This Week in Apps: Key Developments Shaping the Mobile Landscape
The mobile app industry continues its explosive growth, with record-breaking numbers showing 204 billion downloads and \(120 billion in consumer spending during 2019. Users now average [3 hours and 40 minutes daily](https://www.emarketer.com/content/average-us-time-spent-with-mobile-in-2019-has-increased) on mobile apps, rivaling traditional TV consumption. The sector's valuation reached \)544 billion in 2019 for mobile-first companies—6.5x higher than non-mobile focused firms.
Major App Industry Updates
Apple’s App Store Commission Reduction
Image Credits: TechCrunch
Apple announced significant changes to its App Store fee structure, reducing commissions from 30% to 15% for developers earning under $1 million annually through its App Store Small Business Program. This policy takes effect January 1, 2021, with annual eligibility reviews.
Key Context:
- Comes amid ongoing antitrust investigations in the U.S. and EU
- Follows high-profile disputes with developers like Epic Games
- Intended to support smaller developers while addressing regulatory concerns
Developer Reactions:
- Positive: James Thomson (PCalc) notes “20% income increase” for qualifying developers
- Concerns: Some criticize the abrupt $1M threshold creating potential “cliff effects”
- Data Insight: App Annie reports 98% of iOS developers earn under $1M annually
Parler’s Funding and Safety Concerns
The conservative-leaning social platform Parler gained attention after revelations of funding from Rebekah Mercer, daughter of controversial hedge fund manager Robert Mercer. Nonprofit ParentsTogether issued warnings about the app’s:
- Minimal content moderation
- Prevalence of extremist content
- Inappropriate age rating (13+ on Google Play)
Twitter’s Fleets Launch
Twitter globally launched “Fleets”—its ephemeral Stories feature—after testing in select markets. The rollout faced initial technical challenges but represents Twitter’s attempt to:
- Lower barriers to posting
- Compete with Stories formats
- Explore audio chat features (Clubhouse compe***** in development)
Platform Updates
Apple
- IDFA faces EU privacy complaints
- iOS 14.2.1 fixes iPhone 12 mini touch issues
- Subscription offer codes now available
- Background location data policy changes coming January 2021
- Android App Bundle requirement starts August 2021
- New iOS widgets for Gmail, Drive, and Fit
Security & Privacy Developments
- Bumble: Fixed vulnerabilities exposing 95M users’ data after 6 months
- TikTok: Expanded parental controls including search restrictions
- Go SMS Pro: Exposed millions of private media files
Notable App Updates
- Fortnite: Added Houseparty video chat integration
- Google Maps: Enhanced COVID-19 data layers
- Instagram: Expanded Guides feature and keyword search
- Snapchat: Acquired music app Voisey
Funding & M&A Highlights
- Duolingo: \(35M raise at \)2.4B valuation
- Baidu: Acquiring YY Live for $3.6B
- Strava: $110M Series F funding
- Wish & Roblox: Filed for IPOs
New App Releases
- Amazon GameOn: Android gameplay clipping app
- Google Pay: Major redesign with banking features
- Moment RTRO: Updated with instant film effects
For ongoing coverage of mobile app developments, follow our This Week in Apps series.
