In February 2025, YouTube's mobile app ranked first with a 76 percent audience reach, while e-mail platform service Gmail was accessed by 68 percent of mobile audiences in the United States. Social media platform Facebook ranked third with a usage reach of 67 percent. Social video app TikTok reported a reach of approximately 40 percent in the examine period. TikTok in the U.S. While Facebook remains a dominant force, with over three billion monthly active users across its family of apps, newcomers like TikTok are reshaping user engagement. TikTok's global popularity is evident in its 186 million worldwide downloads in Q4 2024. TikTok's popularity extends beyond entertainment, with 64 percent of Gen Z users in the U.S. utilizing it as an online search engine in 2024. This trend underscores the platform's expanding role in information discovery, particularly among younger demographics. However, TikTok's success is not without controversy. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. users believed the Chinese government is using it to bring social and political divisions. OTT video apps in the U.S. While television remains the primary device for media consumption across all age groups, a clear generational divide is emerging. Younger audiences, particularly those aged 18 to 34, are turning to smartphones as their preferred entertainment device. This shift aligns with broader trends in digital media consumption. During the first half of 2024, entertainment apps were leading in mobile revenue generation, with U.S. consumers spending over 2.65 billion U.S. dollars on these apps.

******************************************* are the top two answers among U.S. consumers in our survey on the subject of "Most used smartphone apps by type".Find this and more survey data on most used smartphone apps by type in our Consumer Insights tool. Filter by countless demographics, drill down to your own, hand-tailored target audience, and compare results across countries worldwide.

"Social media apps" and "Internet browser" are the top two answers among U.S. consumers in our survey on the subject of "Most used smartphone apps by type".Find this and more survey data on most used smartphone apps by type in our Consumer Insights tool. Filter by countless demographics, drill down to your own, hand-tailored target audience, and compare results across countries worldwide.

This statistic shows the types of apps that persons in American households in the United States had installed on their smartphone in 2022. The results were sorted by income tier. In 2022, ** percent of respondents who stated their income was high said they used e-mail service apps on their smartphone.

The pendulum swung in 2022 with app downloads stagnating, after two years of solid growth under the pandemic. In 2023, some categories saw growth while others continued to stagnate, as users shifted...

Key US App Market StatisticsUS App Market SizeUS App Market Revenue by AppUS Smartphone UsersUS Smartphone PopulationTime Spent on Apps in the USUS App Market DownloadsUS Downloads by AppUS Daily...

In February 2025, YouTube's mobile app ranked first with a 76 percent audience reach, while e-mail platform service Gmail was accessed by 68 percent of mobile audiences in the United States. Social media platform Facebook ranked third with a usage reach of 67 percent. Social video app TikTok reported a reach of approximately 40 percent in the examine period. TikTok in the U.S. While Facebook remains a dominant force, with over three billion monthly active users across its family of apps, newcomers like TikTok are reshaping user engagement. TikTok's global popularity is evident in its 186 million worldwide downloads in Q4 2024. TikTok's popularity extends beyond entertainment, with 64 percent of Gen Z users in the U.S. utilizing it as an online search engine in 2024. This trend underscores the platform's expanding role in information discovery, particularly among younger demographics. However, TikTok's success is not without controversy. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. users believed the Chinese government is using it to bring social and political divisions. OTT video apps in the U.S. While television remains the primary device for media consumption across all age groups, a clear generational divide is emerging. Younger audiences, particularly those aged 18 to 34, are turning to smartphones as their preferred entertainment device. This shift aligns with broader trends in digital media consumption. During the first half of 2024, entertainment apps were leading in mobile revenue generation, with U.S. consumers spending over 2.65 billion U.S. dollars on these apps.

