The rise of super apps: a win-win or winner takes all phenomenon?

The marketplace for mobile apps has become increasingly crowded, prompting the emergence of "super apps" that aim to combine multiple functions into one convenient package, eliminating the need to download and maintain numerous different programs. Super apps have gained popularity in Asia, particularly in China and Southeast Asia, but their success model is yet to be replicated in Western markets. These super apps are becoming platforms or app stores, allowing third-party developers to build applications and publish them on the main platform, which holds a significant market share. The development of super apps poses unique engineering challenges, including managing complex codebases, ensuring data privacy, and planning for infrastructure, making it difficult for smaller companies to compete with FAANG and BAT. As Western companies attempt to replicate this trend, they will face significant economic incentives and profit potentials, but also intense competition and regulatory scrutiny.

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