The smartphone applications market grew by more than US$2.2 billion around the world in the first six months of 2010, up from US$1.7 billion for the full year of 2009.
According to Research2guidance, Berlin-based mobile research specialists, the download numbers for mobile applications reached 3.8 billion.
The average price for applications has been recorded as US$3.60 each.
The research group attributes this growth to the increased accessibility of app stores, along with the continuing creation of new apps.
They have also noted that companies such as Nokia and BlackBerry have begun to leverage their worldwide reach and have increased traffic to their stores. They predict that this will continue over the next several years.
They predict that the next form of app stores will be niche stores specialising on particular areas, such as business or health.
Research2guidance has stated that the decrease in app prices has reclined and they have advised app publishers to be aware of price difference between stores and mobile platforms. The group has noted that these differences are because of a lack of market transparency which may represent a good business opportunity for now, but not for long.
Earlier in the year, the research group estimated that app sales would grow $15.65 billion by 2013.
