The iPhone’s release in 2007 marked a significant turning point in the popularity of apps, which have since become the primary means of accessing the digital world. Today, mobile devices are responsible for two-thirds of global web traffic, with individuals in affluent countries spending approximately five hours per day using apps – equivalent to one-third of their waking hours. On a global scale, approximately 3.5 billion people utilize apps on a monthly basis.
The distribution of apps through app stores has become a lucrative business for Apple and Alphabet, the companies behind the iOS and Android operating systems that dominate the mobile device market. However, this has led to increased scrutiny from government authorities, who are pushing these tech giants to restrict access to certain apps while also working to break their monopoly on the market. Nonetheless, such actions may cause dissatisfaction among consumers who rely on the convenience and variety provided by app stores.
As the use of apps continues to expand and evolve, the balance of power between app developers, app stores, and government regulators remains a complex issue. It will be fascinating to observe how this dynamic unfolds in the future as technology continues to advance.