Global Mobile Applications Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Store (Google Store, Apple Store, and Others), By Application (Gaming, Music & Entertainment, Health & Fitness, Social Networking, Retail & E-commerce, Travel & Hospitality, Learning & Education, and Others), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2025 - 2035

Global Mobile Application Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Global Mobile Application Market Size Was Estimated at USD 284.38 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 14.2% from 2025 to 2035
• The Worldwide Mobile Application Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 1224.89 Billion by 2035
• Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period.

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights and Consulting, The Global Mobile Application Market Size was worth around USD 284.38 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 324.98 Billion in 2025 to around USD 1224.89 Billion by 2035 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% during the forecast period (2025–2035). The expansion of the global mobile application market is propelled because the number of prospective users is growing as more individuals purchase reasonably priced smartphones and have access to dependable, fast internet, including 5G. Revenues are increasing as a result of consumers' growing preference for convenience through mobile commerce, on-demand services, and mobile payments, as well as better monetization strategies such as in-app purchases and subscriptions.

Global Mobile Application Market Forecast and Revenue Outlook

• 2024 Market Size: USD 284.38 Billion
• 2035 Projected Market Size: USD 1224.89 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2035): 14.2%
• North America: Largest market in 2024
• Asia Pacific: Fastest growing market

Market Overview

The mobile application refers to a software program created especially to operate on portable electronics like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Around the world, the mobile application industry offers the development and distribution of mobile or smartphone applications to operate across a variety of applications in a mobile operating system. The market for mobile applications is primarily anchored by distribution from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Ongoing developments in technology, such as faster processors, better connectivity, and the increased prevalence of mobile phones in developing countries, provide support for continued growth in the mobile applications market. According to secondary resources, there will be over 5.3 billion active users of the Internet globally in 2023, equating to a penetration rate of 65.4% of the world's population. Cell phones were responsible for 58.33% of total traffic globally. The country with the most internet users is China, with 1.05 billion. India follows in second place with 729 million, and the US is in third with 311 million internet users.

Government efforts to support mobile applications include initiatives like India's Mobile Seva, which provides a shop for mobile applications and services via SMS, IVR, etc., to deliver public services. The UMANG app (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) unifies a number of state and government services into a single mobile platform. Additional initiatives include the Poshan Tracker (nutrition service delivery), the National Software Products Policy, Startup India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which promote innovation, app development, and digital infrastructure; the National e-Government Plan to digitize public services; and more.

Key Market Insights

• North America is expected to account for the largest share in the mobile application Market during the forecast period.
• In terms of store, the apple store segment is projected to lead the mobile application Market throughout the forecast period
• In terms of application, the gaming segment captured the largest portion of the market

Mobile Application Market Trends

• AI Powered Personalization
• 5G & Edge Computing Enabling Richer Experiences
• Hybrid Monetization Models
• Privacy & Security Emphasis
• Cross Platform Development & IoT Integration

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the mobile application market based on various segments and regions, forecasts revenue growth, and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyzes the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the mobile application market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies, such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition, have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyzes their core competencies in each sub-segment of the mobile application market.

Driving factors

The mobile application market is driven by a number of app developers, and the app market is fragmented as well. Mobile app developers are using the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. For instance, apps with AI usage can deliver backend functionality, such as facial recognition. Further, IoT-enabled smartphone apps can provide consumers with timely and valuable information. For example, IoT-enabled apps can provide industrial businesses with real-time machine information. Market participants are investing in the development of mobile applications, which bodes well for the market's growth. For example, the French company Ubisoft Entertainment announced plans to release its music education app, Rocksmith, in June 2023. The app was made available on the Apple Inc. and Google Android operating systems. The app allows users to learn guitar anywhere and anytime, featuring over 6,000 songs.

Restraining Factor

One of the main factors restraining the mobile application market is the lack of high-speed internet access in developing regions. The constant emergence of new advanced apps with sophisticated functionality is pushing the market toward a more competitive environment.

Market Segmentation 

The global mobile application market is divided into store and application.

Global Mobile Applications Market, By Store:

• The apple store segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.  

Based on Store, the global mobile application market is segmented into google store, apple store, and others. Among these, the apple store segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The segment is driven by the iOS app segment and is distinguished by its higher revenue generation, which is due to the emphasis on in-app purchases and premium apps. Also, the continually rising number of users of iPhones and iPads around the world contributes to its growth within the market. 

