Google Play Store vs Apple App Store: Which Is More Popular?

When it comes to deciding which app store reigns supreme between Google Play Store and Apple App Store, the answer is not as straightforward as it might seem. Let's dive into the numbers and insights to understand why one might be more popular than the other, depending on your perspective.

Numbers: Which Store Has More Users?

Google Play Store is the clear winner when it comes to the sheer number of users and apps. According to the stats from the first quarter of 2022, Google Play Store boasts an impressive 3.3 million Android apps. In 2021, users worldwide downloaded 111.3 billion mobile apps from Google Play, a significant increase from 108.5 billion in 2020. These numbers are projected to grow even further, with an estimated 139 billion mobile apps downloaded in 2024.

These figures highlight the massive user base of Google Play Store, which has the majority of the Android market. Consequently, it's no surprise that Google Play Store leads in terms of app downloads and overall usage.

Premium Users: A Specific Market Segment

Despite the overwhelming numbers on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store caters to a specific demographic: premium users. These premium users are selectively high-quality, committed, and highly engaged. While there are fewer of them compared to the vast user base of Google Play Store, these users are often more willing to pay for premium apps and in-app services.

Apple's closed ecosystem and stringent app vetting process ensure that the apps in the App Store are of high quality, which may attract a specific group of tech-savvy, premium buyers. This market segment values the seamless experience and security offered by the App Store, making it a unique and distinct market.

Revenue Perspective: Android vs iOS

Looking at the revenue perspective, the iOS market (App Store) often holds an edge over Android (Google Play Store). Even though the number of app downloads on the Google Play Store is significantly higher, the revenue generated by the App Store is often higher due to the premium pricing and fewer, but more valuable, downloads.

According to the stats from 2015 (though from an older year, the trends are still relevant), the App Store maintained a higher revenue per download compared to the Google Play Store. This trend is more pronounced when considering the premium users who often value the exclusivity and premium content available on the App Store.

Conclusion: A Question of Perspective

Ultimately, the question of which app store is more popular is relative and depends on your perspective. For numbers and app downloads, the Google Play Store is undoubtedly the bigger player. However, for a specific segment of premium users and high-quality, premium-priced apps, Apple App Store holds a strong position.

The competition between these two app stores is healthy, driving innovation and improving the user experience for millions of app users around the world. Whether you're a developer or an app user, understanding the nuances of each ecosystem can help you make more informed decisions about which app store to use or target.

Contact Us for More Insights

If you have any further questions about app store optimization or need assistance with optimizing your app for better visibility within the app stores, feel free to contact our team at App Radar. We offer solutions to help you navigate the complexities of app store optimization and improve the visibility of your apps.