Date: 9th Jun 2011

The size of mobile software applications market is growing big and fast

Since the launch of Apple's iPhone, and followed by iPad and also due to the availability of Android based phones and tablets, there is a fast growing demand for mobile software applications for various purposes covering both individual needs to corporate needs.

Overall the market for mobile application is growing big and fast. In-Stat estimates mobile software application downloads to reach nearly 48 billion in 2015.

What driving this market is the touch interface. The touch interfaced mobile devices create new way of user surfing enabling opportunity for touch supporting applications. As per In-Stat Touchscreens will account for nearly 90% of smartphones shipped in 2011, and will increase to nearly 100% in the next several years.

The smart device either a phone or a tablet is the key driving factor, smartphones are expected to increase from 23% of total phone shipments in 2010 to 45% in 2015, as per In-Stat.

In-Stat says, in December 2010, the number of applications in the Apple App Store reached 350,000 while Android Market reached 80,000. And Nokia is with 30,000+ programs in its OVI store. The other big stores include BlackBerry App World and Windows Phone 7 Marketplace.
The advantage of Android is it has more free software programs but with some security issues.

According to In-Stat it's not just 3G driving this market but is also the devices ability to connect through Wi-Fi.

"The prevalence of handset touchscreens is a significant development impacting the mobile applications market," according to Amy Cravens, Senior Analyst. "The projected rapid penetration of touchscreen-enabled devices will allow more users to easily interact with mobile applications, thereby driving growth. Increased on-board memory capacity will also lead to a better user experience."