The mobile app industry is booming, and it's not slowing down anytime soon. With over 218 billion downloads last year alone, the market has become one of the most important parts of the digital economy. But what drives this growth? And how can entrepreneurs capitalize on these trends?
Mobile App Market Growth and Size
In 2026, apps are deeply woven into everyday life. People use them to communicate, shop, work, stay entertained, and even manage their health. With global revenue expected to reach $585 billion, the mobile app industry has become a major player in the digital economy.
This growth is powered by just how many people rely on mobile devices. Over 5.5 billion people now use the internet, and 96% of them access it through mobile devices. And it's not just about being connected – people are spending more time in apps than ever. In fact, users around the world spent a staggering 4.2 trillion hours in mobile apps last year.
Long-Term Growth Outlook
Since 2017, the mobile app market has more than tripled in size. Looking ahead, it's expected to hit $780+ billion by 2029, growing at a 7-8% compound annual growth rate. That long-term growth includes both consumer spending (on app purchases, in-app purchases, and subscriptions) and mobile advertising revenue.
Platform Market Share: iOS vs. Android
The global mobile app market is split between two giants: Google's Android and Apple's iOS. Android holds about 70% of global smartphone users, mainly due to its wide availability across devices and price points. In contrast, iOS accounts for roughly 30% of users.
Despite having fewer users, iOS generates nearly two-thirds of all app revenue worldwide. That gap comes down to user behavior: iOS users consistently spend more on apps, subscriptions, and in-app purchases than Android users.
Top Apps of 2026: Downloads and Revenue Leaders
Below are the most downloaded and top-grossing apps of 2026 so far, based on data from AppMagic.
Most Downloaded Apps:
- ChatGPT – 600+ million downloads
- TikTok – 510+ million
- Instagram – 355+ million
- Temu – 314+ million
- WhatsApp Messenger – 312+ million
Highest Grossing Apps:
- TikTok – $2.47 billion
- Google One – $1.45 billion
- Honor of Kings – $1.23 billion
- YouTube – $1.12 billion
These rankings show just how quickly the mobile app space can shift – balancing well-established giants with fast-rising challengers.
Choosing a Platform Strategy
The rough global split is 70/30 for users (Android/iOS) but closer to 65/35 for revenue (iOS/Android). For developers and publishers, this highlights a key decision: Android gives you reach, but iOS often gives you higher return per user. That's why many app businesses choose to focus on iOS for monetization, while using Android to build scale.
Mobile App Categories and Most Profitable Types
Gaming and social apps dominate the top charts, with newcomers like Temu and Whiteout Survival making major moves in 2026. The rise of AI tools, short-form video, mobile gaming, and streaming services has created a diverse range of opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to tap into this market.
Whether you're an app developer, publisher, investor, or just someone working in the mobile space, understanding these trends can help you stay ahead of the curve. So what are some app startup ideas that you can capitalize on?