Pakistan’s Mobile App Development Sees Sharp Decline to Record Low

Pakistan’s mobile app development sector hit a record low in 2024, with Android app production plummeting by 55% year-over-year, reaching just 1,700 new apps, according to the State of Apps 2024 report by Data Darbar, based on data from Appfigures. This sharp decline marks one of the steepest drops in the country’s digital ecosystem, raising concerns about the future of local app development.

iOS App Development Shows Stability Amid Decline

In contrast, iOS app development remained steady. Local developers produced 784 iOS apps in 2024, maintaining similar numbers from the previous years. Analysts believe that the relatively stable iOS app development is due to the platform’s stronger monetization opportunities, which are particularly appealing to Pakistani developers despite the country’s Android-dominated market. Apple’s ecosystem offers developers a better chance to generate revenue, leading to its continued appeal.

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Key Challenges Affecting Android App Development

The decline in Android app production can be attributed to a combination of significant challenges. These include rising development costs, limited monetization potential, and growing competition from international developers. As a result, many local developers are opting to register their apps and accounts abroad to bypass the domestic payment restrictions and taxation issues. This shift has led to a substantial decrease in the visibility of local apps in Pakistan’s domestic analytics, further intensifying the sector’s struggles.

Shrinking Developer Community Signals Ongoing Brain Drain

The downturn in app development is further reflected in the shrinking number of active developers in Pakistan. By the end of 2024, the country’s active developer community had contracted by 26%, leaving just 1,400 developers—a five-year low. This trend points to a growing “brain drain” in the local digital ecosystem, with more developers seeking opportunities abroad for better pay and stable regulatory environments.

The Growing Risk of Pakistan Becoming a Digital Consumer Nation

While Pakistan remains one of the top markets for mobile app downloads and usage in the region, the dramatic decline in local app production raises critical questions about the sustainability of the sector. Experts warn that without significant policy reforms and incentives to retain local talent, Pakistan risks being relegated to a consumer market rather than a global player in the digital economy.

The report emphasizes the urgent need for government action to address the challenges facing app developers in Pakistan, such as payment issues, taxes, and international competition. Only through these reforms can Pakistan hope to foster a thriving local app development ecosystem once again.