Mobile App Trends 2021: A Focus on APAC

Market (Mobile)·Updated Mar 17, 2026 by Adjust

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Insights

01
APAC dominates the global mobile market, accounting for 64% of total app downloads and 60% of global mobile gaming revenue.
02
Mobile adoption surged during 2020 lockdowns, driving a 31% increase in regional installs and a 54% rise in sessions year-over-year.
03
Hyper-casual gaming experienced explosive growth with a 66% increase in installs during 2020, while fintech installs grew by 36% in the same period.
04
The median effective cost per install (eCPI) dropped significantly from a peak of $1.49 in early 2020 to $0.74 by early 2021.
05
APAC users exhibit high engagement, with average session lengths exceeding 22 minutes in early 2021.
06
Fintech apps demonstrated the highest long-term user loyalty, maintaining a 7.14% retention rate at the 30-day mark.
07
Growth momentum has persisted into 2021, with regional installs rising an additional 4% during the first half of the year.

Insights

01
APAC dominates the global mobile market, accounting for 64% of total app downloads and 60% of global mobile gaming revenue.
02
Mobile adoption surged during 2020 lockdowns, driving a 31% increase in regional installs and a 54% rise in sessions year-over-year.
03
Hyper-casual gaming experienced explosive growth with a 66% increase in installs during 2020, while fintech installs grew by 36% in the same period.
04
The median effective cost per install (eCPI) dropped significantly from a peak of $1.49 in early 2020 to $0.74 by early 2021.
05
APAC users exhibit high engagement, with average session lengths exceeding 22 minutes in early 2021.
06
Fintech apps demonstrated the highest long-term user loyalty, maintaining a 7.14% retention rate at the 30-day mark.
07
Growth momentum has persisted into 2021, with regional installs rising an additional 4% during the first half of the year.