Mexico is one of the fastest-growing mobile economies in the region, offering a relatively young and expanding mobile market with significant potential for growth.[1] The country has seen a consistent rise in both downloads and app store consumer spending, with its app economy thriving despite an economic downturn.[2] Two key enablers stand out as fundamental to this growth: operating systems and app distribution platforms.
Operating systems such as Android serve as software for devices such as smartphones to function and run. Manufacturers can leverage open-source Android to innovate and build devices. Better affordability and accessibility of Android-powered devices has led to up to 18.4 million more Mexicans being connected to the Internet through smartphones, potentially adding up to MXN $1.34 trillion (USD67 billion) to Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the last five years compared to if Android was not in the market.
On the other hand, app distribution platforms such as Google Play allow Mexican consumers to download a wide variety of apps for their devices. Users can explore apps spanning genres such as gaming, news, wellness, and finance, enabling them to be plugged into the mobile economy. 89% of Mexican users agree that Google Play allows them to access a large range of apps, including tools to increase daily productivity. Developers have also benefitted from access to the platform, with 90% of small and medium-sized businesses using Google Play to reach overseas users.
Further efforts by various stakeholders can help to continue cultivating the booming app economy in Mexico, for instance, by upgrading broadband infrastructure in the country to boost mobile connectivity. These are key to help propel the app economy’s success, with Android and Google Play continuing to play pivotal roles in fueling growth.
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