Studies show that most Americans check their mobile phone every 12 minutes, on average.
What's more? Upwards of 90 percent of the time that consumers spend on their phone is dedicated to apps.
Because there are more than 2.7 billion smartphone users globally, mobile apps are an even more lucrative way to increase brand awareness, improve revenue, and ultimately grow a business.
Although 2019 may not be over, we looked into the most downloaded apps for both Android and Apple iOS devices of 2019.
By exploring Q1 downloads, which aggregates data from January to March of this year, we're able to see what industries and genres perform well in the market.
Thus, businesses and the development companies who help to build their mobile platforms can also determine emerging trends, user experience improvements, and better compete in 2020 and beyond, too.
Most Downloaded Apps of 2019 (DesignRush)
The Most Downloaded Apps of 2019 (Quarter 1)
- Facebook Messenger
- TikTok
- SHAREit
- YouTube
- LIKE Video
- Netflix
- Snapchat
The most downloaded apps listed above gather data from both Google Play and the Apple App Store, according to a report from Sensor Tower.
However, it is important to note that Google Play downloads far exceeded the number of iOS user downloads for all applications.
Social media apps such as Snapchat, Facebook (and its partner, Messenger) and Instagram remained on both operating systems' shortlists, signaling that consumers still crave quick connection through the palms of their hands.
In fact, 75 percent of male internet users and a whopping 83 percent of female internet users are active Facebook users, according to Wordstream.
However, it's the rising popularity of YouTube, Netflix and Spotify (which clocked in at no. 11) that demonstrate a movement towards entertainment instead of news.
For instance, although YouTube technically allows users to access clips of information, we all know it hosts much more than that. Plus, it captures more 18-49-year-olds than any cable network in the United States, according to the video publisher itself.
Most Downloaded iPhone Apps of 2019 (Q1)
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Facebook Messenger
- Netflix
- Google Maps
- Study the Great Nation
- Gmail
Notably, the most popular Apple App Store apps of Q1 2019 shift a bit more towards entertainment, with TikTok and YouTube moving up a few points on the list.
In addition, Google Maps gains significant popularity when you look at Apple customers. This is likely because Apple devices come with an in-house navigation app, and consumers probably prefer the information and interface in Google Maps.
Most Downloaded Android Apps of 2019 (Q1)
- Facebook Messenger
- TikTok
- SHAREit
- LIKE Video
- UC Browser
- Biugo
- Hotstar
The most popular Android apps have a clear shift towards an international market, as evidenced by the Singapore and China-based web browser UC browser and WhatsApp, which is frequently used for international communication and texting via WiFi, especially for users without iMessage access.
Android users also have a propensity for productivity-centric mobile apps. For example, SHAREit allows users to quickly and easily transfer files, while Biugo enables seamless video editing directly from a smartphone.
Most Downloaded iPhone Apps of 2018
- YouTube
- Snapchat
- Facebook Messenger
- Bitmoji
- Netflix
- Google Maps
- Gmail
- Spotify
Something interesting to note between the popular iPhone apps listed above and the Android list (below) is the difference in application preference between mobile users.
While there are plenty of similarities between Android and iPhone users, like Instagram and Facebook Messenger, ultimately, Apple consumers gravitate towards traditional entertainment ever-so-slightly. Notice the prevalence of YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify.
Meanwhile, you'll find that Android users are drawn to games when seeking entertainment.
(It's also important to note that these most downloaded apps for iPhone are all free.)
Most Downloaded Android Apps of 2018
- Facebook Messenger
- Skype
- Subway Surfers
- Clean Master: Space Cleaner & Antivirus
- Candy Crush Saga
- Snapchat
Although there are some games that top the list -- such as Subway Surfers (no. 6) and Candy Crush (no. 9), Android's most popular apps from last year show us that Android users gravitate towards social platforms, communication-centric apps, and applications that increase productivity.
Top Mobile App Design Companies Of 2019
While it's clear that building a mobile app can create a large consumer reach -- both in the United States and around the world -- not every company has the manpower to execute such projects on their own.
Luckily, we rounded up the best app design agencies from around the world who can help. Some of the top app designers include:
1. Reinvently
Reinvently is a mobile strategy, design, and app development agency. Harnessing the power of their unique mobile product delivery methodology and expertise in user-focused design, machine learning and AI, they make mobile products stand out.
https://reinvently.com/
2. Clockwise Software
Clockwise Software is s web app development company based in one of the biggest Ukrainian IT hubs - Dnipro. For over 5 years, the company has delivered custom app development services to companies worldwide. Offering exclusively custom solutions, Clockwise Software team is able to solve even most complicated business challenges with smart digitalization. Such an approach enables to build solutions that exactly match the business needs and are ready for future scaling.
https://clockwise.software/
3. TekRevol LLC
Tekrevol offers web and app development services and enterprise solutions to startups and medium to large businesses to help create new opportunities. They have a team of some of the best minds in the industry who come up with creative and innovative ideas and transform them into remarkable business solutions through a unique approach towards web and application designing and development services, and enterprise solutions.
https://www.tekrevol.com/
4. GBKSOFT
GBKSOFT makes clear and immediately recognizable designs that inspire trust and admiration for commercial brands by analyzing the industry and competitors. When making an app, they keep in mind the environment in which it will be used.
https://gbksoft.com/
5.Grand Apps
Grand Apps is an award-winning mobile and web app development agency that serves clients around the world. Grand Apps has launched over 500 projects since it was founded in 2011. The company works with clients from small startup MVP projects to large corporate fortune 500 clients. Grand Apps has the experience and team that is needed for a mobile app development project.
https://www.grandapps.com/
Are you seeking the best app design firm for your business needs? Check out the full list of top-rated app design companies HERE.
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