The google store segment in the mobile application market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. With a widely accepted reach around the globe, it can tap into market access with the potential for a diverse number of audiences from almost every country and region. The dominance of the Play Store is enhanced by the ubiquitous ownership and usage of Android smartphones that come integrated with the ability to access the Play Store.

Global Mobile Applications Market, By Application:

• The gaming segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on application, the global mobile application market is segmented into gaming, music & entertainment, health & fitness, social networking, retail & e-commerce, travel & hospitality, learning & education, and others. Among these, the gaming segment accounted for the largest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The dominance is because of an anticipated increase in gamers and the subsequent adoption of gaming applications, especially in Asia-Pacific countries such as China and India. Windows, iOS, and Android are also the most commonly used operating systems for game development. In 2023, Android OS accounted for a large part of game downloads, but iOS produced more revenue because there are more premium games available for the platform.

The music & entertainment segment in the mobile application market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The rising popularity of streaming services in place of more traditional services based on the access and convenience available through services like Spotify and Netflix. Furthermore, a growing user base for these apps is also due to almost universal smartphone ownership and advances in mobile technology.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Global Mobile Application Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

North America Mobile Applications Market Trends

North America is expected to hold the largest share of the global mobile application market over the forecast period.

The North American region's supremacy includes a robust economy and a technically proficient population in North America has aided the market's size and growth. From gaming to e-commerce, many app categories exist in a marketplace dominated by key players like Apple and Google. North American startups and venture capitalist firms are central to the ingenuity and technology that are always being created. The identified factors' positioning of market behaviors, regulations, and preferences indicates the importance of considering user-centered design and compliance issues.

U.S. Mobile Applications Market Trends

The rapid growth of mobile app development companies and the reliance on mobile applications by U.S. businesses to engage their customers and develop their brand are the primary drivers for the growth of the mobile app market in the United States. Continued development in internet technologies and developments in user technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence are driving growth in the key segments of gaming, social media, e-commerce, fintech, and entertainment. Popular applications include Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, Amazon, and PayPal. While markets are being driven by the innovation and opportunities associated with augmented reality and virtual reality and mobile payment platforms, they are also being molded by the challenges associated with robust competition, security and privacy challenges, and compliance mandates. Success in this competitive environment will entail continual innovation, features that focus on user experience, and skillful navigation of the regulatory landscape.

Asia Pacific Mobile Applications Market Trends

The Asia Pacific mobile application market will dominate the market over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the mobile application market during the forecast period. In the Asia Pacific market, the rise is rising due to due to a variety of reasons, ranging from a rapidly growing middle class, nationwide penetration of smartphones, and improved internet connectivity. Countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asia have seen significant growth in adopting mobile applications, especially in sectors focusing on social networking, gaming, and e-commerce. The hypothesis is also true that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated mobile application adoption as more individuals have shifted to digital platforms for work, education, and entertainment purposes.

China Mobile Applications Market Trends

The growth of the market in the region is driven by the increasing demand for short-form videos made possible by smartphone applications like TikTok, known as Douyin in China. Additionally, the growing popularity of e-commerce in the area is driving growth in the market. Key sectors within the market include gaming, e-commerce, social media, fintech, and entertainment due to widespread smartphone adoption and technological advances like 5G and AI. The diversity of the market and the integration of services are represented by apps such as WeChat, Alipay, and Taobao. The emergence of 5G and AI opened up numerous opportunities along with disadvantages, as businesses face localization needs, stiff competition, and regulatory compliance. Success requires innovation, adapting to local preferences, and navigating a complex regulatory landscape.

Europe Mobile Applications Market Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic sped up the process of digitalization, which is promoting the growth of the market in the region. Firms in the region are adopting mobile apps into their businesses to provide better service to their clients. For example, European airlines and railways have mobile apps to facilitate booking and travel.

UK Mobile Applications Market Trends

The country's market is expanding due to the increasing use of mobile apps to access a range of services, including healthcare. For example, within three years of its 2018 inception, the UK National Health Service had over 22 million users as of December 2021. The software makes it simpler for consumers to schedule appointments and use other digital healthcare services.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the global mobile application market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

Worldwide Top Key Players in The Mobile Applications Market Include

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

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent development

• 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 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, 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 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.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the global, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the mobile application market based on the following segments:

 Global Mobile Applications Market, By Store

• Google Store
• Apple Store
• Others

Global Mobile Applications Market, By Application

• Gaming, Music & Entertainment
• Health & Fitness
• Social Networking
• Retail & E-commerce
• Travel & Hospitality
• Learning & Education
• Others

Global Mobile Applications Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa