For the first time ever, global consumers spent more money on non‑game mobile apps than on games in 2025, according to Sensor Tower’s annual State of Mobile report.
Worldwide spending on mobile apps reached $85 billion, marking a 21% year‑over‑year increase and nearly 2.8× growth compared to five years ago.
The surge was driven largely by the rapid adoption of AI-powered apps, with in‑app purchase revenue in this category more than tripling to exceed $5 billion in 2025.
The milestone highlights a major shift in mobile behavior, as consumers increasingly invest in AI tools, productivity apps, creative software, and subscription services, while gaming’s share of total spending continues to decline.
