China Leads in App Sessions and New Activations

by Holly Shoemaker

Flurry Analytics has come out with data that shows China has become the world's leader in app sessions and new iOS and Android activations. Flurry defines an app session as launching and using an application in one sitting.

Numbers at a Glance

• The app session growth rate in China increased by more than 1,100 percent from Q1 2011 to Q1 2012. In Q1 2011, China ranked number seven.
  
• At the end of March, Flurry projects China will account for 24 percent of iOS and Android activations. In comparison, the United States is expected to account for 21 percent.
• Americans still purchase more smartphones and tablets. However, in February 2012, China, for the first time, activated more devices. In January 2011, the United States made up 28 percent of the world’s activations versus eight percent for China.

Analysis of the Data

I am not particularly surprised by this data. Yes, the large increase is noteworthy. However, China’s population and its consumer’s well-known interest in smartphones, tablets and apps explain the increase.

Concluding Thoughts

Both Apple and Google have issues to overcome in China. Apple awaits a court decision that could affect its overall brand, has dealt with claims of poor working conditions in its Chinese factories and delayed the opening of the Beijing Apple Store in January.

While Android activations are increasing, that does not necessarily mean Google sees the profits. For Android, the amount of app stores in China may become problematic. There are multiple rivals to Google Play in China, and users often download their apps from native app stores. The importance of China’s role in the app realm does not surprise anyone; the latest figures should assist app developers in positioning themselves.