App stores anticipated to generate $15 billion in 2013

With app store downloads topping 3.6 billion in 2009 and expected to grow to 6.6 billion this year, market research firm Futuresource Consulting forecasts downloads will leap to 16.2 billion in 2013, translating to worldwide revenues of close to $15 billion. According to Futuresource, more than 85 percent of existing app store downloads are free to consumers, a percentage expected to remain stable over the next few years--consumer spending is nevertheless surging, with the premium mobile software market continuing to expand beyond the gaming segment.

Futuresource says that, along with direct-per-pay downloads, its revenue projections incorporate indirect value-add services like in-app payments and subscriptions. "Factor in mobile content revenues which fall beyond the world of the apps store--like direct downloads from gaming companies, handset manufacturers and operators, video downloads, music and ringtones--and the whole package will be worth $38 billion worldwide by 2013," said Futuresource senior market analyst Patrik Pflandler in a prepared statement.

Futuresource adds that app stores also hold significant promise for non-smartphone devices like tablets, and expects applications to become a major feature of connected TVs and Blu-ray players, with a particular emphasis on familiar apps (like sport results or weather) and brands that fit comfortably within the viewer experience (e.g., YouTube).

For more on the Futuresource forecast:
- read this release

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