Global Mobile Market Report 2017

The global mobile market is undergoing a period of rapid expansion, with the total number of smartphone users projected to climb from 2.3 billion in 2016 to 3.6 billion by 2020. This growth is primarily fueled by the Asia-Pacific region, which serves as the central engine for device adoption. As the ecosystem matures, the competitive landscape for hardware is shifting; while Apple and Samsung maintain their status as industry leaders, Chinese manufacturers are aggressively increasing their market share and influence. Simultaneously, the app economy is experiencing significant financial growth, with total revenues expected to reach $85 billion by 2020. Although mobile games currently dominate the sector, accounting for 82% of the $56.4 billion in projected 2017 revenue, non-game applications are steadily capturing a larger portion of the market.

The distribution of mobile content is also evolving as the traditional duopoly held by Apple’s App Store and Google Play faces mounting pressure. Alternative app stores, the rise of instant apps, and various geopolitical factors are forcing a diversification of distribution models. While mobile virtual reality remains a point of interest, its commercial viability is currently constrained by hardware fragmentation and a scarcity of high-quality, event-based content. These challenges underscore the necessity for developers to leverage sophisticated technical tools to maintain a competitive edge.

To navigate this complex environment, publishers are increasingly relying on specialized service providers for app intelligence, player analytics, and SDK management. Platforms such as Priori Data, DeltaDNA, Pushwoosh, and SafeDK provide the essential infrastructure required to optimize engagement and monetization. By utilizing these data-driven insights and technical management solutions, stakeholders can better address the demands of a global user base and improve the performance of their mobile applications in an increasingly crowded marketplace.