Android Market app downloads finally surpass iOS App Store

Andre Yoskowitz
25 Oct 2011 13:38

According to the latest figures from ABI Research, Android Market app downloads have finally surpassed those of the iOS App Store.
Of all apps downloaded, Android devices now account for a full 44 percent of the market compared to 31 percent for Apple devices.
Says the research firm (via PCM):

Android's open source strategy is the main factor for its success. Being a free platform has expanded the Android device install base, which in turn has driven growth in the number of third party multi-platform and mobile operator app stores.

The expansion of the install base is indeed coming at a fast pace. In the last quarter alone, as users waited for the iPhone 4S, Android shipments grew 36 percent.
Apple users appear to use more apps, however, or at least test them out more. For every 1 Android app downloaded, Apple users download 2, says the firm.