Free Android Apps Outnumber Free iOS Apps

Google Android and its Android Market Place might still be in the running for the leading position when it comes to number of apps, but it has given Apple some stiff competition in the free apps segment. According to mobile analytics group Distimo, free Android apps are now standing at 134,342 while iOS clocks in at 121,845 free apps. While Android might have the upper hand on this aspect, its paid apps numbers are a sharp contrast from Apple. With both free and paid apps combined, Apple is still leading the Google Android Market by at least 100,000 apps.

In the following months, a potential shake-up could be in order. Based on Distimo's current prediction on the Android apps growth rate, the Android Market could outpace Apple's iTunes Store in apps number approximately five months from now. However, with Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference coming up in a month's time, the possible introduction of the updated Apple iOS 5 could pull more developers to exclusively work on the iOS platform. Till then, we'll keep a close watch on the growth of the apps stores across both platforms.