Welcome to our annual Mac Developer Survey report. That is the sixth time we’ve rolled out this massive survey, asking Mac builders questions concerning the business, Apple developments, software program improvement and distribution, and extra. This 12 months, we centered on Apple Silicon, safety updates, and app distribution strategies. We additionally acquired some stunning insights concerning the impact russian warfare towards Ukraine had on the business, and requested builders about their plans for 2022.
Stepping outdoors App Retailer
One of many core challenges for builders is app distribution — getting software program in entrance of potential customers. Our survey exhibits that increasingly more builders try to diversify their app distribution channels, with 42% utilizing each the App Retailer and different channels, and 29% distributing apps solely outdoors the App Retailer. We came upon that the most well-liked different distribution channels are Setapp, Steam, GitHub, and partnerships.
Subscription mannequin is trending up
Monetization-wise, 26% of Mac builders depend on the subscription mannequin, and 31% say they’re keen to strive it out sooner or later. Most generally used subscription fashions are paid and freemium, with almost 70% of builders protecting the worth below $9.99 monthly.
Large transition to Apple Silicon
We have now 81% of happy-with-Apple-Silicon builders this 12 months. As Apple celebrated the primary anniversary of M1 chip launch in 2021, 63% of Mac devs had already moved to M1 Macs, and one other quarter of respondents are planning to modify quickly. Clearly, builders additionally need to make their software program appropriate with Apple Silicon: 71% rolled out the updates by now and 18% are engaged on that.
Safety stays high precedence
Though M1 Macs include improved safety in comparison with Intel ones, malware remains to be a menace. Mac builders are conscious, and doing their finest to safe their apps — most frequently, utilizing knowledge encryption and licensed APIs. Round 24% say they depend on cryptography instruments and strategies to make sure the best safety.
Whereas well timed app updates play a serious position in facilitating software program safety, Mac builders hurry to roll out updates in compliance with macOS safety requirements: 81% of respondents launch new app variations inside a month after macOS replace.
What’s forward?
Increasingly more updates. 50% of Mac builders are planning a serious app replace for 2022, and 45% can be releasing new apps. As for the 2022 developments, builders want to see enhancements within the realm of cloud integrations, in addition to {hardware} and AI advances.
russia’s invasion of Ukraine takes its toll
This 12 months, we couldn’t ignore the elephant within the room and requested Mac builders whether or not they’ve been affected by the russian warfare towards Ukraine. Though we had no disruptions within the assist and improvement of our merchandise, as a product made by MacPaw in Ukraine, we see how this unjustified and brutal invasion ruins lives and impacts companies, so it’s unimaginable to face apart.
From the survey, we came upon that 70% of Mac builders have been affected by the warfare. 9% — severely affected. 68% say they completely assist the thought of utilizing product options, and even creating new options, to assist Ukraine. 53% have stopped utilizing software program and frameworks that originated in russia.
We’re grateful for the overwhelming assist and for all of the donations Setapp app distributors make in assist of Ukraine. In case you’d prefer to contribute, right here’s a hyperlink.
Obtain the complete report
Need to see an in depth breakdown of questions and solutions? Obtain a digital PDF copy of our Mac Developer Survey 2022.
