2025 Mobile App Revenue Hits $155B as Subscription Models Defy Download Slump
Mobile app revenue reached $155.8B in 2025, driven by subscription growth despite a 5-year decline in downloads. Non-game apps now lead the market.
App downloads are shrinking for the fifth year in a row, yet the industry's pockets are deeper than ever. It's a classic case of doing more with less, as developers successfully pivot from chasing new users to deepening relationships with existing ones.
Analyzing 2025 Mobile App Revenue and Subscription Growth
According to the annual report from Appfigures, global mobile app and game downloads reached 106.9 billion in 2025, marking a 2.7% decline from the previous year. Paradoxically, consumer spending soared by 21.6% to hit a staggering $155.8 billion. The data suggests that the subscription economy has officially become the primary engine of growth for the mobile ecosystem.
Non-Game Apps Take the Revenue Crown
The long-standing dominance of mobile games is fading. In 2025, non-game app spending grew by 33.9% to reach $82.6 billion, surpassing the $72.2 billion generated by mobile games. While game revenue still climbed 10%, it's clear that consumers are increasingly willing to pay for utility, entertainment, and productivity tools on a recurring basis.
This shift is fueling a secondary market of infrastructure providers. Platforms like RevenueCat, which raised $50 million recently, and Appcharge are helping developers navigate this new subscription-first world. Even ad-tech giants are feeling the momentum, with Liftoff Mobile recently filing for an IPO to capitalize on the rising tide.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
A multi-state lawsuit against Uber's subscription practices isn't just about ride-sharing. It's a regulatory attack on the 'dark patterns' that power the tech economy.
The multi-state lawsuit against Uber's subscription isn't just about ride-sharing. It's a regulatory assault on the 'dark patterns' that prop up the entire tech economy.
The multi-state lawsuit against Uber's subscription isn't just about ride-sharing. It's a regulatory assault on the 'dark patterns' that prop up the entire tech economy.
A multi-state lawsuit against Uber's One subscription isn't just about a fine. It's a landmark attack on the 'dark patterns' that prop up the entire tech subscription economy.
A multi-state lawsuit against Uber's subscription practices isn't just about ride-sharing. It's a regulatory attack on the 'dark patterns' that power the tech economy.
The multi-state lawsuit against Uber's subscription isn't just about ride-sharing. It's a regulatory assault on the 'dark patterns' that prop up the entire tech economy.
The multi-state lawsuit against Uber's subscription isn't just about ride-sharing. It's a regulatory assault on the 'dark patterns' that prop up the entire tech economy.
A multi-state lawsuit against Uber's One subscription isn't just about a fine. It's a landmark attack on the 'dark patterns' that prop up the entire tech subscription economy.