Distribution of global iOS and Android apps 2021, by monetization method

As of September 2021, only 3.7 percent of apps on the Google Play Store needed an upfront payment for downloading and using the app. By comparison, approximately six percent of apps on the Apple App Stores were paid apps. In recent years, in-app purchase (IAP) or subscription have become the most popular app monetization methods, despite the majority of apps available on the two leading app stores still being free for users. Approximately 12.5 percent of apps in the Apple App Store offered subscriptions and in-app payment options in the examined period.

截至2021年9月，谷歌应用商店中仅3.7%的应用程序在下载和使用时需要预付费。相较之下，苹果应用商店中大约有6%的应用程序为付费应用。近年来，尽管两大应用商店中大部分应用对用户仍免费提供，但应用内购买（IAP）或订阅模式已逐渐成为最流行的盈利方式。在考察期间，苹果应用商店中大约有12.5%的应用提供了订阅和内购支付选项。