Data.ai: Mobile Market Forecast 2030

Get ready for the explosive growth of the mobile app economy, projected to soar to $2.2 trillion by 2030, with a staggering $288 billion anticipated in 2030 alone.

Exploring the $1.7 trillion future of mobile apps by region, category, and platform.

During MAU Vegas, Lexi Sydow guided us through the report. Key takeaways are:

• %77 of consumer spending will be only in America & Asia
• By 2030, Asia is projected to represent 70% of all downloads
• Significant growth prospects in Central America & Middle East
• India predominantly favors Android, yet iOS presence is significant

Downloads & IAP

Mobile game spend declined between 2021-22 and dipped slightly in 2023. Some factors, like economic conditions, are expected to be temporary. Others, such as increased privacy restrictions and regulation in China, will likely continue to dampen growth into the future.

Mobile Gaming: Positive Growth to Return

Mobile game spending surged in 2020/21 due to pandemic-related restrictions. However, 2022 witnessed declines across most genres, notably RPG, Strategy, and Simulation.

In 2023, some genres showed positive growth prospects. Match games, featuring popular titles like Candy Crush Saga and Royal Match, experienced a 16% YoY growth. Projected to have a 5.7% CAGR from 2023 to 2030, Match games lead among top genres.

Apps & Games to share similar download growth rates for the next 7 years

App downloads remain robust, set to hit 173 billion in 2024 and reach 227 billion by 2030, with a 4.6% CAGR. Mobile games, despite a slight 2023 dip, are poised for growth, with downloads expected to rise from 88 billion in 2023 to 120 billion by 2030, at a 4.8% CAGR.

Hypercasual Games Hit a Wall in 2023

Hypercasual, the fastest-growing genre since 2018, experienced its first download decline in 2023 due to new privacy regulations. Despite this setback, modest growth is still expected in the coming years.

Leading game genres like Match (7.4% CAGR), Puzzle (6.9% CAGR), and Kids (6.4% CAGR) are projected to have the highest growth rates.

Android Users to Spend 7 Trillion Hours on Mobile in 2030

Android phone usage shifts towards apps over games. App usage surged by nearly a trillion hours from 2020 to 2023, while mobile game time dropped by 100 billion hours. This trend is projected to persist, with apps growing at a 5.0% CAGR, surpassing games’ 2.4% CAGR. Gaming time growth is especially restricted in China due to regulations, particularly for younger users.

Time Spent: Simulation & Sports Up – Shooting & Match Down

Simulation extends lead in time spent, with games like ROBLOX and Minecraft driving growth to 117 billion hours by 2030. Battle Royale games like Free Fire and PUBG Mobile face increased competition, leading to a decline in time spent, though a rebound is anticipated in the coming years.

Top Markets by iOS & Android Downloads

Conclusion

More? Here’s our weekly Mobile Gaming Newsletter