Mobile Application Market Size, Share, and Trends 2025 to 2034

Mobile Application Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global mobile application market size accounted for USD 289.17 billion in 2024 and it is expanding over USD 1,103.48 billion by 2034, poised to grow at a noteworthy CAGR of 21.55% from 2025 to 2034. The mobile application market is driven by the rise of app-based services and the increasing adoption of smartphones.

Mobile Application Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific dominated the global market with the largest market share of 33% in 2024
• By marketplace, the apple store segment contributed the highest market share of 63% in 2024.
• By app category, the gaming app segment captured the biggest market share of 41% in 2024.

What is the role of AI in the Mobile Application Market?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms are redefining the functions of mobile applications. Integrating AI algorithms in mobile apps enhances the interface. They analyze user behavior and preferences and provide personalized experiences. AI algorithms also enhance security within applications. Additionally, AI applications such as chatbots play a crucial role in enhancing the user experience by providing real-time assistance.

Asia Pacific Mobile Application Market Size 2025 to 2034

The Asia Pacific mobile application market size was valued at USD 95.43 billion in 2024 and it is projected to reach around USD 369.67 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 14.50% between 2025 and 2034.

Rising smartphone penetration along with high adoption rate of advanced technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, and augmented & virtual reality (AR & VR) have significantly triggered the Asia Pacific market with a rapid pace. The region accounted as the most lucrative region and predicted to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. In terms of revenue share, the Asia Pacific expected to dominate the global mobile application market during the analysis period. Among Asian countries, China encountered as the leading destination for mobile application download in 2016. However, India recorded the highest percentage of daily use of approximately 27%. In the future years, rising disposable income combined with government initiatives is likely to boost regional market growth. Additionally, the accessibility of low-price mobile informationingesting packs and networking developments are two significant growth drivers in the region. In addition, adoption of smartphone and internet penetration is also driving the expansion of mobile application market in Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, the rising penetration of mobile phones along with the exports of mobile phones is anticipated to propel the market’s growth in the region.

• In April 2025, according to preliminary data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, China's smartphone market shipped 71.6 million units in 1Q25, a 3.3% year-on-year (YoY) increase. This growth was driven by the government subsidies that extended to smartphones in January 2025, as well as the peak sales season of the Spring Festival.
• According to the data published by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. India's mobile phone exports surged 40.5% in FY24. India’s mobile phone exports increased from US$11.1 billion in FY23 to US$15.6 billion in FY24, a US$4.5 billion rise. The rapid growth is due to the success of the PLI scheme, particularly with Apple making India its second base for iPhone manufacturing after China.

On the other hand, being technologically forward and developed economies North America and Europe held prominent position in the global mobile application market in 2021, with more than 60% revenue share collectively. Presence of magnificent players in the North America such as Apple Inc., IBM Corp., Microsoft Corp., Google LLC, Cognizant, and many others has led the region at the dominant position. In addition, early adoption of technologies in the region along with significant investment in the mobile application to transform the world into fully digitized are another prime factors that drives the market growth. According to world investment report 2017, media & entertainment industry is the most affected industry by digitization and the percentage of impact should be nearly 62%. 

The U.S. is dominating the mobile application market in the North America region. In standings of in-app compensation, rewarded mobile games, and a fast-increasing user base of mobile applications in the country, the U.S. is projected to arise as a profitable market for mobile gaming applications. The growth of the North America mobile application market is being attributed to the existence of major market players. 

Market Overview

The global mobile application market offers the development and distribution of mobile/smartphone apps in order to run various applications in a mobile operating system. The distribution of mobile applications is primarily done with Apple app store or Google play store. Ongoing technological advancements, such as faster processors, improved connectivity and penetration of smartphones in developing countries are observed to promote the growth of the mobile application market.

According to secondary sources, there are more than 5.3 billion active Internet users around the globe, accounting for 65.4 percent of the global population in 2023. 58.33 percent of total traffic came from mobile devices globally. China is leading with the highest number of internet users, with 1.05 billion, followed by India, with 729 million, and the United States, with 311 million. 

Mobile Application Market Growth Factors

• With the rising acceptance of various smart gadgets, there is a strong emphasis on developing high-end apps among app developers, boosting the market's growth.
• The rising internet connectivity and the increasing penetration of high-speed internet further contributes to market expansion.
• The growing trend of online shopping is boosting the demand for shopping apps. 
• The rising popularity of mobile gaming fuels the growth of the market. 
• The increasing usage of social media propels market growth.
• With the growing awareness about health and wellness, there is a high demand for fitness-tracking applications, driving the market growth.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Driver

Rising Proliferation of Smartphones

The rising production and adoption of smartphones is a major factor that drives the mobile application market's growth. Furthermore, the rising integration of virtual and augmented reality in apps triggers market growth. At present, smartphones are equipped with various sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and motion sensors to verify the capability of AR and VR in various mobile apps. In gaming apps such as Pokemon Go, AR and VR features enhance the user experience. Besides entertainment, mobile applications are heavily used for health care and medical benefits. Health apps help to connect to doctors from remote locations. Several health monitoring apps are available, which allow users to track their daily exercise routines and monitor health parameters.

• According to a survey, approximately 1.39 billion smartphones were sold across the globe in 2022, and about 1.34 billion units were sold in 2023. Moreover, nearly 3 in 10 adults reported using at least one health app on their smartphone. 

Restraints

The lack of high-speed internet connectivity in underdeveloped nations is expected to impede the growth of the market. The continuous launching of innovative apps with advanced features intensifies competition in the market. Moreover, rising concerns about data security hamper the market growth.

Opportunities

Rising Focus on Mobile App Security 

There is a strong focus on improving app security due to increased data breaches, especially in FinTech apps. App developers are continuously upgrading features in already established apps to enhance security. Governments of various nations are also implementing several data security and privacy policies. For instance, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ensures the protection of data and privacy. 

Challenges

Saturation of smartphone

Downloads of free apps are projected to decline at a slower rate than paid app sales. According to recent disclosures from two global heavyweights in the global mobile application business such as Apple and Google, the number of apps installed is anticipated to decrease over time as customer demand for mobile apps is met. Another issue contributing to the worldwide mobile application market's fall is smartphone market saturation, which will result in fewer total mobile app installations.

Marketplace Insights

The apple app store segment dominated the global mobile application market in 2024; the segment will continue to grow at a significant rate throughout the forecast period. With a substantial user base, iOS users are known for their willingness to spend on apps, which attracts developers to the platform. Apple also offers extensive developer support, resources and development tools, enabling developers to create feature-rich, high-quality apps.

The overall growth in Apple smartphone sales is observed as a major driver for the segment’s growth. For instance, in the third quarter of 2023, Apple generated its highest sales in India with 2.5 million units.

On the other hand, the Google play store segment is expected to grow at a notable rate. The accessibility of Google play store in various regions without language barriers promotes the segment’s growth. The broad reach enables developers to target worldwide audiences. The integration of pre-installed apps in android smartphones also encourages users to access Google play store for additional apps, creating a seamless user experience.

App Category Insights

The gaming app segment held the dominating position in the mobile application market in 2024. The rise of e-sports and competitive gaming has added a new dimension to gaming apps, turning them into platforms for organized tournaments and competitive play.  Owing to an unexpected expansion in the gaming populace and, as a result, the quantity of mobile gaming claims in nations like as India and China, the segment is expected to maintain its dominance over the projection period. Increased application of augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) in the gaming applications and high-level graphics are accounted as the prime factors contributing to its revenue growth. Furthermore, rising investment in gaming applications expected to fuel its growth during the forecast period. For instance, in August 2021, the global mobile gaming industry has received USD 9.6 Bn of investment and has reached at USD 68.4 Bn market revenue by the end of the year 2021. 

On the other hand, entertainment & music segment encountered prominent growth rate during the forecast period. The growth of the segment is mainly due to rising demand of online music and entertainment. Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, HBO NOW, YouTube, and many more entertainment apps are available in the market. Additionally, the entertainment app developers are incorporating 3D features to enhance the picture quality.

• In July 2023, China granted permission for 88 new gaming apps. With a substantial engagement, the gamer base in China reached 668 million in the first half of 2023.

Mobile Application Market Companies & Market Share Insights

The global mobile application market is highly competitive with presence of established and big market players. In addition, several new players such as Xiaomi, and OnePlus have also established their strong footprint in the recent past. The companies are largely focused to provide user-friendly application with enhanced experience. In addition, they also incorporated advanced technologies such as augmented and virtual reality in the new application to satisfy the customer requirement and experience.

Mobile Application Market Companies

• Apple Inc.
• Cognizant
• CA Technologies
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise
• China Mobile Ltd
• Google LLC
• Intellectsoft
• Microsoft Corporation
• International Business Machines Corporation
• Verbat Technologies

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Boris Mizhen, a seasoned business strategist and property developer, revealed his plans to invest in a new mobile application aimed at transforming real estate development. His entry into the real estate sector was motivated by a commitment to enhancing housing quality for people of all income levels. Presently, he owns and oversees numerous properties throughout the Northeastern United States.
• In February 2025, The National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), announced collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), have launched the Unified Investor App (UIP). This platform integrates MyEasi by CDSL and SPEED-e by NSDL, enabling investors to effectively oversee their portfolios in the capital markets.
• In January 2025, LANDR, the AI-powered music tool brand, announced the launch of the first mobile app to combine AI mastering, unlimited music distribution, and real-time collaborative tools under one subscription. Artists can release their tracks to over 150 platforms via the app.
• In February 2025, BSNL announced the launch of BSNL Intertainment, a new Internet TV service, in partnership with OTTplay, India’s leading streaming platform aggregator. This service provides BSNL mobile users across India with free access to over 450 live TV channels, including premium ones, along with movies, web series, and documentaries in multiple languages.
• In January 2025, the Tamil Nadu government launched a mobile app for pensioners. The app allows pensioners to access pension details, medical insurance cards, and other critical information. 
• In January 2025, Cipla launched the CipAir, a mobile app for screening for asthma in India.
• In February 2024, Pawan Kalyan, a tollywood actor and politician, launched the ‘Health On Us’ app in Hyderabad. This app provides access to quality healthcare by extending services beyond traditional hospitals and clinics.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Marketplace

• Google Play Store
• Apple iOS Store
• Other Marketplaces (Microsoft)

By App Category

• Music & Entertainment
• Gaming
• Health & Fitness
• Education & Learning
• Retail & e-Commerce
• Travel & Hospitality
• Others (Navigation, Utilities, and News)

By Regional Outlook

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• Rest of the World