In-App Purchase Market Analysis and Global Forecast 2023-2033

In-App Purchase Market Overview

The In-App Purchase Market Size is expected to reach USD 578.63 Billion by 2033. The In-App Purchase Market industry size accounted for USD 195.77 Billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.54% from 2023 to 2033. The In-App Purchase Market refers to the segment of the mobile app and software industry that involves transactions where users buy additional content, features, or services within an app or software application. These purchases are made directly within the app, rather than through external websites or physical stores.

The In-App Purchase Market is a dynamic and significant part of the broader mobile and digital economy, driven by both technological advancements and changing consumer behaviours. The in-app purchase market has become a significant App Category of the digital economy, offering developers a lucrative revenue source and providing consumers with a wide range of digital goods and services.

Global In-App Purchase Market Synopsis

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the In-App Purchase Market. With lockdowns and social distancing measures, people spent more time on their devices, leading to a surge in app usage. This increase in engagement translated into higher in-app purchase transactions. The pandemic significantly boosted mobile gaming, as more people turned to games for entertainment and stress relief. This led to increased revenue from in-app purchases in games, including virtual goods, upgrades, and premium features. The rapid growth in app downloads and usage led to increased competition among developers. As more apps entered the market, it became challenging for individual apps to stand out and drive in-app purchases. Many of the trends seen during the pandemic, such as increased mobile gaming and subscription services, have continued post-pandemic. The in-app purchase market has adapted to these new consumer behaviors. Developers have focused on enhancing features and personalization to retain users and encourage in-app purchases. Innovations in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and improved user experiences are likely to drive future growth.

In-App Purchase Market Dynamics

The major factors that have impacted the growth of In-App Purchase Market are as follows:

Drivers:

Ø  Increased Mobile Device Penetration

The widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets provides a vast user base for mobile apps, driving the demand for in-app purchases. Mobile games are a major segment of the in-app purchase market. Games often use in-app purchases for virtual goods, upgrades, and premium features, leveraging high user engagement. Subscriptions for services such as streaming, cloud storage, and premium content offer ongoing revenue opportunities. The convenience of managing subscriptions within apps encourages users to make purchases.

Restraint:

• Perception of Data Protection and Transaction Risks

Concerns about data privacy and security can deter users from making in-app purchases. Breaches or misuse of personal information may impact user trust and engagement. Instances of fraud, such as unauthorized transactions or chargebacks, can affect the profitability of in-app purchases. Developers need to implement robust fraud prevention measures to mitigate these risks.

Opportunity:

⮚      Expanding Mobile Gaming Market

The continuous development of new mobile games offers opportunities for integrating in-app purchases for virtual goods, upgrades, and premium content. The rise of subscription-based models for services like streaming, fitness apps, and productivity tools provides a steady revenue stream through recurring in-app purchases. Integrating e-commerce features into apps, such as in-app purchases for physical goods or services, can expand revenue opportunities beyond digital content.

In-App Purchase Market Segment Overview

By App Category

Based on App Category, the market is segmented based on Gaming, Entertainment & Music, Health & Fitness, Travel & Hospitality, Retail & E-Commerce and Others. The gaming segment dominant the market. Gaming is one of the fastest growing segments in the in-app purchase market, owing to the enormous increase in mobile devices and growing addiction to new mobile games across emerging economies.

By Type

Based on Type, the market segment has been divided into Consumable, Non-Consumable and Subscription. The subscription segment dominant the market. Due to its flexibility in billing and payment, ability to change fixed costs into variable costs, simplicity of distribution, and stable and constant revenue stream, the subscription revenue model is gaining popularity.

By Operating System

Based on Operating Systems, the market segment has been divided into Android, iOS and Others. The iOS segment dominant the market. Apple has created an ecosystem consisting of iTunes, iDevices, and Appstore Apps. The company has also partnered with telecom carriers, giving it a competitive edge. The OS developed by the company not only controls the hardware and operating system but also approves the applications on the AppStore. iOS 6.0 is the current generation of iOS to be introduced with the iPhone and iPad.