In February 2025, YouTube's mobile app ranked first with a 76 percent audience reach, while e-mail platform service Gmail was accessed by 68 percent of mobile audiences in the United States. Social media platform Facebook ranked third with a usage reach of 67 percent. Social video app TikTok reported a reach of approximately 40 percent in the examine period. TikTok in the U.S. While Facebook remains a dominant force, with over three billion monthly active users across its family of apps, newcomers like TikTok are reshaping user engagement. TikTok's global popularity is evident in its 186 million worldwide downloads in Q4 2024. TikTok's popularity extends beyond entertainment, with 64 percent of Gen Z users in the U.S. utilizing it as an online search engine in 2024. This trend underscores the platform's expanding role in information discovery, particularly among younger demographics. However, TikTok's success is not without controversy. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. users believed the Chinese government is using it to bring social and political divisions. OTT video apps in the U.S. While television remains the primary device for media consumption across all age groups, a clear generational divide is emerging. Younger audiences, particularly those aged 18 to 34, are turning to smartphones as their preferred entertainment device. This shift aligns with broader trends in digital media consumption. During the first half of 2024, entertainment apps were leading in mobile revenue generation, with U.S. consumers spending over 2.65 billion U.S. dollars on these apps.

In February 2025, the YouTube's mobile app was the most popular smartphone app in the United States, with approximately 167 million unique monthly users in the country on iOS and Android combined. Gmail followed with approximately 148 million monthly active users, while Facebook was reported having 146.6 million active users in the examined month. In the United States, the mobile internet user penetration is set to reach 92.5 percent of the population in 2029. Some of the most popular app categories on the Apple App Store are dedicated to gaming, business, or education. In July 2021, casual mobile gaming app Black Blast! was the most popular game for iPhone users, with more than 1.66 million downloads. Mobile social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, are still among the most popular social apps for mobile users in the country. However, video apps YouTube and TikTok have quickly become users' favorite social media. In June 2021, the popular short-video app TikTok was counting more than 6.5 million downloads from iOS users in the United States during the last quarter of 2023.

The smartphone's instant popularity and high consumer adoption rate have translated into rapid demand for smartphone apps, paving the way for the app developer industry. Between tech advances and the saturation of smartphones, apps have grown in complexity, quickly becoming ingrained into consumers' daily lives. With low entry barriers, the app market's rapid growth has encouraged new developers to join the space in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic's sudden transformation of how people lived, worked and stayed connected led more consumers than ever to rely on apps. Smartphone users now rely on apps for grocery shopping, health appointments and many other tasks as the world has become increasingly more digital. With smartphones continuing to receive boosts and framework upgrades, app developers now leverage AI and 5G technology to create apps that provide users with even more enhanced experiences. Though competition for skilled labor has been a challenge for companies, operating conditions for the industry remain favorable as industry revenue has expanded at a CAGR of 6.3% to an estimated $197.3 billion over the past five years, including expected growth of 3.7% in 2024. Rapidly rising demand for smartphone apps is outpacing developers' ability to create them. While developers enjoy the hot job market, shortages are pressuring app development companies to raise wages. With wages making up over 40% of industry revenue during the current period, margin growth has remained limited as operating costs rise. Meanwhile, developers are using AI in their app development operations and are also deploying the technology as app features for users. Expanding 5G service across the US will support the rising adoption and complexity of mobile apps moving forward. As smartphone and AI technology advances, companies will face the pressure of upgrading or introducing new smartphone apps to keep up with competitors, ultimately creating positive demand conditions for operators. Still, growth will slightly decelerate following the rapid growth the industry experienced due to the pandemic, leading to revenue expanding at a CAGR of 2.5% to an estimated $222.7 billion over the next five years.

Snapshot img

Smartphone Market Size 2025-2029

The smartphone market size is forecast to increase by USD 99.8 million, at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key trends. One major factor is the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in smartphones, enhancing user experience through features like voice recognition and facial recognition. Sensor fusion technology is another trend, enabling devices to collect and analyze data from various sensors for improved functionality and accuracy. However, ongoing trade wars are posing challenges to market growth, with tariffs and import taxes affecting smartphone sales, particularly in key markets. These trends and challenges are shaping the future of the smartphone industry.

What will be the Size of the Smartphone Market During the Forecast Period?

