Mobile apps have shaped daily life in Hong Kong. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is to retain a semi-autonomous status with its economic and political freedoms ensured until 2047. Unlike mainland China, WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, and others are not banned in the former British colony. While global heavyweights often top the city’s app chart, some Chinese alternatives are also well-received. With
and a strong consumer spending power, the financial hub has proved to be an important market for app developers and publishers.
The ubiquity of smartphone
Hong Kong is home to around seven million
smartphone users, registering one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world. For many Hong Kong citizens, smartphones have become an indispensable part of their daily life. Most consumers
possess one smartphone while the more affluent group retains multiple devices to serve tech enthusiasm or business purposes. Given the abundance of affordable models,
smartphone ownership among children and teens reached the 83 percent benchmark in 2021. In terms of daily usage, a 2023 survey showed that respondents spent an average of three hours and 17 minutes
browsing the internet on their phones. Mobile apps to enhance efficiency
As one of
the most competitive economies in the world, Hong Kong is widely touted for its efficiency and practicability. Such characteristics are reflected by its app users as well. Instead of sticking to familiar products, consumers are relatively open to new apps and constantly looking for time-saving solutions. When
the app appears to be useful, many users
do not hesitate to pay for it. This encourages app development and favors small entrants. From ordering groceries to consulting a doctor, there are various app choices to make daily life more convenient.
Which are the most popular apps in Hong Kong?
In fact, Hong Kong is one of the largest mobile app markets in the world. Trailing the more populous Brazil, the financial center ranked 12th in terms of consumer spending in 2022. Social media and messaging apps are the most popular categories in terms of
installation and
daily usage. Shopping, finance, and video streaming apps are among other top downloaded categories while gaming and news apps receive a considerable amount of user attention per day. Aligning with the global trend, the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to e-health and remote work apps in Hong Kong, with LeaveHomeSafe and Zoom Cloud Meetings being the most downloaded apps during the lockdown period.
The outlook: artificial intelligence driving app innovation
Given its sizeable app userbase which embraces tech advancements, Hong Kong is commonly considered an ideal pilot point for a new app. With artificial intelligence revolutionizing the digital landscape, more AI-powered apps are expected to thrive in the digitally competitive city. On the other hand, app segments including social media, entertainment, and e-commerce will remain crowded with user growth reaching a saturation point.
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