Google Play Downloads Are Growing Faster, but Apple Is Still Winning the Money Race

2014 was a big year for Android apps and games; Google Play outpaced Apple’s App Store in downloads by about 60 percent, according to a new report from analytics firm App Annie.

But fortunes were reversed when it came to monetization, as the App Store made more than 70 percent more in revenue than Google Play last year. This is a continuation of a long-running trend observed by developers: Apple has less market share than Android, but its users tend to be far more willing to make in-app purchases.

For example, the mobile puzzle game Monument Valley — a $4 paid title with one optional purchase and an extra set of levels for $2 — recently reported that 81 percent of its nearly $6 million in sales came from iOS.

Also interesting, though perhaps not surprising, is that just three countries — Japan, South Korea and the United States — generated more app revenue than the rest of the world combined in 2014. App Annie said the fastest-growing group of nations was the so-called BRIC segment: Brazil, Russia, India and China, which more than doubled its app revenue. It’s worth noting, however, that its data only concerns the iOS App Store and Google Play, and does not include all the other Android stores that have proliferated in places like China.

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

We have a request

Vox's journalism is free because we believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, consumers and stewards of this planet. In short, understanding benefits everyone. You can join in on this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Reader support helps keep our work free, for everyone. Will you join us?

One-Time Monthly Annual

$95/year

$120/year

$250/year

$350/year

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $120/year

Yes, I'll give $120/year

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via