a16z Podcast a16z Podcast: The Micro and Macro of Mobile
Jul 25, 2014
Benedict Evans, a renowned mobile industry analyst, delves into the dynamics shaping the tech landscape. He discusses Apple's impressive App Store performance vs. stagnating iPad sales, questioning the future of tablets. The conversation shifts to the competitive landscape of iOS and Android, with insights on changing consumer behavior. Evans also highlights the transformative IBM partnership, advocating for modern web-based productivity tools while exploring the shift from PCs to mobile and the immense opportunities it presents.
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iOS Users Spend Far More Than Android
- iOS developers earn much more per user than Android developers despite fewer iOS users.
- Benedict estimates roughly four times the spend per iOS user versus Android based on reported payouts.
More Android Users ≠ Proportional Revenue
- Android will add many users in coming years but those new users may not raise average revenue.
- Device price and regional mixes mean user growth doesn't translate linearly to developer revenue.
Tablets Are Replacing PCs, Not Phones
- iPad sales have flattened but the installed base continues to grow as replacement cycles lengthen.
- Tablets behave more like household or PC devices bought every 3–5 years than annual personal upgrades.