Mobile App Market: Forecast & Key Drivers Through 2030

What the New Mobile App Market Forecast Revealed?

The global mobile app market will continue to grow rapidly, driven by an expanding smartphone and internet user base, the development of monetization, and the adoption of new technologies. According to Grand View Research analysts, the market totaled $252.89 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $626.39 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3%. Asia-Pacific accounted for over 32% of global revenue in 2023.

Why the Market Is Accelerating?

The primary driver remains smartphone penetration and more time spent online, especially in developing economies (Brazil, China, India). Affordable data plans from mobile carriers are lowering the cost of mobile access and expanding the user base. At the same time, the e-commerce boom-with its discounts and exclusive online-only selections-is boosting app downloads.

Another growth vector is tied to the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), as well as Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. For example, AI is used for facial recognition, while IoT makes it possible to monitor the condition of equipment in manufacturing in real time.

COVID’s Impact on Demand

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reshaped download patterns. The biggest gains were in social media, games, and entertainment, followed by faster growth in demand for e-commerce, healthcare, and education apps. The shift to remote learning opened up broad opportunities for Google Classroom, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, turning them into an everyday tool for millions of users.

A Fragmented Industry with A Low Threat of Substitutes

The market is at a mid-stage of maturity, but growth is accelerating. The industry is fragmented: many developers compete for user attention. Companies are ramping up investment in development. For example, in June 2023, Ubisoft Entertainment launched Rocksmith+, a guitar-learning app with a library of over 6,000 songs, available on Android and iOS.

Data security remains an important factor. Regulators require transparency from developers: a privacy policy and clear disclosures about collecting usernames, passwords, names, and addresses. At the same time, the threat of direct substitutes for mobile apps is considered low, as users’ reliance on them (shopping, food delivery, payments) is only increasing.

Who Earns More from App Distribution?

By revenue, the Apple App Store leads with a share of over 62.8% in 2025. This is driven by higher iOS monetization through in-app purchases and premium offerings, a growing iPhone and iPad base, and the store’s global availability for developers. Google Play, in turn, relies on widespread pre-installation on Android devices and broad geographic reach, which delivers a massive audience.

Games Lead the Way; Streaming Is Gaining Momentum

The gaming segment accounted for over 40% of revenue in 2025. Growth in the number of gamers in China and India, AR/VR technologies (as in Pokémon Go, which uses smartphone sensors), and three main monetization models (in-game purchases, paid apps, and advertising) support the category’s leadership. At the same time, Android dominates in download volume, while iOS generates more revenue thanks to paid games.

A notable share of the gaming segment is driven by the iGaming industry. Online casinos are increasingly moving users to mobile apps, and having a proprietary app in the App Store or Google Play is becoming an industry standard. According to H2 Gambling Capital, by 2027 over 70% of online gambling bets will be placed on mobile devices.

At the same time, the number of aggregator sites is growing, compiling casino bonus offers for players in specific regions. We tried to cover several global regions-from North America and Europe to Asia and Oceania. Studying several industry rankings, we noticed a site, which compiles current no-deposit bonuses for players in New Zealand. And it turned out that most brands on the list have apps for iOS and Android.

Such niche services reflect a broader trend: the mobile apps market is fragmenting into highly specialized products aimed at local audiences. For the gaming segment overall, this fragmentation means additional growth opportunities that help lift total category revenue.

Meanwhile, music and entertainment are expected to post a CAGR of around 13.5% in 2026-2030. The shift to streaming (Spotify, Netflix), personalized recommendations, and HD quality are pushing segment growth. Social networks, Retail & e-commerce, Travel & hospitality, Education, and Health & fitness also make a significant contribution to overall market dynamics.

A Geographic Snapshot of Growth

In North America, the market is characterized by intense competition and strong startup activity. In the U.S., a 14.1% CAGR is projected; popular apps include Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, PayPal, and Netflix. 5G and AI technologies are creating new growth opportunities, although regulatory and privacy challenges remain significant.

In Asia-Pacific, China is showing an expected growth rate of 15.8%, fuelled by the popularity of short videos (TikTok/Douyin) and e-commerce. WeChat, Alipay, and Taobao illustrate the breadth of the local ecosystem. Japan is growing at the intersection of gaming, social media, and fintech, while government initiatives are aimed at boosting competition among app stores.

The European market was valued at $52.38 billion in 2024. The UK held over 26% of Europe’s share, and the NHS app, with a user base of more than 22 million, has become emblematic of the mass shift to digital healthcare. Germany expects a 14.5% CAGR, France is growing due to more time spent in apps and Paris’s startup ecosystem, while GDPR imposes strict requirements on developers.

The Middle East and Africa market is projected to reach $26.04 billion by 2030. Tech hubs in Dubai, Nairobi, and Lagos are accelerating innovation, and in Saudi Arabia over 97% of government services have been digitized, stimulating demand for fintech and banking apps.

Who Sets the Pace?

The core infrastructure is built around Apple, Google, and Microsoft, while major platforms (Amazon, Netflix), game publishers (Gameloft, Ubisoft), and device makers (Xiaomi) are expanding the ecosystem. Promising vertical-specific services include India’s Practo (online doctor consultations) and cult.fit (fitness, nutrition, and mental health in a single app).

Recent launches:

• September 2023: Google announced Dream Screen for YouTube Shorts, enabling the creation of AI backgrounds and strengthening the creator economy.
• December 2022: Apple launched Freeform for collaboration on iPad, Mac, and iPhone.
• October 2022: cult.fit and boAt introduced the at-home Fitness Xtended program, available via the app.

The Grand View Research report covers historical and forecast revenue from 2017 to 2030, segmented by app stores (Google Play, App Store, other), app types (from games and streaming to education), and geography, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.