Android and iOS are without a doubt the two most popular mobile platforms in the world. Both have shown steady growth over the years and as a result, their respective app stores have flourished. As App Annie highlights, however, the two app stores have carved out vastly different paths along the way.
In its latest market research report, App Annie found that worldwide downloads on Google Play were about 90 percent higher than on the iOS App Store in the third quarter, up from an 85 percent lead in the previous quarter.
When looking at revenue, it's Apple that comes out on top. In the third quarter, worldwide revenue on the App Store was roughly 80 percent higher than on Google Play. That's up from 70 percent in the second quarter.
App Annie said Google Play was able to extend its download lead thanks to first-time smartphone users in emerging markets including India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Key to Apple's success has been its continued strength in China since the launch of last year's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
The market research firm noted strong download growth in India of security apps, cross-platform file sharing utility SHAREit and of course, Facebook and WhatsApp. China's iOS growth, meanwhile, can largely be credited to social video apps like iCast Show and MiaoPai.
Lead image courtesy ThinkApps