Request Free Sample

The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in telecom infrastructure and the proliferation of affordable handsets. Mobile phone users increasingly seek devices capable of leveraging 5G network technologies, with chipmakers responding by producing 5G chips for integration into mobile handsets. Android and Windows Phone operating systems dominate the market, while third-party originators challenge the status quo. Improved hardware and software capabilities enable advanced digital functions such as web browsing, music, video, gaming, and camera capability. The integration of artificial intelligence enhances user experience. Governmental assistance and the transition from feature phones to smartphones further fuel market growth. Overall, the market remains dynamic, with a focus on affordable, high-performance devices that cater to the diverse needs of consumers.

How is this Smartphone Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The smartphone industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Technology

  Android
  IOS
  Others


Price Range

  Between USD 150-USD 800
  Greater than USD 800
  Less than USD150


Screen Size

  Greater than 6 inches
  Between 5-6 inches
  Less than 5 inches


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Technology Insights

The android segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The Android operating system, provided by Alphabet Inc. (Google), is a globally popular choice for smartphones. With over 2.5 million apps available In the Google Play Store, users have access to a vast selection of applications catering to their diverse needs. Notable features of the Android OS include smart reply for messaging apps, focus mode options, Wi-Fi sharing via QR codes, and Google Assistant. Google offers essential web services such as Google Search, Google Maps, and YouTube free of charge. The Android OS's extensive feature set has contributed to its increasing popularity among consumers worldwide.

In addition, high-speed data connectivity and integration with Internet of Things (IoT) applications further enhance its appeal. Application developers create software for various lifestyle, social media, mobile utility, and other categories, ensuring a rich and diverse app ecosystem. The Android OS is written primarily in Java and C++, with support for in-app purchases and in-app course subscriptions.

Get a glance at the Smartphone Industry report of share of various segments Request Free Sample

The android segment was valued at USD 203.60 million in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 48% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on the market share of various regions, Request Free Sample

The market in APAC has experienced substantial growth, with China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia being the primary contributors to revenue generation. The expansion of urban populations and the subsequent increase in disposable income have fueled the demand for smartphones In the region. Key drivers of this market growth include the advancement of telecom infrastructure and the emergence of affordable smartphone options. Major global smartphone manufacturers have established manufacturing facilities in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and India to cater to the increasing demand.

Additionally, digital information consumption, human-computer interaction advancements, and the integrat

Mobile Phone Application Market Outlook

The global mobile phone application market size was valued at approximately USD 150 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 410 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. This impressive growth can be attributed to the unprecedented surge in smartphone penetration worldwide, alongside advancements in mobile network technologies such as 5G. The increasing demand for convenient, effective, and efficient mobile solutions has driven the proliferation of mobile applications across various industry verticals. As mobile apps become integral to daily activities, be it for business operations or personal entertainment, the market continues to witness robust expansion.

The primary growth driver of the mobile phone application market is the relentless innovation in smartphone technology, which has exponentially enhanced user experiences and capabilities. The rapid development of more powerful processors, advanced graphics, and high-resolution displays has enabled developers to create more sophisticated and engaging applications. This technological evolution fuels the demand for high-quality apps across multiple segments, pushing the market towards expansion. Moreover, the widespread adoption of mobile apps in sectors like healthcare, finance, and education is transforming traditional business models and offering new revenue opportunities, further propelling market growth.

Another significant contributor to the market expansion is the increasing use of mobile applications in emerging economies, where smartphones have become the primary means of internet access. This trend is particularly pronounced in the Asia Pacific and Latin American regions, where mobile-first strategies are increasingly adopted by businesses to capture a broader audience. The rise of affordable smartphones and data plans has democratized access to mobile technology, enabling even small enterprises to leverage apps for business growth and customer engagement. This democratization is expected to continue driving the market's upward trajectory.

The burgeoning popularity of digital content consumption through mobile applications also plays a crucial role in the market's growth. Whether it's streaming media, social networking, or interactive gaming, consumers are increasingly turning to mobile apps for their digital needs. This shift is facilitated by improvements in mobile internet infrastructure and the ubiquity of smart devices. Consequently, app developers are capitalizing on this trend by creating innovative and immersive content that keeps users engaged and drives revenue through various monetization methods, including in-app purchases and advertising.

