App Store Landscape in China: Key Insights and Alternatives Beyond Google Play
China has more people using smartphones than the United States and India combined. Also, people in China buy a lot more online than in the United States.
Most smartphones in China use the Android operating system. About 79% of mobile devices in China are Android. This is an ample opportunity for people who make mobile games and apps.
For app makers, China is a very important market. They can make more money there than in other countries. About half of the money spent on the AppStore comes from China.
Google and its services, like the app store, are not allowed in China. This started in 2009-2010 and became stricter in 2019. This change affected Huawei smartphones a lot.
The Apple App Store works almost the same in China as elsewhere. But for Android, it’s different. There are many different app stores in China, not just one or two like in other countries. This makes the app market in China very diverse.
Launching an app in China means adapting it to local needs and rules. There are many app stores to consider.
We will talk about some popular alternative app stores in China:
Huawei AppGallery: The biggest app store for Android in China, with 38% of the market. It’s for Huawei devices and has many apps and games. It focuses on Chinese users.
- Advantages: Popular, focuses on user data security.
- Challenges: Meeting compliance requirements, needing a game registration number.
OPPO App Store: Has a 22% market share. It’s preinstalled on OPPO devices and offers many apps and games.
- Advantages: Developer-friendly, diverse categories.
- Challenges: Overcrowded categories, aimed at users with basic needs.
My App: Made by Tencent, covers about 20% of the market. Known for strict rules against fake apps.
- Advantages: High user reach, removes Android packages after installation.
- Challenges: Strict app requirements.
Vivo App Store: Offers over 10 million free apps, popular among younger users with lower income.
- Advantages: Focuses on Vivo devices appeals to younger users.
- Challenges: Overcrowded categories, basic service level.
MIUI App Store: Made by Xiaomi for Xiaomi phones. Based on Google’s Android system.
- Advantages: Focuses on Xiaomi devices, loyal customer base.
- Challenges: Targets basic and intermediate users.
360 Mobile Assistant: Made by Qihoo 360, a security company. Known for internet security.
- Advantages: Developed by a well-known company.
- Challenges: Limited user base.
Baidu: China’s leading search engine. Offers an app store and development tools.
- Advantages: Owned by a big company.
- Challenges: Limited user base.
Samsung Galaxy Store: For Samsung devices. It has fewer apps, which can be good for visibility.
Other stores like 360 Market and 91 Market also exist, with millions of users and downloads.
Remember, launching an app in China means following government rules. You must meet specific requirements for your company, content, and apps.
To learn more, you can use ASOMobile to help create and research apps in this market.
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