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10 Mobile App Statistics Businesses Need to Know in 2024 

  • Blog
  • 23 January
  • 5 mins
  • Dani Barker

The year 2023 marked a pivotal shift in the mobile app landscape, signifying a move towards more mobile-first strategies across various industries. As smartphones become ever more integral to daily life, businesses have recognised the immense potential of mobile apps in boosting customer engagement and operational efficiency. Far from being mere tools of convenience, mobile apps have become key players in delivering personalised experiences and building brand loyalty. 


1. Global Mobile Usage on the Rise

In 2023, the global average time spent on mobile devices reached 5 hours per day, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. This uptrend underscores the growing significance of mobile platforms in people's daily lives. (data.ai)

2. UK Mobile Usage Trends

The average daily mobile usage in the UK was 3.81 hours in 2023, slightly down from 2022 but still considerably higher than pre-pandemic levels. This indicates a sustained reliance on mobile devices in the UK market. (data.ai)

3. Social Apps Dominance

Time spent in social apps on Android phones climbed by 9% in 2023, totalling over 2.3 trillion hours. The consistent growth in this area highlights the unrelenting popularity of social media apps. (data.ai)


4. Mobile Apps vs. Browsers

An astounding 92% of mobile time in 2022 was spent in apps, with only 8% in browsers. This stark contrast reveals the dominant role of apps in mobile internet usage. (Statista)

 

5. Social and Entertainment Apps Lead

Four out of the top five app subgenres by time spent fall within social media and entertainment categories, accounting for over 66% of total app usage. This dominance speaks to the central role of these apps in digital leisure. (data.ai)


6. Online Shopping App Popularity

Temu emerged as the most downloaded mobile app in the UK and USA in 2023, reflecting the growing trend of mobile e-commerce. (data.ai)

7. TikTok's Consumer Spend

TikTok led the ranks in consumer spending on mobile apps in 2023, solidifying its position as a top player in the app economy. (data.ai)

8. Short Video App Growth 

Short video apps like TikTok saw the highest year-on-year growth in both consumer spend, and time spent, indicating a shift in content consumption preferences. (data.ai)


9. AI Integration Success 

A cohort of 20 top apps that integrated AI features in 2023 saw an 11% YoY growth, outperforming the market, with 65% of these apps experiencing positive growth. (data.ai)


10. Indistinct App Design 

35% of respondents felt app designs were indistinguishable between brands, rising to 40% among 18 to 24-year-olds, highlighting a need for unique and memorable app designs. (Accenture)


The statistics from 2023 clearly illustrate that mobile apps play an increasingly vital role in the business landscape. As we advance into 2024, leveraging these trends will be essential for businesses aiming to maintain relevance and competitive edge in the digital era. 


Sources:

data.aiState of Mobile 2024

StatistaMobile app usage - Statistics & Facts

AccentureLife Trends 2024

Are you ready to harness the power of mobile apps to propel your business forward? 

At Cantarus, we specialise in developing cutting-edge mobile solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether it's enhancing user experience, engaging online communities, or creating a distinctive app design, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Contact us at [email protected] or click here to learn more about how we can transform your mobile app strategy for 2024 and beyond. Let's turn these insights into actionable strategies for your success.

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