App Industry Roundup: TikTok Ban Talks, iOS 14 Beta Launch & Record Q2 Growth

The mobile app ecosystem continues to thrive, with 2019 seeing 204 billion downloads and \(120 billion in consumer spending. Users now average 3 hours and 40 minutes daily on apps, rivaling traditional TV consumption. The valuation of mobile-first companies reached \)544 billion last year—6.5x higher than non-mobile focused firms.

This week’s developments highlight key trends shaping the app landscape:

Major Platform Updates

iOS 14 Public Beta Arrives

Apple released the iOS 14 public beta on July 9, introducing:

• App Library for smarter app organization
• Home Screen Widgets with customizable sizes
• Enhanced Messages and new Translate app
• Apple Maps biking directions
• Potential QR code payments in Apple Pay (discovered in code)

Developers also received second betas for iOS 14, iPadOS 14, and other Apple OS updates.

Android 11 Reaches Platform Stability

Google launched Android 11 Beta 2, marking the Platform Stability milestone where:

• All APIs and behaviors are finalized
• Developers can prepare final compatibility updates
• Expected public release in September 2020

TikTok Faces Mounting Challenges

Potential U.S. Ban Sparks User Migration

Following India’s TikTok ban, the U.S. government is considering similar action, causing:

• Compe***** apps surging: Byte (#1 Social), Dubsmash (#10), Likee (#17)
• Corporate restructuring talks: ByteDance may establish HQ outside China
• Privacy investigations: FTC/DOJ examining children’s data protection compliance

Instagram Expands Reels in India

Facebook launched TikTok compe***** Reels in India, featuring:

• 15-second music videos
• Creative editing tools (speed control, timers)
• Broad rollout following TikTok’s local ban

Pandemic-Driven App Boom

Q2 2020 Sets Records

App Annie reports unprecedented growth:

• 200B+ hours spent in April (40% YoY increase)
• $27B consumer spending (quarterly record)
• 35B app downloads (all-time high)

Remote Interaction Trends

• Tinder tests video dating in 13 markets
• Notarize sees 400% growth in digital document services
• Ahead raises $9M for telehealth psychiatry

Notable App Developments

• Pokémon GO surpasses $3.6B lifetime revenue
• Quibi struggles with 8% trial conversion rate
• LinkedIn addresses iOS 14 clipboard access concerns
• Facebook SDK crashes major apps (again)

Funding & Acquisitions

• Epic Games: $250M investment from Sony
• K4Connect: $21M Series B for senior living tech
• Uber acquires Postmates: $2.65B all-stock deal
• Paytm buys Raheja QBE: $76M insurance expansion

Expert Perspectives

John Gruber’s analysis questions Apple’s App Store direction, while UCL research suggests smaller platforms may offer better opportunities for new developers.

New App Highlights

REC (LateNiteSoft)

Professional video recording app featuring:

• Custom resolution/format controls
• Dual auto/manual shooting modes
• $3.99 pre-order (launches July 17)

Live Link Face (Epic Games)

ARKit-powered facial capture for Unreal Engine developers

Focos Live

First app enabling Portrait Mode-style bokeh effects for iPhone videos

Data and reporting sourced from TechCrunch, Sensor Tower, App Annie, and official company communications.

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