What’s Behind the Massive Demand for Mobile App Development in India?

In this era driven by advanced technology, mobile apps have taken an irreplaceable place in our lifestyle, no matter whether you need information, convenience, or entertainment, there’s always a mobile app for you.  

According to Statista, mobile apps are predicted to generate more than $930 billion in revenue by 2023. Moreover, 21% of users open an app more than 50 times per day. With such a huge potential market, it is no wonder that mobile app development in India is one of the fastest-growing industries right now.

India, in particular, has emerged as a major hub for mobile app development, as it has a large and growing population of smartphone users, talented and skilled developers, and a supportive government policy. In this article, we will explore some of the factors that are driving the massive demand for mobile app development in India.

Top Factors Driving the Massive Demand for Mobile App Development in India

Smartphone Penetration and Internet Access

Increasing smartphone penetration and easy internet access are probably the two most important reasons behind fueling the demand for mobile app development in India. According to a report by Counterpoint Research, India had over 500 million smartphone users, making it the second-largest smartphone market in the world after China. Moreover, the number of smartphone users in India is expected to reach 850 million by 2024.

The growth of smartphone users in India is also accompanied by the growth of internet users, as more and more people are getting access to affordable and reliable mobile data services. According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), India had 696 million internet users as of December 2022, of which 620 million were mobile internet users. Furthermore, the number of internet users in India is projected to reach 974 million by 2025.

With such a large and growing user base, India offers a huge opportunity for mobile app development companies to create and launch innovative and engaging apps that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of Indian consumers.

Talent Pool and Cost Advantage

As we are aware of the fact that India is known for its availability of a large and talented pool of developers and programmers, who can deliver quality and cost-effective solutions. According to a report by Evans Data Corporation, India had approximately 2.75 million software developers in 2018, making it the third-largest developer population in the world after the US and China. Moreover, India is expected to overtake the US as the largest developer population by 2024, with an estimated 5.2 million developers.

India also has a significant advantage in terms of the cost of app development, as it offers lower rates compared to other countries. According to a report, the average cost of developing an Android app in India ranges from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the complexity and features of the app. In contrast, the average cost of developing an Android app in the US ranges from $20,000 to $100,000. Thus, India offers a competitive edge for mobile app development, as it can provide high-quality and affordable solutions for both domestic and international clients.

Government Support and Initiatives

A third factor that boosts the demand for mobile app development in India is the support and initiatives of the government, which aim to promote the digital transformation and innovation of the country. One of the most notable initiatives is the Digital India program, which was launched in 2015 to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The program has three core components: digital infrastructure, digital services, and digital literacy. 

Another initiative that has encouraged the growth of mobile app development in India is the Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge, which was launched in 2020 to identify and support the best Indian apps in various categories, such as social, entertainment, health, education, business, and others. The challenge received over 6,900 entries from across the country, and 24 winners were selected based on their innovation, scalability, usability, and security. The challenge aimed to showcase the potential and talent of the Indian app developers, and to create a self-reliant and vibrant app ecosystem in the country.

Consumer Preferences and Behavior

A final factor that influences the demand for mobile app development in India is the changing consumer preferences and behavior of Indian users, who are becoming more tech-savvy and demanding. According to a report by Deloitte, India has the highest smartphone engagement among the surveyed countries, with 70% of the users checking their phones within 15 minutes of waking up, and 63% of the users using their phones for more than four hours per day. Moreover, the report also found that Indian users are more likely to use multiple apps for the same purpose, such as entertainment, shopping, and travel, compared to other countries.

These findings indicate that Indian users are looking for more variety, personalization, and convenience in their mobile app experiences, and are willing to try new and innovative apps that can meet their needs and expectations. Therefore, mobile app developers in India have to constantly update and improve their apps, as well as create new and unique apps that can attract and retain the attention of Indian users. This creates a high demand for mobile app development in India, as well as a competitive and dynamic app market.

Conclusion

Mobile app development is one of the most dynamic and thriving industries in India, as it is driven by several factors, such as the increasing smartphone and internet penetration, the availability of a large and skilled talent pool, and the support and initiatives of the government. 

India has a huge potential to become a global leader in mobile app development, as it can offer innovative and cost-effective solutions for both domestic and international markets. 

As the demand for mobile app development in India continues to grow, so does the opportunity for mobile app developers to create and launch successful and impactful apps that can transform the lives of millions of people.