A history of mobile devices, apps and app search | Algolia

The mobile app industry has grown exponentially since the first hand-held cell phone was invented in 1973. Today, there are over 4 million apps available across Apple's App Store and Google Play Store, with users spending an average of 89% of their smartphone time within these apps. The evolution of mobile devices and user interface design has led to sophisticated apps optimized for the best user experience. Key milestones in this journey include the launch of search engines like Archie and Google, the release of Apple's iPod and iPhone, and the rise of augmented reality (AR) technology. As we look towards the future, mobile app development is set to be transformed by AI, machine learning, and virtual reality. This will lead to more personalized experiences for users, as well as improved search functionality within apps.