Understanding Mobile App Users Behavior is crucial for developers and businesses aiming to optimize user engagement and retention. As mobile applications become an integral part of daily life, analyzing user behavior helps in identifying patterns and preferences that can enhance app functionality and user experience. By leveraging analytics tools, developers can gain insights into how users interact with their apps, which features are most popular, and where users may encounter difficulties. This data-driven approach enables the creation of more intuitive and user-friendly applications, ultimately leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty among users.

Regionally, North America remains a dominant force in the mobile phone application market, driven by technological advancements and high smartphone penetration. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth, with a burgeoning middle class and increased smartphone adoption. The region's rapidly expanding tech-savvy population is creating a fertile ground for app developers, making it a key growth market. Europe, while slightly lagging, continues to show significant potential due to its strong focus on innovation and technology adoption across various industries.

Operating System Analysis

The operating system segment of the mobile phone application market is shaped largely by user preferences and the ecosystem support offered by major players like iOS, Android, and Windows. Android remains the most widely used operating system globally, largely due to its open-source nature and its association with a wide range of device manufacturers, which promotes accessibility and affordability. This has enabled Android to capture a significant market share, espe

This statistic shows the smartphone penetration as share of the population in the United States from 2010 to 2021. In 2018, 69.6 percent of the U.S. population used a smartphone.

Smartphone penetration in the U.S. - additional information
Almost two-thirds of Americans are predicted to own a smartphone by 2017, more than a threefold increase since 2010. A smartphone is a mobile phone that uses an identifiable open Operating System (OS) and has more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a basic phone. The OS is supported by third party applications (commonly known as apps) written by the developer community.

The operating system must be able to support a multitasking environment and user interface that can handle multiple applications at the same time. Two of the most popular operating systems on the market are made by Google (Android) and Apple (iOS) who had a combined stake of over 90 percent of the smartphone market share worldwide at the end of 2016.

The popularity of the smartphone has risen immensely since Apple introduced its first iPhone in 2007, with 43.5 percent of all Americans forecast to own an iPhone by 2016. The first iPhone was notably different from other smartphones at the time because it used a large touchscreen for direct finger input, rather than the need for a stylus, keypad, or keyboard.

The first smartphone to use the Android OS was the HTC Dream released in 2008. Although numbers of people using this OS were low at first, it has since grown to be the most used operating system, with an estimated 107.7 million Americans projected to own an Android phone by 2016.

Mobile payments apps are used by more than two billion people globally, with millions more coming online each year. In India, South-east Asia and South America, the younger generation skipped the...

In 2024, TikTok was still the most downloaded mobile app worldwide. The short-video sharing app generated 825.5 million downloads during the same year. The social video app Instagram followed with 817 million downloads. Fast-fashion app Temu ranked in fifth, with over 516 million downloads for global users in the last examined year, while ByteDance-published video editing app CapCut had around 410 million downloads. TikTok Owned by the Beijing-based tech company ByteDance and launched in 2017, TikTok quickly gained popularity after the acquisition of Musical.ly in 2018. In 2025, the number of TikTok users worldwide was expected to exceed 955 million, with the United States being one of the leading markets. In 2024, TikTok engaged the largest audience from Indonesia, with over 157 million consumers from the region using the app. United States, and Brazil followed with 120.5 and 105.2 users, respectively. Meta Platforms In October 2021, Facebook was renamed and rebranded as Meta, with the CEO Mark Zuckerberg aiming to be associated with the metaverse. Meta’s products include Facebook, Messager, Instagram, and WhatsApp, also known as Meta’s Family of Apps (FoA), generating most of Meta’s revenue. Moreover, these are among the most popular social networks worldwide. As part of its rebranding, Meta’s Reality Labs business segment develops a series of virtual reality (VR) headsets, the Meta Quest - one of the leading VR devices on the market.

