In brief
App Store generated 75% more revenue than Google Play in 2015 despite recording half as many downloads. China, the United States and Japan drove 90% of its annual revenue increase, and games dominated revenue on both platforms.
The “Global Mobile App Market 2015 Review” noted that both Google Play Store and Apple's App Store saw increases in downloads and annual revenue. However, App Store continued to generate more revenue. The figures show that although Google Play recorded twice as many downloads as App Store, App Store generated 75% more revenue than Google Play.
In 2014, Google Play recorded 60% more downloads than App Store. In 2015, that lead widened to 100%, or twice as many downloads. Google Play's download growth was driven by sales of Android mobile devices in emerging markets, particularly Brazil, India, Indonesia, Turkey and Mexico.
App Store's ability to generate more revenue nevertheless remained an undeniable fact. In 2014, App Store's total revenue was 70% higher than Google Play's; in 2015, the gap increased to 75%. Despite recording only half as many downloads, App Store generated more revenue, largely thanks to China, the United States and Japan. These three markets accounted for 90% of its annual revenue increase.
China was particularly significant. In recent years, iPhone sales in China had continued to surge. As a result, in the first quarter of 2015, China overtook the United States in App Store downloads for the first time, and its download numbers continued to climb.
The main revenue driver for both app marketplaces was games—and more games. In 2015, games accounted for as much as 90% of Google Play's revenue and 75% of App Store's revenue. These figures were largely unchanged from 2014.
Future download growth would depend on developments as emerging markets saw greater penetration of mobile devices. Alongside games, which consistently accounted for the largest share of revenue, monthly subscription services for online video and online music were also expected to become a source of revenue growth.
App Annie 2015 Report: With a Boost from China, App Store Earns 75% More Than Google Play