App Store Reportedly Earned Twice as Much as the Google Play Store in Q3 2020

$29.3 billion was spent overall on Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store, with over 35.6 billion app installs, in the third quarter of 2020, according to a new report by Sensor Tower.

q3 2020 app downloads worldwide

App stores have seen significant year-on-year growth, with customers spending 32 percent more than at the same time in 2019, with 23.3 percent more installs. This is a large growth compared to 24 percent increased spending and nine percent increased downloads last year.

q3 2020 app revenue worldwide

Spending on in-app purchases, subscriptions, and premium apps rose by 31 percent to $19 billion worldwide on Apple's ‌App Store‌ in the third quarter, up from $14.5 billion at the same time last year. This is almost twice the revenue earned by Google's Play Store, consistent with last year's split between the two platforms. However, of the 36.5 billion app installs, Apple's ‌App Store‌ only accounted for 8.2 billion, whereas the Google Play Store had over three times as many at 28.3 billion.

q3 2020 top app download chart

Short-form video social media app TikTok was the most downloaded app on both platforms, and it was also the highest-earning non-game app globally. This was its second consecutive quarter as the top-grossing non-game app. At this time last year, Tinder was the highest-grossing non-game app. As in previous quarters, Facebook's apps, including Instagram and WhatsApp, made up the majority of the top five non-game apps by global downloads, although none occupied the top spot.

q3 2020 top app revenue chart

Tencent took the first and second positions among the five top-grossing games in the third quarter with "Honor of Kings" and "PUBG Mobile." Together, the top five highest-grossing games made more than $2.4 billion, which is 12 percent of all consumer spending on mobile games last quarter. Game installs decreased year on year for Apple's ‌App Store‌ from 2.4 billion to 2.3 billion, with the vast majority of downloads instead being from Google Play, which saw growth of 36.8 percent.

q3 2020 top game revenue chart

Sensor Tower analysts believe that going into the fourth quarter, new trends will emerge, as will new standout apps, partly driven by platform innovations such as home screen customization on iOS. A full report on global app adoption with specific analyses of top publishers and trends for the third quarter is expected soon.

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Top Rated Comments

swiftRabbit Avatar
57 months ago

amazing what you can do when you steal 30% (and yeah i know google does it too)

now wait for all the angry apple folks to get up from their naps
Saying steal already shows us you are biased... No point arguing with you.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Abazigal Avatar
57 months ago
It’s not market share that matters, but usage share.

Many years ago, I remember the naysayers claiming how iOS was doomed due to its smaller market share relative to android.

Time reveals all.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
57 months ago
It seems:
1. Both App Stores grew revenue at essentially the same rate.
2. Customers are basically downloading the same apps, regardless of ecosystem.
3. Both customer bases seem to have a strong affinity for Facebook and their properties
4. Tech nerds may claim aversion, but the public seems addicted to social media
5. China has a huge influence on the App Store.
6. IAP is games.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unggoy Murderer Avatar
57 months ago
No wonder iOS is on top - with all the piracy on Android I'm surprised it's even that high. iOS has the best apps and ecosystem because its customers and users are actually likely to fork out money.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Will do good Avatar
57 months ago

amazing what you can do when you steal 30% (and yeah i know google does it too)

now wait for all the angry apple folks to get up from their naps
You should set up your own store, you would do it for free, right?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Seoras Avatar
57 months ago
I've got an app on both App Store and Google Play.
In September the iOS version made me $440 and the Android version $30 (pre 30%).
That's not all. The App is free to use with adverts or pay once to remove ads.
The iOS App earned me $260 in ad revenue in September, the Android App $20.
I could port more of my Apps to Android but it just isn't worth my time.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)