By the numbers: How many apps are there?

Consumer Reports News: November 13, 2009 03:53 PM

98,750

The marketing phrase "There's an app for that" has become ingrained in our popular culture, and over time, it rings increasingly true. So, just how many smart-phone applications are available? Consumer Reports Information Services found that as of October 23rd, there were a total of about 98,750 applications available for the top-selling smart phones.

The GPS team has been busy since this summer evaluating iPhone applications and recently the free Google Maps Navigation on the Motorola Droid. And no wonder, prolific application development is creating an exponential increase in available software, expanding in both quality and diversity. We have seen early navigation apps designed for iPhone OS 3.0 evolve quickly since August, with new features helping them to better work with the phone and more closely replicate the experience using a portable navigation device (PND).

That said, the distribution isn't equal across all platforms.

We found that apps break down as follows:

iPhone/iPod Touch – 85,000
Android – 10,000
Symbian – 5,500 ("content items")
BlackBerry – 3,000
Windows Mobile – 550
Palm – 200

The Apple iPhone touts a huge quantity advantage over competing operating systems, and more recent figures show it has since crested the 100,000 mark. (This is made more impressive by the fact Apple approves each app!) In reality, you may just need a few targeted apps for your needs, plus maybe a couple for pure entertainment.

Another piece of trivia: The top grossing app is the Navigon Mobile Navigator.

As significant automotive applications become available, we'll be taking them for a test drive, between evaluating the latest portable navigators and hiking devices. Looks like we'll have our work cut out for us!

What apps have you used that are worth testing? Submit your suggestions in the comments field below.

See our full reviews of AT&T Navigator, iGo My Way, Navigon Mobile Navigator, Sygic Mobile Maps, TomTom iPhone application, and X Road G-Map for iPhone. And our Motorola Droid navigation review.

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings, first looks, and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

— Jeff Bartlett