The Google Play store for Android devices still accounts for the majority of app downloads in the world, but Apple's iOS App Store generates more revenue, according to a report from market researcher App Annie. In an overview of the world app market in 2014, App Annie said Google Play strengthened its lead last year, amassing nearly 60 percent more app downloads than the Apple store. However, the iOS App Store generated over 70 percent more app revenue than Google Play last year. Both of the leading app stores generated strong revenue growth last year, the report said, without disclosing exact figures.
Japan, South Korea and the US were the biggest app markets, together generating more app revenue than the rest of the world combined. The BRIC countries showed the strongest growth potential, with Brazil moving up to number two behind the US in the number of Google Play downloads and China taking third place in iOS app revenue, behind the US and Japan. Combined revenue from the four BRIC countries increased 120 percent in 2014. This year, App Annie predicts strong growth in Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey and Vietnam amid extensive investment in their network infrastructure.
The report also looks at popular app categories, such as messaging and streaming, and the differences in app downloads between men and women. In addition, it presents the most downloaded games and apps worldwide and in a number of leading countries.
Across the world, the most downloaded app last year was Facebook Messenger, followed by Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Skype, Clean Master, Viber, Line, Twitter and Snapchat. In terms of revenue, Line had three of the top ten apps, with Line (1), Line Play (3) and Line Manga (6). Pandora Radio ranked second in terms of revenue, followed by Zoosk in fourth place and Skype in fifth.
