---
title: "China Helps App Store Earn 75% More Than Google Play"
locale: "en"
language: "en-HK"
published: "2016-01-29T12:58:17+08:00"
updated: "2026-03-17T23:05:29.191Z"
canonical: "https://accordhk.com/blog/china-helps-app-store-earn-75-more-than-google-play-224"
---

# China Helps App Store Earn 75% More Than Google Play

Google Play recorded twice as many downloads as App Store in 2015, but App Store generated 75% more revenue. China, the United States and Japan accounted for 90% of App Store's annual revenue increase, while games remained the main revenue source for both stores.

## 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](<http://hongkongappdeveloper.com>) 2015 Review” noted that both [Google Play Store](<http://app-developer-hongkong.com>) and Apple's App Store saw increases in downloads and annual revenue. However,[ App Store ](<http://app-development-hongkong.com>)continued to generate more revenue. The figures show that although Google Play recorded twice as many downloads as [App Store](<http://appdeveloperhongkong.com>), App Store generated 75% more revenue than Google Play.

![](<http://img.technews.tw/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/0121-app-annie-p1.png>)

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](<http://appdevelopmenthk.com>) 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.

![](<http://img.technews.tw/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/0121-app-annie-p2.png>)

China was particularly significant. In recent years, [iPhone](<http://appcompanyhk.com>) sales in China had continued to surge. As a result, in the first quarter of 2015, China overtook the United States in [App Store](<http://appscompanyhk.com>) downloads for the first time, and its download numbers continued to climb.

![](<http://img.technews.tw/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/0121-app-annie-p3.jpg>)

The main revenue driver for both [app marketplaces](<http://appcompanyhongkong.com>) 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](<http://mobiledeveloperhk.com>). Alongside games, which consistently accounted for the largest share of revenue, monthly subscription services for [online video](<http://hkmobiledeveloper.com>) and [online music](<http://hongkongmobiledeveloper.com>) 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](<https://technews.tw/2016/01/21/app-annie-2015-report/>)

## Frequently asked questions

### How did App Store and Google Play compare in 2015?

Google Play recorded twice as many downloads as App Store, but App Store generated 75% more revenue. Both stores saw increases in downloads and annual revenue.

### Which markets drove App Store's revenue growth?

China, the United States and Japan accounted for 90% of App Store's annual revenue increase. In the first quarter of 2015, China also overtook the United States in App Store downloads for the first time.

### What drove Google Play's download growth?

The article attributes growth to Android mobile device sales in emerging markets, particularly Brazil, India, Indonesia, Turkey and Mexico.

### How much revenue came from games in 2015?

Games accounted for as much as 90% of Google Play's revenue and 75% of App Store's revenue. These shares were largely unchanged from 2014.

### What did the article identify as future growth drivers?

The article linked future download growth to increasing mobile device penetration in emerging markets. It also expected monthly online video and music subscriptions to contribute to revenue growth alongside games.