A recent report by ComScore pointed out a fact that most mobile developers have already know by now: iPhone (inclusive of the iPod touch) users are far more likely to download games and apps when compared to other smartphone users.
The report further claimed that mobile gaming has increased by a large 17 percent from November 2007 to November 2008, all thanks to the growth of new mobile handhelds like the iPhone, while low-end non-smartphone devices see a drop of 14 percent in mobile game downloads. Meanwhile, smartphone game downloads too a jump of almost 300 percent during the same period of time. In fact, last Christmas alone saw a spike in the number of new iPod touch devices activated.
As expected, our favorite device – the iPhone is the biggest winner overall. Most of us would definitely agree that the App Store’s ease-of-discovery and ease-of-use (although I have mistakenly bought a few apps, thanks to the 1-Click purchases) coupled with the simplicity involved in making apps and games available in the store is the major contributor.
MacRumors further pointed out that iPhone users are also very likely to try out new apps. The current iPhone base of 13 million handsets have downloaded as much software as the equivalent of 1.1 billion other mobile phone users. The report also summarized the fact that launching an app for non-iPhone platform would require at least 94 times more reach when compared to the iPhone platform.
These numbers would definitely drive the ongoing app development efforts by developers worldwide. We have already seen the App Store break the 15,000 apps toll – now standing at about 17,000. It would only take a little time before we hit the magic 20,000.
If you are reading this and have an iPhone OS device (iPhone, iPhone 3G or the iPod touch) then it is about time that you load it up with the many number of apps available from the iTunes App Store. Fuss not if you are looking for free apps to try out. There are lots of them waiting to be discovered. Check out the iTunes Store Top Paid and Top Free apps list – they are both good starting points.