The graph shows a comparison for app downloads worldwide from 2018 to 2024, using data from Sensor Tower and data.ai. Global app downloads have plateued in recent years, even declining, after seeing strong growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2024 136 billion unique dowloads per user account were recorded. Why the difference? Source methodology explains the gap The discrepancy arises from significant differences in the methodolgy used by the sources to aggregate and generate the data. Sensor Tower reports only unique downloads per user account, excluding app updates, re-downloads, and installations on multiple devices by the same user. In contrast, data.ai includes these additional activities as well as downloads from third-party Android stores and a broader geographic scope, resulting in substantially higher total counts. As a result, Sensor Tower's numbers better reflect new user acquisition, while data.ai's encompass all market activity and total engagement. Despite stagnating downloads user spending is growing While the number of downloads is leveling off, consumer spending on in-app purchases and related revenue has grown in 2024 to 150 billion U.S. dollars, up from aroud 130 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. While gaming remains the highest grossing app category overall, the growth was driven by other categories. The entertainment, photo & video, productivity, and social networking categories ech grew by at least one billion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Mobile App Distribution Market Outlook

The global Mobile App Distribution market size was valued at approximately USD 78 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 180 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% during the forecast period. This robust growth is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones and the internet, alongside advancements in mobile technologies and the proliferation of app development companies worldwide.

One of the key growth factors for the Mobile App Distribution market is the rising adoption of smartphones globally. As smartphones become more affordable and internet connectivity improves, especially in developing regions, the number of mobile app users continues to surge. This trend is further reinforced by the increasing functionality of mobile apps, which now encompass a wide range of daily activities, from communication and entertainment to banking and healthcare. As a result, the demand for efficient and reliable mobile app distribution channels has never been higher.

Another significant growth driver is the rapid advancements in mobile technology. Innovations such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are being integrated into mobile apps, making them more appealing and functional. Consequently, the complexity and quality of mobile apps have increased, necessitating robust distribution strategies to ensure they reach the target audience effectively. Additionally, the rise of 5G networks promises to further enhance mobile app performance, driving higher user engagement and, subsequently, market growth.

The increasing focus on digital transformation across various industries is also propelling the Mobile App Distribution market. Businesses are increasingly adopting mobile apps to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and offer personalized experiences. This trend is particularly evident in sectors such as retail, finance, and healthcare, where mobile apps are becoming critical tools for service delivery. As enterprises continue to digitize their operations, the demand for secure and efficient app distribution methods is expected to grow.

From a regional perspective, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness the highest growth in the Mobile App Distribution market during the forecast period. This region is home to some of the world's largest smartphone markets, including China and India, where mobile app usage is soaring. Additionally, the presence of leading app developers and tech companies in countries like Japan and South Korea further bolsters the market. North America and Europe are also significant contributors to the market, driven by high smartphone penetration and the presence of major industry players. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets, showing promising growth due to increasing digital adoption and smartphone usage.

Platform Analysis

The Mobile App Distribution market by platform includes segments such as iOS, Android, Windows, and others. The Android segment holds the largest market share, driven by the extensive use of Android devices worldwide. Android’s open-source nature allows for a more diverse app ecosystem, which attracts a vast number of developers. The Google Play Store, being the largest app store for Android, plays a crucial role in app distribution, offering a wide range of applications to users globally. Additionally, the affordability of Android devices makes them accessible to a broader demographic, further boosting app downloads and usage.

The iOS segment, while smaller in terms of market share compared to Android, is highly significant due to the higher revenue generated per user. iOS users are known for their higher spending power and willingness to pay for premium apps and in-app purchases. The Apple App Store is the primary distribution channel for iOS apps and is known for its strict quality and security standards. This ensures a high level of trust and satisfaction among users, which encourages more downloads and usage. Moreover, the seamless integration of iOS apps with other Apple devices provides an enhanced user experience, contributing to the segment's growth.

Windows and other platforms, while not as dominant as Android and iOS, still hold relevance in the market. Windows, for instance, is commonly used in enterprise environments where secure and specific business applications are required. The Microsoft Store serves as the main distribution channel for Windows apps, providing a range of produc

Music Mobile Apps Market Outlook

The global music mobile apps market size is expected to grow from USD 10.5 billion in 2023 to USD 21.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. This robust growth can be attributed to the increasing penetration of smartphones, coupled with the rising demand for on-the-go music access and personalized music experiences. The market is also driven by technological advancements such as AI-driven recommendations and high-quality audio streaming capabilities, which enhance user engagement. The proliferation of internet services and the decreasing cost of data usage have further fueled the adoption of music mobile apps worldwide.

