Imagine a world where mobile spending is skyrocketing, AI features captivating every moment and every screen. Sensor Tower’s annual report on the state of mobile reveals a 2024 marked by an unprecedented enthusiasm for subscriptions and in-app purchases, reaching $150 billion globally. Consumers show a marked preference for non-gaming apps, with notable growth in spending on video streaming and social networks. Meanwhile, the rise of AI chatbots reflects a growing love for generative technologies, fueling a movement that could revolutionize the digital economy. With the advent of chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, usage is literally skyrocketing, confirming the irresistible appeal of futuristic innovations.
consumer spending on mobile apps in 2024
According to the latest research revealed by Sensor Tower, global consumer spending on in-app purchases and subscriptions reached an impressive sum of $150 billion in 2024. This increase of 13% compared to the previous year marks a new milestone in the digital economy. It is the non-gaming apps that are leading the way. For the fourth consecutive year, spending in this sector has surpassed that of games, with a staggering increase of 25%, or nearly $14 billion more.
the app sub-genres that dominate
In the forward march of apps, certain subcategories stand out. The sectors of film and television streaming as well as social networks are the undisputed leaders, capturing $11.9 billion and $11.7 billion respectively of consumer spending. However, a notable advance is observed within emerging technologies: in 2024, apps based on generative AI have captivated attention. In just one year, they amassed no less than $1.1 billion in spending, representing a 200% increase compared to the previous year.
the rise of AI features
The growing interest in AI apps is also reflected in usage time. Users spent nearly 7.7 billion hours interacting with these apps. At the same time, the meteoric popularity of applications such as ChatGPT is illustrated by its 50 million active monthly users, eclipsing platforms like Disney+ and YouTube Music. Moreover, financial apps that incorporate AI features are now offering unprecedented convenience, driving downloads beyond 7.5 billion, encouraging more and more consumers to adopt these innovative technologies in their daily lives.
