mHealth Apps Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By App Type (Disease & Treatment Management {Healthcare Providers/Insurance, Medication Reminders, Women Health and Pregnancy, and Disease Specific}, Wellness Management {Fitness, Lifestyle and Stress, and Diet and Nutrition}, and Others), By Application (Monitoring Services, Fitness Solutions, Diagnostic Services, Treatment Services, and Others), By Market Place (Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The mHealth apps market size was valued at USD 56.26 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow USD 80.87 billion in 2023 to USD 861.40 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 40.2% during 2023-2030. North America dominated the global market with a share of 30.48% in 2022.

mHealth or mobile health involves sharing and monitoring health information via mobile technology, such as health tracking apps and wearables. Using mobile wireless technology to deliver care and monitor symptoms allows medical professionals to make diagnoses easier and more efficient, and with minimal errors. mHealth is gaining traction among customers as tech giants, such as Google and Apple continue to provide various applications on their app stores.

The market is estimated to experience significant growth during the forecast period owing to rising consumer demand for accurate health monitoring solutions, allowing pharmaceutical and mobile health app companies to develop mHealth apps. A few of the top apps are Fitbit, Apple Heart Study, BlueStar, and others. Healthcare providers can reduce appointment costs by utilizing mHealth apps that lower the risk of patient rehabilitation. Patients can utilize these types of apps for medication reminders and recovery instructions instead of staying in a medical facility post-surgical discharge.

The increasing usage of such apps is a significant factor contributing to the market growth. These apps provide opportunities to record health-related data, monitor health, online consultations, manage chronic conditions, and offer other features. Increasing concerns among the population about their health is another important factor boosting the adoption of such technology and driving the global mhealth apps market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

High Download Rates & Product Launches amid COVID-19 Boost Market Revenue Growth

The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant impact on this market in 2020. The market saw a noteworthy positive growth during this period, crossing pre-pandemic levels. For instance, in 2020, as per an article published by the Sensor Tower Inc., downloads of health & fitness apps witnessed a considerable surge of 46% across Europe, to 829.5 million. This is majorly due to the government-backed COVID-19 contact tracing apps being included under fitness and health app category, including Germany’s Corona-Warn-App and Turkey’s Hayat Eve Sığar.

Moreover, several companies were focused on developing and commercializing COVID-19-related mHealth apps across the globe. In March 2020, MobileSmith Health, a digital health company, launched two COVID response mobile apps to support healthcare facilities in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The platforms could be deployed in 72 hours and offered alerts and notifications to convey customized facility information and vital updates. Such diagnostic apps helped reduce contact with patients and could be applied for the early diagnosis of chronic diseases.

In 2021, the adoption rate of mHealth apps rapidly increased as investments in these digital tools was growing. For instance, as per a blog published by PGS Software in 2021, 44% of U.S. consumers used digital tools to track their health and 33% owned a wearable health or wellness device.

The rising need amongst the population to frequently monitor their vital signs due to the increased mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with chronic disorders, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases further surged the usage rate of these apps in 2022.  Also, various government organizations observed that the usage of these apps increased considerably since 2020, and this trend is expected to continue throughout the forecast period.

LATEST TRENDS

Rapid Developments in Telecommunication Sector and Mobile Phone Technology to Surge Product Demand

Prompt advancements in the telecommunication sector, such as the introduction of 4G LTE provided various opportunities for the mHealth industry to flourish. Owing to the introduction of such technologies, developing countries that lack access to proper communication capabilities will have the opportunity to experience an enhanced network facility. They can also witness the benefits of using these apps. For instance, in October 2022, the next-generation 5G network service was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the sixth edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) in India. The introduction of such faster network capabilities will enable the mHealth industry to provide a better experience to their patients, thereby boosting the product demand. Hence, such advancements will strongly support the market growth during the forecast period.

mHealth apps continue to evolve with advancements in mobile phone technology and telecommunications. Advancements in telecommunication technology have resulted in the development of easily accessible apps, which are being extensively used by the patient population. In June 2021, the Digital Medicine Society launched a collaborative community called the Digital Health Measurement Collaborative Community (DATAcc) to develop best practices for measuring health through mHealth platforms. Such collaborations with telecom service providers are expected to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and favor the adoption of mHealth apps.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases to Propel Market Growth

One of the most crucial drivers of this market is the rising prevalence of chronic disorders across the globe. Chronic diseases, such as respiratory ailments, cardiac conditions, diabetes, and hypertension have led to the maximum adoption of such apps.

• For instance, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronary heart disease was the most common heart disorder in the U.S. that killed 382,820 people in 2020.

Hence, such ailments require continuous monitoring or regular checkups with medical professionals. These apps play a major role in such conditions by offering remote monitoring features and frequent medication reminders to the patient to manage their health routine and eliminate the need to physically visit a specialist. Such benefits associated with health apps will strongly support the market growth during the forecast period.

Use of Modern Technology to Drive Market Progress

The emergence of novel technology and increasing demand for more effective mHealth apps are significant factors driving the market growth. Moreover, European countries are trying to develop several other innovative technologies to enhance the features of mobile health apps.

• For instance, in June 2019, the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) announced the launch of a digital health portal to allow its experts to validate and review health apps as they were being developed for the agency's app library. Moreover, rising demand for these apps among the population owing to the increasing awareness of benefits associated with innovative apps will further augment the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Technological Barriers In Developing Countries and Lack of Reliable Digital Infrastructure

Despite the huge potential of mobile health apps, technological and infrastructural barriers are some of the major factors inhibiting the expansion of the market in developing countries. Adopting health apps requires deploying the latest telecommunication devices, high-speed internet with high bandwidth, and large storage capacity for the integration and transmission of medical data, which is still lacking in many developing countries.

• According to a news article published by India Today, there are 5.97 lakh villages in India out of which 25,000 villages still do not have mobile or internet connectivity.

SEGMENTATION

By App Type Analysis

Wellness Management Apps to be Widely Used Owing to Rising Health Consciousness

On the basis of app type, the market is segmented into disease & treatment management, wellness management, and others.

The wellness management segment may hold the maximum share over the forecast period due to the increasing trend among the population to remain fit and healthy. Moreover, the growing incidence of obesity in various countries is another important factor fostering the market expansion. The rising trend of a sedentary lifestyle and shortage of physical activities have increased the incidence of obesity in both men and women across the globe. Hence, these factors will significantly contribute to the market growth.

The disease & treatment management segment is estimated to showcase lucrative growth during the forecast period. High segment growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases across the globe. Moreover, technological advancements in health apps to eliminate communication barriers between patients and doctors are another important factor contributing to the segment’s growth. Also, rising concerns among people about their health will further escalate the demand for mobile health services during 2023-2030.

By Application Analysis

Monitoring Services to Dominate Market Owing to Increasing Geriatric Population

On the basis of application, the global market is segmented into monitoring services, fitness solutions, diagnostic services, treatment services, and others.

The monitoring services segment is anticipated to hold the maximum mHealth apps market share during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the increasing rate of the geriatric population suffering from chronic ailments that require continuous monitoring. For instance, as per an article published by the National Council of Aging (NCOA) in April 2021, approximately 80% of adults aged 65 and over had at least one chronic disease, while 68% had two or more. Hence, this factor will strongly support the adoption of health apps for frequent health monitoring, thus augmenting the segment growth.

The fitness solutions segment is estimated to witness lucrative growth during the forecast period due to increasing demand for fitness and wellness apps among millennials. The rising trend of maintaining a healthy body has influenced people to follow diets and maintain regular exercise routines. Mobile health apps assist people in following such habits with punctual reminders and appropriate diet plans. Hence, the factors mentioned above have considerably supported the segment’s growth.

By Market Place Analysis

Rising Investments by Health Tech Companies to Boost mHealth App Downloads from Google Play Store

Based on market place, the market is segmented into Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and others.

The Google Play Store segment is anticipated to hold a dominant share over the forecast period as an increasing number of health app companies are investing in the platform. Moreover, the increasing smartphone penetration rate across the developed and developing economies will further propel the segment’s growth. The rising technological advancements in android apps are another important factor supporting the segment’s expansion during the forecast period.

