App analytics firm App Annie recently published a global report that indicates that India has now become the number one country by downloads on the Google Play Store. Thanks to the rise of smartphones and increased affordability of Internet data plans in the country, India has managed to break its own record (India ranked 3rd last year) and even surpass US by downloading a staggering 6 billion apps from the Google Play Store in 2016 alone.
“In 2016, India surpassed the US as the second largest smartphone market due to rise in domestically produced smartphones. This is only the beginning, however, as India’s smartphone penetration is still below 30 per cent and its overall economy is poised for massive growth,” App Annie’s report read.
India ranks first, followed by US and Brazil. However, in terms of revenue, India hasn’t featured in the top ten list.
“Mature markets like the US and Japan are shifting from a download growth phase to one characterised by expanding app usage and revenue growth. Meanwhile, emerging markets like India and Indonesia are still experiencing hyper-growth in app downloads,” the report added.
A total of 900 billion number of hours are spent by Android users across the globe with India contributing 150 billion hours. Interestingly, App Annie suggests that India is not even running at its full potential. “India’s phenomenal progress (in downloads) over the past two years is even more impressive when considering its potential for further gains.”
The App Annie report also points out that Indian users are not exactly spending when it comes to apps. This is rather surprising especially given the recent demonetisation move followed by the constant bombardment to turn to digital payments.
Many accredit Google’s exit from China for India’s given achievement. However, one cannot completely rule out the fact that India offers major smartphone makers a sea full of potential customers. Take Apple for instance — the company is planning to set up a manufacturing unit in the country with hopes of drawing in more Indian customers.
