In a New Research, Edwin van Vliet Shares the Latest Trends in Mobile App Downloads and Usage in 2025

Under the direction of coach and app developer Edwin van Vliet has released a thorough research report, including the most recent figures on mobile app downloads and usage for 2025. Titled Mobile App Download Statistics and Usage Statistics, the paper provides a detailed analysis of worldwide smartphone and tablet adoption, the rising app download volume, and changing global mobile app interaction.

In the report, Edwin van Vliet underscores the mobile app industry’s remarkable growth, with new findings on everything from annual download rates to emerging technology trends shaping consumer behavior.

Key Highlights from the Report Mobile App Download Statistics and Usage Statistics by Edwin van Vliet:

1. Fast Adoption of Smartphones:

More than 75% of the world's population—6.3 billion smartphone users—will exist globally in 2025. This extensive reach has driven demand for mobile apps, thereby orienting cell phones as the main platform for social interaction, entertainment, and business.

2. Extended Daily Usage:

From 190 billion in 2021 and 218 billion in 2024, record-breaking app downloads in 2025 are expected to be 220 billion, a steady year-over-year increase. The research attributes this rise to better internet availability and rising smartphone acceptance in developing nations. The average smartphone user today spends 3.2 hours on their device—a change from 2.5 hours in 2021. Reflecting the trend toward a mobile-first approach to online activity, over 88% of this time is devoted to mobile apps.

3. Most Popular App Categories:

The results show that social media apps account for 40% of total app use time, 25% for entertainment apps (video and music streaming), 15% for commerce apps, and 12% for productivity tools. The last 8% addresses utilities, banking, health, and other specialized services.

4. Strong Global Reach:

China leads in total app downloads, while the United States keeps showing the largest consumer expenditure in-app—at over $52 billion. India has one of the fastest-growing download markets, thereby highlighting great prospects in developing areas.

5. Future Trends:

The report notes how artificial intelligence (AI), augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), and 5G connectivity are reshining the following wave of mobile advancements. Especially in Asia, it also emphasizes how "super apps"—that which combine several services on one platform—have evolved.

Industry Implications

Since mobile devices now serve as the main access point for digital services, app industry competitiveness is more intense than ever. The research underlines that introducing an app by itself does not ensure success. Companies, developers, and marketers instead have to explore how consumers find, download, and routinely interact with apps. Standing out in the crowded environment of 1.96 million Apple App Store apps and 2.87 million Google Play Store apps depend on retention methods including in-app personalization, reward schemes, and seamless user experiences.

Furthermore, revenue strategies are shifting. Free downloads supported by in-app purchases, subscriptions, and mobile advertising models account for 98% of global app revenue. By 2025, worldwide app spending is expected to exceed $270 billion, driven by subscription-based models, in-app monetization, and a surge in non-gaming apps offering premium services.

Edwin van Vliet, website owner of SquadApp.io, notes, “This new report paints a clear picture: mobile apps have become the central hub for communication, commerce, and daily life. Developers who understand user engagement patterns and emerging technological shifts will be best positioned to thrive in this rapidly growing market.”

About Edwin van Vliet

The Mobile App Download Statistics and Usage Statistics report was written by Edwin van Vliet, a coach and application developer with a background in software engineering and a bachelor’s degree in life coaching. Through his work on SquadApp, he aims to foster digital connection and personal growth. Edwin van Vliet resides in the Krimpenerwaard region, where he continues to refine innovative approaches to app development and user engagement.

Read the Full Report

To explore the complete findings on global mobile device penetration, category-specific app usage, revenue generation, and forward-looking trends, access the full report

Mobile App Download Statistics and Usage Statistics on SquadApp.io.