This is a pretty successful app by the sounds of it, but it's not even pulling in anywhere near the amount of money it would take to keep an iOS dev paid.. even for supporting 10 of these apps.
From what I've experienced of iOS/Android dev, these kind of numbers are pretty much what to expect. So my question is: why are there so many apps on iOS/Android when it's clear that most of them aren't coming anywhere near to covering the development costs on the free market. Oversupply of iOS devs? Will the growth of new apps shrink rapidly in future as the realities of the market become more clear, or is this a self-perpetuating cycle where new hopefuls constantly enter and try to create 'that one big app'?
Money has been tight, but I'm still living off it.
Everyone has an idea for an app. There are tons of people who learn how to make an app and publish it, even if the time they spent wasn't compensated. Some see it as a resume check list item, others a challenge, and others a gold rush.
I don't think this industry is ever going to shrink rapidly, people will still try to get their "killer idea" out the door. Everyone I meet always tells me their app idea when they find out I make iOS apps. There's no shortage of ideas.
Most things don't come easily. As the indie developer, I'm happy building my own apps and teaching iPhone development, instead of working for Apple Inc. or Microsoft (again).
"From what I've experienced of iOS/Android dev, these kind of numbers are pretty much what to expect. So my question is: why are there so many apps on iOS/Android when it's clear that most of them aren't coming anywhere near to covering the development costs on the free market."
This is operating under the assumption that every app is created with profits in mind. Some people don't care about money and want to just create a cool app. Some people do it to create a portfolio in hopes of getting a job. Some people have a complex thinking they could never charge for their app because it isn't good enough. Some people have unrealistic expectations of what ad revenue can bring in.
My perception is that the IOS market is over saturated since a few years. The 2nd problem is the "winner takes all" effect of the rankings and the web in general. Angry Birds is a hit, any other similar game doesn't even get downlaoded.
Angry bird's install base definitely gives them a leg up on cross-app promotion. With so many users they can push them to each of their new apps. And they have a ton of revenue to re-invest in advertising/app development.
However, I wouldn't say "Angry Birds" is going to remain king. Another game can very well dethrone them. Nothing's a guarantee when Apple can change the rules of the game for the App Store.
This is a pretty successful app by the sounds of it, but it's not even pulling in anywhere near the amount of money it would take to keep an iOS dev paid.. even for supporting 10 of these apps.
From what I've experienced of iOS/Android dev, these kind of numbers are pretty much what to expect. So my question is: why are there so many apps on iOS/Android when it's clear that most of them aren't coming anywhere near to covering the development costs on the free market. Oversupply of iOS devs? Will the growth of new apps shrink rapidly in future as the realities of the market become more clear, or is this a self-perpetuating cycle where new hopefuls constantly enter and try to create 'that one big app'?