October 22, 2008: Throughout a convention name, Apple CEO Steve Jobs reveals {that a} consumer downloaded the 200 millionth app from the App Retailer that very day.
The information comes lower than 5 months after the launch of the App Retailer, and solely a month after Apple surpassed 100 million app downloads.
The opening of the iOS App Retailer
Opening the App Retailer marked a turning level each for the iPhone and for Apple as an entire. The corporate proved the viability of paid downloads 5 years earlier than the App Retailer launched, because of the overwhelming success of the iTunes Music Retailer. By the point the App Retailer launched in 2008, iTunes was effectively on its technique to changing into the world’s largest music vendor.
Thus, an iTunes-like retailer for iPhone software program provided large potential. Out of the blue, everybody may peddle their very own “killer app” for Apple’s revolutionary smartphone.
Nonetheless, Jobs initially refused to associate with the App Retailer idea. He thought it might outcome within the iPhone being overrun by lesser-quality third-party software program. Luckily, he modified his thoughts.
By the point the App Retailer opened on July 10, 2008, 500 third-party apps have been accessible, with 25% of them free to obtain. The App Retailer grew to become an instantaneous success for Apple, garnering 10 million downloads in its first 72 hours.
Apple’s most essential invention?
Whereas 200 million app downloads would possibly appear to be an enormous deal, it’s nothing in comparison with the App Retailer’s measurement right this moment. In October 2008, the App Retailer provided round 4,000 apps. Right this moment, the App Retailer catalog surpasses 2 million, in accordance with 42matters. About 12% of those are video games.
App Retailer builders raked in an astonishing $1.1 trillion in 2022. In 2024, it generated $406 billion for U.S. builders alone. The App Retailer additionally reworked the way in which software program will get offered (and the way in which smartphones get used) — and attracted the eye of antitrust regulators in the USA and world wide. That scrutiny introduced massive modifications to the App Retailer in recent times, together with sideloading of apps and various app marketplaces within the European Union.
The transformational nature of the App Retailer, and its unbelievable affect on the Apple ecosystem, can’t be ignored. It’s no surprise Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak calls the App Retailer the corporate’s most essential invention of all time.
What was your first app obtain? Depart your feedback beneath.