Google Play Store had twice the number of downloads as the App Store in Q1, but took in less money

App Annie's Q1 report on the state of the app market reveals the same old thing. The Google Play Store had twice the number of apps downloaded as the App Store did, but the latter brought in 90% more money. Developers will make their apps more readily available to the platform that creates the most money for them. And once again, iOS apps are bringing in more money. Blame cheaper Android phones for this. The lowest priced current iPhone model, the Apple iPhone SE, is still at least three times the cost of the cheapest Android phones in Asia.

For the first quarter of this year, revenue from iOS entertainment apps rose a healthy 230% year-over-year. The annual gain for Google Play entertainment apps was 170%. Android did beat out iOS in the growth of revenue derived from streaming music. The Google Play Store had year-over-year top line growth in that category of 180% compared to 160% for iOS.

The top categories downloaded from the Google Play Store in Q1 (games excluded) were tools, communication and photography. Based on revenue, the top three for the Google Play Store were communication, social and entertainment. For iOS, the top Q1 downloads were photo and video, entertainment, and social networking. Based on revenue, the top three categories for iOS in Q1 were Social Networking, Music, and Entertainment.

App revenue came mostly from in-app purchases, but also included paid apps as well. Check out some graphs that tell you more about the first quarter, by clicking on the slideshow below.


source: AppAnnie via SlashGear