Android to overtake iOS monthly downloads in 2012

New data released by mobile analyst firm Xyologic shows Android app downloads eclipsing iOS by May 2013.

As of Spetember 2011, Apple still led the app market with 1.45 billion dowloads versus 640 million on Android. But Google's OS is growing at a much faster rate, and already outperforming iOS in a number of countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic and Portugal.

"Regardless of how good the upcoming iPhone is and how well-received it will be by consumers, Apple will soon have to concede some of their key marketing arguments with the public, as well as with the app publishers, to the Android juggernaut," the report states.

"Bottom line for app publishers is: In the coming months we will see a number of countries where Android becomes platform option number one if you are looking for the largest audiences."

At present rates of growth, Android will pass iOS in worldwide monthly downloads in June 2012, when both platforms will generate 3.2 billion downloads. Android will exceed total lifetime downloads on iOS in May 2013.

Android will pass iOS in terms of total apps in August 2012, when both the App Store and the Android Market will boast 680,000 apps. If Google didn't delete apps, Xyologic estimates Android would be the market leader by the end of this year.

Xyologic is now releasing the data from its app search technology for free each month. The data comprises 220 monthly reports, covering the performance of Android, iOS and Windows Phone 7 in 29 countries.