The mobile app industry continues to grow, but a new report from AppMakers USA reveals persistent challenges in user retention and trust in AI tools. The company's 2026 App Development Statistics report compiles over 45 data points from sources like Sensor Tower, Apple, Google and Stack Overflow, providing a free reference for developers and businesses.
According to the report, consumer spending across iOS and Google Play reached $167 billion in 2025, a 10.6% increase year over year. Downloads climbed to roughly 150 billion, a record high. However, these impressive figures are juxtaposed with a stark retention problem: Day-1 retention averages around 24%, dropping to 5-6% by day 30, meaning approximately 94% of new users churn within a month.
“Most of the advice about building an app online is opinion without a source attached,” said Daniel Haiem, CEO of AppMakers USA. “We wanted a page where every figure has a citation.” The report aims to provide evidence-based insights for decision-makers in the app development space.
The report also highlights the widening gap between AI adoption and AI trust. Stack Overflow's 2025 survey found that 84% of developers are using or planning to use AI tools, up from 76% a year earlier. Yet only about a third trust the accuracy of the output, indicating a significant trust deficit that could impact how AI is integrated into app development workflows.
App store enforcement remains rigorous. Apple reviewed 7.7 million App Store submissions in 2024 and rejected more than 1.9 million. Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps from Google Play that year. These numbers underscore the importance of adhering to app store guidelines to avoid rejection.
AppMakers USA has shipped more than 400 apps across iOS, Android and web, including Number Hive, an education app used by more than 700,000 students, and ShiftPass, a shift marketplace live on both major app stores. The company, based in Los Angeles with offices in Santa Monica, New York and San Diego, offers mobile app development, custom software development, AI integration and app rescue services.
The implications of the report are significant for developers and businesses planning to build apps. With high churn rates, the focus must shift from acquisition to retention strategies. Additionally, while AI tools are widely adopted, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness is crucial. The report serves as a resource for making data-driven decisions in a competitive market.
