AppsFire has published a new infographic that details some highlights about Apple’s App Store. One of the most significant findings is the growth in free apps. In 2008, 74 percent of iOS apps published were paid, but in 2012 only 34 percent carried a price tag. “This can be explained by the growing popularity of in-app purchase as a way to efficiently monetize the app,” blogged AppsFire founder Ouriel Ohayon.
Other highlights from the infographic include the following:
- Mobile development firms published 339,160 new iOS apps this year, up from 306,471 last year.
- Of the 1,025,208 iOS apps ever published, only 111,543 developed traction (which AppsFire defines as 50 cumulative ratings).
- Only 1,038 apps reached the U.S. top ten at some point during 2012.
- 64% of top ten apps were games.