Global In-App Purchase Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global In-App Purchase Market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is projected to dominate the use of the In-App Purchase Market followed by the Asia-Pacific and Europe regions.

In-App Purchase North America Market

North America holds a dominant position in the In-App Purchase Market. North America, particularly the United States and Canada, has one of the largest markets for in-app purchases. High smartphone penetration, a strong gaming culture, and a high average revenue per user (ARPU) drive the market and the region sees significant spending on mobile gaming, subscription services, and premium app features. There’s also a strong presence of major app developers and tech companies.

In-App Purchase Asia-Pacific Market

The Asia-Pacific region has indeed emerged as the fastest-growing market for the In-App Purchase Market industry. The Asia-Pacific region, including China, India, Japan, and South Korea, is one of the fastest-growing markets for in-app purchases. Factors include high smartphone adoption, growing middle-class populations, and increasing internet penetration and This region is a major hub for mobile gaming, particularly in countries like China and South Korea. India shows rapid growth in mobile app usage and in-app purchases, driven by increasing smartphone adoption.

Competitive Landscape

The global In-App Purchase Market is highly competitive, with numerous players offering a wide range of software solutions. The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of established companies, as well as emerging startups and niche players. To increase their market position and attract a wide consumer base, the businesses are employing various strategies, such as product launches, and strategic alliances.

Prominent Players:

• Apple Inc
• Disney
• Google LLC
• King Limited
• Netflix Inc
• Tencent Holding Limited
• Rakuten Inc.
• Sony Corporation
• Spotify App Category S.A.
• Tinder

Key Development

In January 2024, Apple Inc. updated its long-standing App Store guidelines, providing developers the option to let users make in-app purchases for iOS apps outside of its App Store. Under the new rules, app developers can provide customers with links to third-party purchase options for their apps, but they must still pay Apple fees of either 12% or 27%.

In May 2024: Google added a new payment option for in-app purchases using Play Store, allowing users to “ask someone else to pay”.

Scope of the Report

Global In-App Purchase Market, by App Category

• Gaming
• Entertainment & Music
• Health & Fitness
• Travel & Hospitality
• Retail & E-Commerce
• Others

Global In-App Purchase Market, by Type

• Consumable
• Non-Consumable
• Subscription

Global In-App Purchase Market, by Operating System

• Android
• iOS
• Others

Global In-App Purchase Market, by Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Benelux
  • Nordic
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Austalia
  • Malaysia
  • India
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

 

Parameters	Indicators
Market Size	2033: $578.63 Billion
CAGR	12.54% CAGR (2023-2033)
Base year	2022
Forecast Period	2023-2033
Historical Data	2021
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Key Segmentations	App Category, Type, Operating System
Geographies Covered	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, Africa
Key Vendors	Apple Inc, Disney, Google LLC, King Limited, Netflix, Inc, Tencent Holding Limited, Rakuten, Inc., Sony Corporation, Spotify App Category S.A. and Tinder
Key Market Opportunities	• Expanding Mobile Gaming Market • Integration with E-Commerce
Key Market Drivers	• Increased Mobile Device Penetration • Growth in Subscription-Based Models

 

REPORT CONTENT BRIEF:

• High-level analysis of the current and future In-App Purchase Market trends and opportunities
• Detailed analysis of current market drivers, restraining factors, and opportunities in the future
• In-App Purchase Market historical market size for the year 2021, and forecast from 2023 to 2033
• In-App Purchase Market share analysis at each product level
• Competitor analysis with detailed insight into its product segment, Government & Defense strength, and strategies adopted.
• Identifies key strategies adopted including product launches and developments, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, and partnerships as well as funding taken and investment done, among others.
• To identify and understand the various factors involved in the global In-App Purchase Market affected by the pandemic
• To provide a detailed insight into the major companies operating in the market. The profiling will include the Government & Defense health of the company’s past 2-3 years with segmental and regional revenue breakup, product offering, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and key strategies.