Skip to main content

Are you a rarity? Only 16 percent of people will try out an app more than twice

iphone-app-screen
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For most of us, when apps first made their way to the market, it was an exciting new phone feature most of us had never imagined. And the rush from downloading a slew of these apps was exhilarating. But then, there was always that moment of disappointment when one of the new downloads didn’t live up to our expectations or, worse, were riddled with bugs.

It’s surprising when we come across buggy apps, considering the vast popularity of apps in the mobile world. As TechCrunch recently reported, technology analysts at Compuware found that mobile apps are still the preferred means of connecting for most users over mobile websites, with 85 percent choosing the former over the latter. The company found that the majority of people feel that apps are a much more efficient means of connecting with a brand. (Though who knows? Responsive websites may help shift that opinion, though that won’t likely happen anytime soon.)

That being said, there is major incentive for companies to do thorough testing on apps prior to their release. While 79 percent of users will give apps a second chance after it failed to impress them on the first go, that number plummets to just 16 percent that will go back for a third attempt.

Compuware found that, after surveying more than 3,500 the majority of mobile users have encountered app issues in the recent past, citing issues such as freezing, crashing, slow launches, not launching, and just not living up to the users’ expectations.

To boot, the study also showed that anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of all downloaded apps are used once and then eventually deleted by users. Talk about pressure for developers! This means, not only do they have to produce a bug-free app, but the app has to hook users immediately. Granted, developers will have already made money from the initial download, if the app wasn’t free, but they’ll lose out on any potential future in-app sales, which, as we’ve found out recently, can be extremely lucrative.

What are your biggest app pet peeves?

Editors' Recommendations

Joshua Pramis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Spending a childhood engrossed in such technologically inspiring television shows like Voltron, Small Wonder, and Power…
The Google Pixel 8a’s 6 biggest upgrades over the Pixel 7a
Pixel 7a back.

The Google Pixel 8a has just launched, and it comes with many upgrades that Pixel fans have been hoping for. These include some attractive new design flourishes, beefed-up hardware, a longer-lasting battery, and a higher-end display. You also get all the software features that make the Pixel series so appealing, including seven years of OS and security updates and Gemini Nano for more AI features.

But how does all of this compare to the already great Pixel 7a? Here’s a breakdown of the Google Pixel 8a’s six biggest upgrades over the Pixel 7a. For a closer look at all of the differences between the two phones, see our Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a comparison.
The Tensor G3 chip

Read more
How to make AirPods and AirPods Pro louder and adjust volume settings
On-screen volume adjustment for AirPods using Spotify.

AirPods have become the top choice for wireless earbuds among most people because of their unmatched sound quality and innovative features such as Spatial Audio, which provides an immersive audio experience. And, of course, Apple’s marketing has also played a significant role in promoting their popularity.

If you’re looking for ways to adjust the volume on your AirPods or AirPods Pro, there are several options available. You can use your favorite apps that support AirPods, ask Siri to do it, or use the buttons and features on your devices and the AirPods themselves. Any of the options will help to ensure you get the best out of your AirPods.

Read more
iPad Pro (2024) vs. iPad Air (2024): the difference is clear
Comparing the iPad Pro (2024) and iPad Air (2024)

The iPad Pro (left) and iPad Air Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

During its "Let Loose" event on May 7, Apple added four new iPad models to its tablet lineup. The latest models include an 11-inch and all-new 13-inch iPad Air and next-generation 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models. Despite sharing similar dimensions, there's a significant price gap between the least expensive iPad Air and iPad Pro tablets, indicating notable differences between the two lineups.

Read more