The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Chinese version of the App Store is beginning to take off, even though it faces serious challenges. Many of these challenges have been mentioned before, such as the Chinese iPhone lacking Wi-Fi capabilities, a preexisting installed base of jailbroken iPhones, and software piracy. With all of that, and slow launch sales staked against them, Apple has still managed to expand the App Store, quickly in China.
The market for legitimate Chinese iPhone apps is small but surging. Mr. Shi’s company estimates about $1 million worth of legitimate iPhone apps have been sold so far this year, though the market could reach $6 million by next year. By comparison, mobile advertising firm AdMob says about $200 million in apps are sold overall through Apple’s store each month.
Yet another hurdle Apple has to jump in China, is the fact that Chinese consumers must have a Chinese bank issued credit card to make purchases on the App Store.
The WSJ goes on to mention the certain kinds of Apps popular in China, such as news and blogging applications to games like Command & Conquer.
“Localization is most important. Products should be as much in line with Chinese lifestyles as possible,” says Mr. Shi, who noted Texas Hold ‘Em games likely wouldn’t go over well.
Although no numbers are supplied, it might be safe to say that Apple may yet create a market foothold in China.
Image courtesy of iPhoneasia.com
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