Overall, the smartphone and tablet app market grew to 11% in the first quarter of 2013, bringing in $2.2 billion on revenue, this according to a report released by Canalys.
Canalys’ App Interrogator research looked at the leading app stores in more than 50 countries, including Apple’s App Store, Google’s Play Store, Microsoft’s Windows Phone Store, and BlackBerry World. The analysis found that downloads across the four stores were up 11 percent in the first quarter worldwide over totals in the fourth quarter. Direct app revenue — from paid-for apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions — grew by nine percent.
Canalys reports that total app downloads form the four major repositories reached 13.4 billion for the quarter. Total app revenue was $2.2 billion.
Developing markets such as Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa, showed the strongest growth in revenues and downloads, reflecting the rapid growth of smart device use in those countries. North America also showed significant growth, with revenues increasing 8% and downloads showing a 6% bump. Western Europe saw 8% growth for revenues, and a 10% growth rate for downloads.
Apple’s iOS App Store, and Google’s Play Store were still the top players, with BlackBerry World and Windows Phone Store remaining as second-tier competitors.
