Publishing an app is one of the most important milestones for any developer or business. While the Google Play Store and Apple App Store dominate the market, there are dozens of other app stores that can help you reach wider audiences across devices, regions, and ecosystems.
This 2025 guide gives you a comprehensive list of all major mobile app stores—Android, iOS, cross-platform, and region-specific—so you can explore more opportunities to distribute your app.
Important app store statistics
Before you choose where to publish, it helps to understand the scale and dynamics of today’s app store landscape. Here are the latest insights for 2025:
- Apple and Google collectively account for over 95% of the global app store market share outside of China.
- The Apple App Store hosts around 1.8 million iOS apps, while the Google Play Store lists approximately 3.6 million Android apps (Statista, 2025).
- Games continue to dominate app store categories, representing 20% of App Store apps and 15% of Google Play apps (BusinessOfApps).
- Roughly 96% of Google Play apps and 94% of App Store apps are available for free.
- By 2026, global app store consumer spending is projected to reach $233 billion, led by in-app purchases and subscription revenue (Data.ai 2025).
Suggested read: Mobile app statistics and trends
These numbers highlight the sheer dominance of the two leading app marketplaces but also show there’s value in exploring niche or regional platforms for better exposure.
Android app stores
Android’s open-source nature allows multiple companies and ecosystems to operate their own app distribution platforms. Below are some of the leading Android app stores beyond Google Play.
Google Play Store
The Google Play Store remains the world’s largest and most popular Android app marketplace, hosting millions of apps across every category. With pre-installation on nearly all Android devices, it’s the first destination for most users.
To succeed on Google Play, developers must focus on App Store Optimization (ASO), optimize descriptions and keywords, maintain strong ratings, and follow Google’s strict content policies.
AppBrain
AppBrain isn’t a traditional app store but acts as an extensive app discovery and analytics platform. It provides marketing and performance insights for Android publishers and also allows browser-based app downloads. The platform indexes over a million Android apps, offering users a research-oriented view into the Android ecosystem.
1Mobile
1Mobile is an alternative Android app store offering apps, games, and digital products for download. It’s available as a standalone app, allowing users to bypass the Play Store. Developers can distribute their APKs directly to users who prefer independent marketplaces.
Aptoide
Aptoide is one of the largest open-source and decentralized Android app stores. It supports apps for smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and VR devices. Known for flexibility, it allows developers to host their own “mini app stores” within its ecosystem. The platform currently lists over 1 million apps globally.
SlideMe
SlideMe is among the oldest independent Android app stores, launched in 2008. It’s often ranked second to Google Play in terms of reach. Many developers use it to target users in markets where Google Play isn’t dominant. Its long-standing credibility makes it a trusted platform for Android distribution.
iOS app stores
Apple’s ecosystem is closed by design, and only one official app store exists for iOS devices: the Apple App Store. However, there are niche alternatives used under specific conditions.
Apple App Store
The Apple App Store is the second-largest app marketplace globally, home to over 1.8 million apps. It’s the only official source for iOS app downloads, and all apps must pass Apple’s rigorous review process. Apple prioritizes user security and app quality, which has made its store one of the most trusted digital marketplaces in the world.
Cydia
Cydia is an unofficial app store for jailbroken iOS devices, offering apps and tweaks outside Apple’s restrictions. While popular among advanced users, it’s limited to devices that bypass Apple’s security framework, and thus, not suitable for official app distribution.
Multi-platform app stores
Some platforms are designed to support multiple operating systems. These multi-platform app stores help developers distribute their apps to a wider audience without being tied to a single OS.
GetJar
GetJar is one of the largest independent app stores, supporting Android, Java, and Symbian apps. It houses over 900,000 apps and has served billions of downloads since inception. Developers often use GetJar to host apps that may not meet Play Store requirements.
Opera Mobile Store
The Opera Mobile Store, operated by the team behind the Opera browser, supports Android, Symbian, and Windows Mobile apps. The platform delivers more than a million downloads daily and focuses on emerging markets where alternative app stores still have significant traction.
Other notable cross-platform stores include:
- AppsZoom: Malware-free apps for both Android and iOS
- Appolicious: A Yahoo-affiliated discovery platform for curated apps
- NexVa: A business-focused app marketplace for enterprise and telecom apps
- Kongregate: A store specializing in mobile and browser-based games
Top mobile app stores in China
China’s app store ecosystem is unique due to the absence of Google Play. Developers aiming to enter this massive market must publish through Chinese-specific stores.
The leading Android app stores in China include:
- Huawei AppGallery – Holds roughly 44% market share; available on Huawei and Honor devices globally.
- Oppo Software Store – Has around 19% market share; pre-installed on all Oppo phones.
- VIVO App Store – Commands about 17% share; used extensively across Asia.
- Tencent MyApp – Managed by Tencent, this app store holds around 16% market share.
- Baidu Mobile Assistant – Operated by Baidu, with roughly 7% market share in China.
Other recognized platforms include MIUI App Store, 360 Mobile Assistant, Samsung Galaxy Store, and PP Assistant. For publishers entering China, localizing app metadata and complying with local content regulations are essential steps.
App stores run by operators and regions
Some telecom operators also operate app marketplaces, primarily targeting their own subscribers. Though less common now, they still exist in certain regions.
- T-Store (SK Telecom, South Korea): Focused on localized Korean content.
- Jio App Store (India): Available on Jio smartphones, offering a curated set of Android apps.
- TIM Store (Italy): Hosts both free and paid apps, including carrier-linked entertainment.
- MTNPlay (Africa): A regional platform active across multiple African countries.
While many operator-based app stores have declined over time, they remain valuable for regional marketing and niche audience targeting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decide which app store to publish on?
Start with the Google Play Store and Apple App Store — they provide the widest reach. Afterward, consider alternative or regional app stores to expand visibility, especially in countries like China where Google Play isn’t accessible.
Can I publish the same app on multiple stores?
Yes. Android developers can list apps on multiple app stores, including Amazon Appstore, GetJar, or Aptoide. For iOS, official publication is limited to the Apple App Store.
Is it free to publish an app?
Publishing requires a developer account. Google Play charges a one-time fee of $25, while Apple requires an annual $99 developer subscription. Once registered, you can submit multiple apps under the same account.
How many types of app stores exist?
Broadly, there are three types:
- Android app stores – Google Play, Aptoide, SlideMe
- iOS app stores – Apple App Store, Cydia
- Multi-platform stores – GetJar, Opera Mobile Store, NexVa
Which app store is official?
The Google Play Store is the official marketplace for Android, and the Apple App Store is the official one for iOS. All others are considered third-party or independent alternatives.
Why are app stores important?
App stores serve as centralized marketplaces that make app discovery, updates, and security management seamless for users. For developers, they provide instant global exposure and trusted payment infrastructure.
Conclusion
The app store ecosystem is vast, dynamic, and evolving. While Google Play and Apple App Store remain the primary platforms, developers can benefit from distributing their apps through multiple marketplaces to enhance reach and user engagement.
From China’s regional app stores to open Android alternatives like Aptoide and SlideMe, each platform offers unique advantages. By understanding their audiences and guidelines, you can maximize downloads, visibility, and success in a competitive mobile app economy.
