App development / 4 min read

Fascinating facts about mobile apps

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By Marion / January 28, 2025

From the first mobile app to today

Mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, transforming how we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. From ordering food to learning new skills, apps offer convenience at our fingertips. Here are some interesting facts about mobile apps that you might find surprising!

The First Mobile App

The first mobile app can be traced to IBM's Simon Personal Communicator, released in 1994 https://www.boardactive.com/post/a-brief-history-of-mobile-apps as a touchscreen phone. This app included basic functionalities like a calendar, address book, calculator, and notepad.

Simon could send and receive emails and faxes, and it had predictive text capabilities to speed up typing. It was quite large measuring 20 cm in length, 6 cm in width and was nearly 4 cm thick. One of the major drawbacks was its short battery life, lasting only about an hour of talk time. It sold around 50,000 units.

Fun facts about mobile apps

*Fun Fact*: Snake was the first game app introduced to the mobile phone.

Several devices played crucial roles in the development of smartphones:

Motorola DynaTAC 8000X (1983): Known as the first commercially available mobile phone, it was a significant step in mobile communication.

Nokia 9000 Communicator (1996): This device combined a mobile phone with a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), featuring a full keyboard and a small internal screen.

BlackBerry 5810 (2002): BlackBerry introduced push email to mobile devices, revolutionising business communication https://thinglabs.io/cell-phone-history.

Sharp J-SH04 (2000): Considered the first mass-market camera phone, it was released in Japan and marked the beginning of integrating cameras into mobile.

Apple iPhone (2007): The iPhone's touch-centric interface and focus on apps changed the landscape of mobile phones forever.

HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1) (2008): The first Android phone, marking the debut of the Android operating system.

App Store Launches

Apple's App Store launched in 2008 with only 500 apps. Today, it offers over 2 million apps. Similarly, Google Play Store, also launched in 2008, now hosts over 3 million apps.

Most Downloaded App

TikTok was the most downloaded app in 2020, with over 850 million downloads worldwide. Its popularity continues to soar, making it a global phenomenon.

Free vs. Paid Apps

Approximately 90% of apps on the App Store are free, relying on in-app purchases and ads for revenue. This model has made apps more accessible to a wider audience.

Daily Usage

On average, people spend over 3 hours daily using mobile apps https://www.technologyhq.org/top-interesting-facts-about-mobile-apps-that-you-must-know/. This highlights the significant role apps play in our daily routines, from social networking to productivity.

Social Media Dominance

Social media apps account for 50% of the time spent on mobile devices. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have become essential tools for staying connected.

Gaming Revenue

Mobile gaming apps generate more revenue than PC and console games combined. Popular games like Candy Crush and PUBG have massive user bases and substantial earnings.

Health and Fitness Surge

Health apps have surged in popularity, with over 400 million downloads in 2020 alone. These apps help users track their fitness goals, monitor health metrics, and stay motivated. https://www.reptile.app/blogs/health-security-and-personalisation-the-future-of-mobile-apps/

Health and fitness is becoming popular

E-commerce Revolution

Mobile shopping apps have revolutionized retail, with 54% of online purchases made via mobile devices. Apps like Amazon and eBay have made shopping more convenient than ever.

Push Notifications

Apps that use push notifications have 88% higher engagement rates than those that don’t https://www.reptile.app/blogs/push-notification-strategies-to-engage-your-customers/. These notifications keep users informed about updates, promotions, and personalised content.

App Localisation

Localising an app can increase downloads by up to 767%. Users are more likely to engage with an app that is available in their native language and offers localised content.

Revenue Potential

In 2020, the global mobile app revenue exceeded $581.9 billion, and this number is expected to reach $935.2 billion by 2023. https://www.reptile.app/blogs/startups-in-2025/. The revenue comes from various sources, including in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertising.

Augmented Reality (AR)

AR apps like Pokémon GO have captivated users by blending digital elements with the real world. This technology continues to evolve, offering new and exciting experiences. https://www.reptile.app/blogs/2025-a-year-of-growth-for-augmented-and-virtual-reality/.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI-powered apps, such as virtual assistants, are becoming increasingly sophisticated. These apps can perform tasks, provide recommendations, and even engage in conversations.

5G Technology

The rollout of 5G networks is enhancing app performance with faster speeds and lower latency. This technology is set to revolutionise the mobile app experience.

Mobile apps are constantly evolving, offering new features and capabilities that enhance our lives. Whether you're a gamer, a productivity enthusiast, or someone who loves to stay connected, there's an app for you. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of mobile apps!

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