Apple Commissioned Study Points to Success of Third-Party Apps

08 APRIL 2022 - Apple apps don’t do as well as a lot of competing apps in the App Store. That’s the word from a bunch of analysts hired by Apple. CNET writes up a report published by Apple. Put together by Analysis Group, the report shows established third parties like Spotify, Netflix, and Google Maps beating Apple’s answers to those services in terms of use. In the U.S., according to the firm’s findings, usage of Apple Maps stands at 36%, usage of Apple Music stands at 21%, and usage of Apple TV+ stands at 3%. CNET has Analysis Group saying:

“For many countries and app types, the Apple app accounts for 20 to 30% of total app usage,” (…) adding that Apple's apps are “eclipsed” in popularity by third-party apps in nearly every country. “This reflects that while the Apple apps are widely used, third-party apps are used more frequently.”

If you’re wondering why Apple would brag about such numbers, it’s not bragging. It’s self defense against “pressure from lawmakers, regulators and competitors around the world about how it manages and controls its iPhones and iPads…” The case made by Apple and Analysis Group:

The App Store has grown substantially throughout the years, sustaining an expanding community of developers and content creators and fueling a massive and growing ecosystem. This growth reflects the dynamism of the App Store, its community, and its ecosystem, which benefits developers, users, and Apple.

Charts via Apple