Spending On Apps

Both smartphone and tablet usage are at all-time highs, but new data shows the tablet is still king among app spenders.

In new research from Frank N. Magid Associates, smartphone use has hit a record high in the US, counting 71 percent of the population this year -- up 10 percentage points from last year and up 40 points since 2011. Tablet use has risen even faster, hitting 57 percent of the population this year -- up 13 points from last year and up 45 points since 2011.

While tablet usage is comparatively lower, spending is still far higher. In the past year, 60 percent of tablet users said they spent money on apps, compared to 54 percent of smartphone users. On average, consumers spent $19 for apps on tablets, far higher than the $13 average spent by smartphone users. In-app purchasing on tablets, averaged at $16, is nearly double the $9 spent on smartphones. In total, tablet customers spent $55 each on average for content, compared with smartphone users at $42 each.

The only place spending is even? Subscription services, such as streaming music or video apps, which were $20 on both smartphones and tablets.