Mobile devices have changed the way we live in so many ways. Our social lives are altered by social media platforms and the ability to connect with others. Work can be taken home or on the go without skipping a beat. News from across the world is shared within minutes, creating a more connected population than at any point in history. There are both pros and cons to this digital revolution, but there is no debate as to the impact that mobile devices have on human existence.
As a result of these technological innovations, a young industry has thrived in the last 10+ years; mobile application development. When you pull out your phone or tablet, chances are you have multiple apps on your home screen that you use every day, such as Facebook, Gmail, messaging platforms, or streaming options.
What does the mobile app development industry look like today in the United States? Let’s take a deep dive to find out more.
Number of App Developers in the US
According to IBIS World, there are now over 7,000 app developer businesses in the United States alone. This number has been steadily growing each year since mobile devices first started to dominate the technology industry in the early 2010s. States like California, New York, and Texas have the largest number of app developer businesses operating within their borders, which accounts for over 76% of the total number of app developer companies in the country.
Software development, which is closely tied to app development, has become one of the most coveted IT skills that a job seeker can have. Those that understand how to code and are fluent in multiple programming languages have an advantage in this market because of the high need for app development initiatives.
Apple Vs Android
The two top operating systems for mobile devices reign supreme both globally and in the United States. However, you may be surprised to learn that Android is the top operating system in the world by a huge margin, owning a 71.62% market share. Apple is in a distant second at 27.71% market share as of 2023.
In the United States, it is a completely different story. Apple owns the largest operating system market share at 57.22%. Android, meanwhile, holds a 42.39% share of the mobile device market.
Market share is not the only difference between the two. Apple’s iOS only powers its own devices, whereas Android’s operating system is used for multiple mobile device brands, including Samsung, Sony, and Amazon.
App developers may only create products for one platform or the other, but it is possible that they can work with multiple operating systems. An Android app development company that specializes in that operating system may demonstrate greater expertise because they chose to “niche down.”
Number of Apps
There is also a huge difference between the number of apps that an Android user can access versus an iOS user. Google Play, the app store associated with Android, boasts 3.55 million different apps to choose from. On the other hand, Apple’s App Store only offers 1.6 million choices. Although you will never be able to fit the entire stock onto one device, Android holds the edge in terms of versatility and competition.
Why Does This Matter?
You may be asking why it matters how many app developers there are or which operating systems are most popular in the United States and across the world.
Business Owners/Executives
For business owners, knowing this information could be the key to creating an app for your brand. Customers use their mobile devices frequently, and if you can develop a digital presence on those devices in the form of a custom app, then you can better connect with and serve your audience. Knowing that there are many developers out there to partner with, either for iOS, Android, or other operating systems, can help you choose the right firm to create this tool for your business.
Job Seekers
For those seeking work opportunities, the software/app development industry is a consistently growing field that provides many roles for intelligent individuals. Aspiring professionals who learn how to code and understand programming language are in a strong position to become involved in the app development industry.
Tech Industry Fanatics
Perhaps you are simply a tech fanatic and want to know everything that you can about the mobile device industry. Understanding that there are thousands of app developers in this country, all working to bring more convenient tools to your phone or tablet, is an exciting prospect.
The app development industry is unlikely to fade away anytime soon, and so far, it shows no signs of slowing down either. Since we rely so heavily on our mobile devices, this industry is thriving and will likely continue to do so.
