Apple App Store Vs Google Play: Apple App Store Getting Heat from Google Play, Report Shows

Apple App Store Vs Google Play: When it comes to mobile app downloads, most people expect Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to be at the top of the industry. While this has been true for quite some time, it is important to note that Apple is getting heat from its primary competitor: Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Play.

Though the Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) service has a long way to go before it catches Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in all departments, it appears to be making major strides as of late.

For a closer look at what is going on in this market, we can turn to App Annie.

More specifically, let’s focus on this report: App Annie Index: Market Report Q1 2013 – iOS App Store revenue 2.6x that of Google Play

Let’s start out by examining the number of app downloads during the last quarter. Here is what App Annie is reporting:

“While the (Apple) iOS App Store and Google Play both had solid gains in app downloads last quarter, Google Play had a higher percentage growth rate as well as a greater gain in absolute downloads. As of Q1 2013, Google Play’s app downloads were close to 90% of iOS App Store downloads.”

This is interesting information. Although Apple is holding steady, Google is showing a “higher percentage growth rate” to go along with a “greater gain in absolute downloads.”

Most people would not expect to find out that as of the first quarter of 2013, Google Play downloads were just about 90 percent of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) store downloads. With this information, maybe Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is closing the gap more quickly than people originally thought.

Despite the fact that Google is keeping things close in terms of app download volume, Apple Inc. is well out in front when it comes to revenue.

“From Q4 2012 to Q1 2013, iOS App Store quarterly revenue grew by roughly one-quarter. Meanwhile, Google Play app revenue grew by roughly 90%. While Google Play had the higher growth rate, the iOS App Store gained more in absolute revenue and earned about 2.6x that of Google Play in Q1.”

If it is all about the money, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in good shape. If you are more interested in number of downloads, things are much closer.

What is your take on this data? Do you feel that Google Play is closing the gap? Do you think the race will tighten even further in the months to come? Share your thoughts on Apple and Google in the comment section below.

Check back here for more updates on Apple App Store Vs Google Play.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

Related tickers: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)

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