Reports say app downloads went down by 2.3% in 2024, but consumer spending hit $127 billion. What’s behind this trend?
There are too many clone apps or apps designed just to mess with your device. The app stores need to crack down harder on bad apps. I wonder how much of this spending is on reinstalling apps that glitched or stopped working?
@Afton
It’s crazy how much people are spending. $127 billion is massive. That averages about $15.50 per person globally if everyone used Android, but realistically, it’s probably closer to $30 per person since most transactions are from adults. And that’s not counting markets like China. Most of this is likely from a minority of big spenders (‘whales’) on microtransactions.
@Jules
A lot of that money comes from gaming and in-app purchases.
@Jules
Think about dating apps—people easily spend $100 a year on those. Plus, businesses might be buying ads directly from mobile apps, so some of this spending could be business-related.
@Jules
Some restaurants offer discounts if you order through their app. That could add up too.
@Jules
Everything’s a subscription service now, and many subscriptions go through app stores.
@Jules
Wait… people actually pay for apps? lol
@Afton
Weather apps releasing a ‘2024 version’ every year is so annoying.
Makes sense. Most of my downloads are companion apps for gadgets, banks, or other stuff I use in real life. If I download something new, it’s usually because an app I already use broke after an update.
I used to browse the app store more, but they redesigned it and ruined the experience. If I could give it zero stars, I would. Now I only go there when I know exactly what I need, and even then, the search function is awful.
@Roan
My Play Store keeps defaulting to the Books tab. I’ll search for an app, and all I get are books before realizing I’m in the wrong tab. It’s so frustrating.
@Roan
Why do you have to press search at the bottom and then search again at the top? Just make it one click!
@Roan
Ever tried Aurora Store?
I’d spend so much more if the Android version of Carrot Weather was anywhere near as good as the iOS version. The Android app feels like it’s stuck in 2010, while the iOS app is actually decent.
Winter said:
I’d spend so much more if the Android version of Carrot Weather was anywhere near as good as the iOS version. The Android app feels like it’s stuck in 2010, while the iOS app is actually decent.
Have you tried Weawow? It’s ad-free, but you can donate to unlock more weather sources.
@Sawyer
Haven’t tried it yet. Does it have real-time alerts like ‘rain starting in 20 minutes’?
Winter said:
@Sawyer
Haven’t tried it yet. Does it have real-time alerts like ‘rain starting in 20 minutes’?
Yep, as long as you enable notifications and allow precise location access, it’ll send you real-time alerts.
Winter said:
I’d spend so much more if the Android version of Carrot Weather was anywhere near as good as the iOS version. The Android app feels like it’s stuck in 2010, while the iOS app is actually decent.
If you’re on Android, check out Meteogram Weather Widget. It’s the best one I’ve used.
Spending $127 billion while downloads drop just shows people are spending more on existing apps. Think of all the apps with subscriptions or microtransactions driving this.