One of the primary growth factors for the music mobile apps market is the increasing popularity of streaming services. As consumers shift away from traditional music formats such as CDs and downloads, streaming platforms offer instant access to a vast library of music tracks and albums. This trend is supported by the convenience and affordability of subscription-based models, which allow users to enjoy music without interruptions from advertisements. Additionally, the integration of music apps with smart devices and voice assistants has enhanced user accessibility and interaction, contributing to the growing adoption of music apps. The rise of social media and its influence on music sharing and discovery is another factor driving market growth.

Technological advancements in mobile app development are significantly contributing to the growth of the music mobile apps market. Features such as personalized playlists, AI-driven music recommendations, and social sharing have become standard offerings in many music apps, enhancing user engagement and retention. The adoption of high-quality audio streaming services, including high-fidelity and lossless audio formats, has gained traction among audiophiles and music enthusiasts, further boosting market expansion. The continuous evolution of app interfaces and user experience design is also playing a crucial role in attracting and retaining users, as apps strive to offer seamless and intuitive navigation.

The rise of independent artists and the DIY music culture has also fueled the market's growth. Music creation apps that enable users to create, edit, and share their music have become increasingly popular. These apps democratize music production, allowing anyone with a smartphone to compose and distribute music. Furthermore, music recognition apps, which identify songs playing in the environment, have gained popularity for their ability to enhance user music discovery experiences. These apps have become essential tools for both casual listeners and music enthusiasts, driving market growth.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, primarily due to the increasing adoption of smartphones and the growing demand for digital entertainment. Countries like China and India are leading this growth, driven by a large young population and increasing internet penetration. In North America and Europe, the market is relatively mature, but the demand for high-quality streaming and personalized music experiences continues to drive growth. The rise of smart speakers and voice-activated devices in these regions has also contributed to the increased usage of music apps. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets with potential for growth due to improving digital infrastructure and increasing smartphone users.

Operating System Analysis

The music mobile apps market is segmented based on operating systems into iOS, Android, and others. iOS and Android dominate the market due to their wide user base and the extensive ecosystem of apps available on both platforms. iOS users are often seen to have a higher tendency to spend on apps, including music subscriptions, compared to Android users. This difference in spending behavior influences the development and monetization strategies employed by app developers. Additionally, the premium pricing of iOS devices often correlates with a target audience that is more willing to invest in high-quality music experiences.

Android, being the most widely used operating system globally, offers a vast potential user base for music apps. The open-source nature of Android allows developers greater flexibility in app development, enabling the creation of diverse and innovative features tailored to different market segments. Furthermore, Android's dominance in emerging markets, where smartphone penetration is rapidly increasing, p

As of June 2024, 99 percent of adults in the United States between 18 and 49 years were internet users, making it the age group with the highest level of internet penetration in the country. A further share of 97 percent of adults using the internet were between 18 and 29 years old. Mobile internet usage Mobile internet usage continues to surge in the United States, with 96.2 percent of internet users accessing the web via phones as of the third quarter of 2023. In April 2024, YouTube's mobile app led with a 74 percent audience reach, while TikTok topped weekly engagement among social apps. Mobile apps and privacy Mobile apps became an essential part of mobile users, this high usage raised new concerns about data privacy. By June 2023, three in four internet users supported data localization to protect their information. Additionally, As of September 2024, 13.5 percent of paid iOS apps stated that they collected user data, with 88 percent of this data used to enhance app functionality.

As of February 2025, two billion users were accessing the WhatsApp messenger on a monthly basis. The app’s reach in usage penetration is particularly strong in markets outside the United States, and it is one of the most popular mobile social apps worldwide. WeChat amassed over 1.38 billion users, and Facebook Messenger amassed around 947 million users worldwide. Instant messaging is a type of online chat which offers real-time text transmission via internet. Since the appearance of the smartphone and the subsequent explosion of mobile apps, low-cost or free chat and social messaging apps have proven themselves as a cheap alternative to operator-based text messaging via SMS. Many messenger apps offer features such as group chats, the exchange of graphics, video and even audio messages as well as stickers or emoticons.