Google’s Android has come from behind to overtake Apple in the number of application downloads transacting in the Asia Pacific region. Android is expected to continue its dominance with predictions it will double Apple’s figures by 2016.
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But for the first time yet Android is expected to dominate application downloads with research firm Ovum claiming 1.8 billion downloads will transact on the Google platform compared to Apple’s 1.5 billion.
Android will continue to dominate application downloads, with 2016 predictions indicating droid downloads will be double that of Apple’s, at 6.07 billion and 3.4 billion respectively.
Android’s rapid growth, cheaper apps and availability on less expensive handsets have contributed to the platform’s high number of downloaded apps.
“The huge lead in downloads that Android will take on Apple is being driven by the growth of the platform as a result of its increasing popularity and progress into lower price points” said Ovum’s device analyst Nick Dillon.
“App-savvy consumers are less willing to pay a high premium for anything but ‘must have’ apps. The challenge here is what is considered ‘must have’, as this varies by customer segment and the individual.”
Despite coming from behind to overtake Apple in application downloads, Apple’s app store continues to generate more revenue amongst paid applications.
“But although Android phones will lead on total download numbers, iPhone will continue to dominate the AP market in terms of revenues from paid-for apps, reaching US$808 million in 2016, compared to US$394 million for Android.”
Android is not the only OS rising in ranks, with Microsoft’s Windows Phone system predicted to overtake BlackBerry for the number 3 spot in app downloads and revenues by 2015.
By the end of 2011, the Asia Pacific region is predicted to top 5 billion downloads, experiencing 189% growth compared to its 1.6 billion performance in 2010, documents Ovum’s report.
The independent telecoms analyst believes the industry will experience some of its strongest growth yet this year, as it paves way to 14 billion downloads in 2016.
Asia Pacific revenues generated from paid mobile apps is expected to jump from US$302 million in 2012 to US$871 million in 2011. The frenzy is expected to continue with revenue prediction of US$2.2 billion come 2016.
“Consumers’ seemingly insatiable demand for mobile applications is set to continue this year, with downloads from app stores increasing around the world, “said Dillon.
“The outlook for the longer term is also positive, with consumers set to continue to use apps to add new features to their phones and to access their favourite services on the go.”
Dillion believes application stores will remain the primary support channel for mobile apps, with HTML5 being incorporated into the virtual environment.
“App stores offer a familiar environment for consumer to discover, download and purchase apps, and we anticipate that the majority of app stores will list a mix of both HTML5 and native applications in their catalogues in the future.”
