In the mobile ecosystem, the two leading platforms have always been competing against each other regarding app downloads and revenues. Since the last few quarters, the app store downloads and revenue statistics have shown a somewhat similar pattern. Google Play was ahead of iOS regarding downloads, while the latter managed a considerable but shrinking lead over Google Play in the revenue segment. However, Q1 of 2015 witnessed iOS acquiring significant information over Google Play for revenue and Google Play staying on top in the download section Univers Inform.
According to the latest reports from App Annie, the worldwide downloads in Q1 2015 for Google Play were almost 70% higher than the iOS App Store, which was again a rise from 60% in Q3 2014. The emerging markets in the developing countries – Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, and Indonesia, played a crucial role in Google Play’s growth. The Android ecosystem greatly benefited, with the first smartphone buyer numbers in these markets attaining huge change.
On the contrary, Apple’s app store secured sizeable worldwide revenue in this year’s first quarter. Q1 of 2015 shows iOS App Store revenues being about 70% higher on Google Play, which also increased from about 60% in Q3 2014. Given the massive boom in two core markets—the U.S. and China—Apple’s revenue has successfully earned impressive figures.
On the other hand, the iOS App Store’s worldwide revenue in Q1 2015 was about 70% higher than that of Google Play, up from about 60% in Q3 2014. iOS’s revenue performance has been backed by two of Apple’s core markets  China and the United States. IOS’ success is measured as an outcome of securing more established markets. Here, it is worth mentioning that the App Store’s worldwide revenue in Q2 2015 was reportedly 70% higher than Google Play.
Going deeper into the analysis of mobile apps’ economy, certain factors distinguish the stores and their performances from each other.
This is probably because Apple device owners are from higher-income groups and are always willing to invest more money in apps than normal Android users. Apple has been successfully generating handsome revenues for the iOS development Companies compared to their Android counterparts. The record-breaking sales of the latest iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in the U.S. and the influential sales figures in China and the ‘big five’ (Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Spain) markets are a true reflection of iOS’ powerful market share.
Android, too, has its own set of expensive handsets, like the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. However, the truth is that most Android users spend between $100 and $300 on smartphones. Again, most Android users worldwide lack a credit/debit card, and carrier billing is often unavailable.
It is also important to note that the lack of direct sales revenue has increased the number of ad-supported apps on the Android platform. Market insights reveal that Android cannot pull in more money via direct sales and in-app purchases, which may urge many smartphone app developers to opt for advertisement-supported apps without even trying to find alternatives for their Android apps. This is where iOS gets an advantage, driving more revenue via the direct purchase mode and subsequent in-app purchases from its affluent user group.
