60 Apps downloaded per iOS device, study claims

Apple’s iOS devices have each installed an average of 60 externally developed Apps, new data suggests.

Industry analyst Asymco said, on average, over 60 apps have been downloaded to sold iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches.

The study measured iOS device sales against App Store sales data.

Asymco’s calculations had not accounted for re-downloads, and assumed that all devices are still in use – two factors that likely would push the average download numbers above 60.

Asymco believes over 30 million apps downloaded each day to iOS devices.

A recent study published by consumer banking firm Citibank concluded that the App Store market will reach $2bn over the next twelve months.

Apple takes a 30 per cent cut of all gross app revenues, including microtransactions, meaning that – if Citibank’s estimates are accurate – the App Store dev community will share $1.4 billion in sales this year alone.

App Store revenues would need to climb considerably for Citibank’s estimates to ring accurate. Last year Apple CEO Steve Jobs said the App Store made $1.4 billion in its first two years.

Yet much growth is expected to occur from the in-app (microtransaction) market, which gives developers the chance to incorporate a free-to-play games model.

Citibank said that by 2013, the entire app market should be worth around $27 billion (when combined with Android and other platforms that should emerge in the next few years).