The Apple app store as an operating system platform for mobile health apps is anticipated to hold the second-largest market share due to the increasing sales of iPhones, specifically in the U.K. Hence, the growing penetration rate of smartphones and other smart medical devices equipped with health apps will support the segment’s growth. Furthermore, high standards of privacy and curated content are anticipated to fuel the growth of the segment.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

On the basis of region, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America generated a revenue of USD 17.15 billion in 2022 and is expected to remain dominant in the global market during the forecast period. The U.S. is one of the top countries with the highest percentage of major health apps companies operating in the industry. Moreover, the increasing internet penetration rate across various states in the U.S. will significantly impact the market growth. Also, increase in sedentary lifestyle due to busy job schedules have led to a rise in the prevalence of several chronic conditions in the U.S. Hence, the factors mentioned above have significantly boosted the demand for mHealth applications, thereby fostering the regional market growth over the forecast period.

Europe recorded significant revenue in the global market in 2022. The growth of this region is attributed to factors, such as increased research funding by governments to enhance the accessibility of digital technologies. In 2020, the European Commission agreed to offer a recovery package called NextGenerationEU (NGEU) to increase investment in 5G development. This package comprised EUR 750 billion in loans and grants. In the same year, the global mobile traffic alone had reached a 33 times increase compared to the 2010 figures. Through such initiatives, wireless devices, such as smartphones, tablets, machines, and sensors dominated the telecommunication industry, thereby augmenting the regional market growth.

Asia Pacific market is expected to witness the highest growth in its value owing to increasing disposable incomes across the region, leading to higher healthcare expenditure. Furthermore, as smartphones have opened new opportunities for mHealth, many apps, such as Medeel, Yton, DocDoc, ConnectedHealth, and ScolioTrack from start-up companies are being introduced in Asia Pacific, in turn augmenting the regional market growth.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa markets are witnessing notable growth due to an increase in chronic diseases, which may require additional patient monitoring.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Market Players to Focus on Novel Product Launches to Hold Strong Foothold in Market

In terms of competitive landscape, the global market is highly fragmented with various national and international players. Owing to this market’s potential, many new start-up companies are entering the market in this digital transformation era. The tier 1 companies, such as FitBit. Inc., Google, Apple, Omron Healthcare Inc., Under Armour Inc., Fitness Keeper, Auzmio, Virtuagym, and others account for the leading position. Top ratings for these apps and a huge number of subscribers across the globe are the major factors helping these wcompanies stay dominant in the market. In October 2022, Apple Inc. launch an updated version of Apple Fitness+ with subscription service. This will strengthen the market position of the company.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Fitbit Inc. (U.S.)


• Apple Inc. (U.S.)


• Omada Health, Inc. (U.S.)


• Livongo Health (Teladoc) (U.S.)


• Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.)


• Omron Healthcare, Inc. (Japan)


• Abbott (U.S.)


• Jawbone Health Hub, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• November 2022: DocGo Inc. launched its first app integrated with Epic to request and track on-demand mobile medical services from DocGo directly within Epic’s EHR interface.


• October 2022: ALYKA Health launched a mobile health application which bridges the gap between doctor visits and serves as the digital health assistant individuals can depend on for optimal health.


• January 2021: Abbott launched a digital health app called Neurosphere myPath to track and provide relief to patients living with chronic pain that are eligible for Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) or Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) therapy.


• December 2020: Apple Inc. introduced the Apple Fitness+ application for its Apple watch. The fitness app motivates and tracks the user's workout metrics, thereby providing guidance.


• October 2020: Apple Inc. launched the health records feature available on iPhone and Apple watches for users in the U.K and Canada.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global mHealth apps market report provides a detailed analysis as it focuses on key aspects, such as leading companies, app types, applications, and marketplaces. Additionally, it offers insights into the market trends, impact of COVID-19, statistics on smartphone penetration rate in key countries, internet users, and penetration statistics, among other key insights. Moreover, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation