Apple App Store Bests Google Play In Mobile Revenue As Consumer Spending Skyrockets

Apple app store app and booming revenues
Mobile gaming and non-game app adoption and spending really took off in 2020. However, market trend started normalize in 2021, and worldwide consumer spending should reach $133 billion on in-app purchases, premium apps, and subscriptions. That includes spending on both the iOS App Store and Google Play, but Apple is expected to lead the pack.
Global app and game spending for 2021

According to Sensor Tower Store Intelligence data, Apple and Google should enjoy a 19.7 percent year-over-year growth compared to 2021. Between 2019 and 2020, app spending increased 21 percent, very close to this year’s expectations. Total new app installs are expected to hit 143.6 billion, a modest half-percentage point higher than 2020 but still a record breaker.

Anticipated Global Consumer Mobile App Spending

The iOS App Store should hit $85.1 billion in 2021 sales, up 17.7 percent year-over-year from 2020. Google Play expects to see $47.9 billion globally, a 23.5-percent increase.

Top apps by revenue for 2021

The top-grossing apps for 2021 include TikTok, YouTube, Tinder, Disney+, and the Google One subscription service, among others. Google One is seeing the most revenue in 2021 on Android devices. On iOS, TikTok has the top spot for spending.

Top app downloads for 2021

In terms of total downloads, Facebook leads the charge on Android while TikTok dominates iOS and iPadOS devices. Facebook has the number 4 slot on the App Store total downloads. As for TikTok on Android devices, the short video sharing app maintains a solid third place.

Mobile Game Spending Continues to Grow

Global mobile game spending for 2021

In 2021, mobile game spending on iOS and Android combined should reach $89.6 billion in sales. Apple’s share is $52.3 billion, while Google Play rakes in $47.6 billion.
Top mobile game revenue for 2021

In terms of overall revenue, PUBG Mobile comes in first place. However, Tencent’s Honor of Kings has the most revenue on the iOS App Store. Within the Google Play ecosystem, Coin Master brought in the most revenue.

For more details, you can check out SensorTower's full report, here.