Overview:
A survey of 1,250 U.S. app-based business leaders (app leaders), defined as decision makers in businesses where a product(s) or service(s) is delivered through an app, or an app-supported business that offers an app as part of its operations, found that despite tremendous economic uncertainty, the current mobile app ecosystem is working extraordinarily well, and makes it easier to innovate, create products, and grow a business.
However, policymakers must engage on certain issues to sustain the app ecosystem and help app-based businesses succeed, including developing a single national data privacy standard and limiting disruption through unnecessary, overly burdensome regulations.
The App Ecosystem Works Well and Empowers App-Based Businesses
The survey found that 90% of app leaders say the health and status of the app ecosystem are good, with 95% saying it allows them to innovate and build new things, and 94% saying it makes it easy to monetize their apps.
Within this ecosystem, it’s clear that app stores provide tremendous value. Ninety-six percent of app leaders using Apple and Google’s app stores say stores provide them with important tools and support for their app’s success. Furthermore, 91% of app leaders say app store features help them bring products to market quicker. Lastly, of the 84% of app leaders who pay fees to app stores beyond the cost of creating a developer account, 91% agree that the app stores provide value equal to or greater than what their businesses pay.
However, despite this broad satisfaction and extraordinary value provided to app-based businesses, federal lawsuits against these platforms and misguided legislation threaten to disrupt this ecosystem.
Additional stats highlighting the app ecosystem’s value:
- 93% of app leaders say the current app economy and ecosystem help them find customers for their businesses’ app(s).
- 93% are satisfied with the app stores currently available on Google Android and Apple iOS.
- 89% believe there is sufficient competition between Apple iOS and Google Android, and the available app stores.
- 84% say that if app stores became less secure, their businesses would be harmed.
- 94% say Apple iOS, Google Android, and their app stores give their businesses a stable operating environment.
App Developers Need a Federal Data Privacy Law
Protecting customer data is paramount to app-based businesses’ success. Nearly three-fourths of app leaders say it is a big concern for their business. Still, the rise of state data privacy laws with different rules and regulations, some taking radical approaches (i.e., Maryland), creates a significant problem. App leaders need a national data privacy law that balances consumer protection with data’s critical role in the app economy.
While 84% of app leaders say they need a single national data privacy law instead of multiple state laws, it requires the right balance. It’s important not to overregulate the collection and usage of data, as 91% of app leaders say data is critical to understanding their app’s customers, usage, and growth, and 84% report using general, anonymized customer data to inform business decisions, such as how to advertise, add new features, or find growth opportunities.
Additional stats regarding data usage:
- 90% of app leaders say they can better service their customers when they have access to more than just the most basic info about them.
- 51% say restrictions on data collection would hurt their customer interactions.
- 95% value mobile operating systems’ tools for testing app versions, analyzing data, and making smart business decisions.
Methodology:
The Developers Alliance, the leading advocate for developers worldwide, conducted an online survey of 1,250 U.S. app-based business leaders, business decision-makers at companies that participate in the “app economy” through product(s) or service(s) delivered through an app, or an app-supported business that offers an app as part of its operations.
The survey was conducted from March 17-27, 2025, and has a margin of error of +/-2.8%. Every person surveyed is involved in making decisions that affect their app-based business.
