app downloads in 2015." Article