Mobile and web apps have become a central part of how we live, work, and connect with others. Many of the tools we use daily are not built by Apple, Google, or other operating system providers. Instead, they are created by third-party developers who design custom applications to meet specific needs, solve problems, and introduce new ways of doing things. These apps have become powerful drivers of change, helping individuals and businesses operate more efficiently and with greater flexibility.
Third-party app development has opened the door to innovation across every major industry. From the way we order food and navigate our cities to how teams collaborate and share information, these apps are changing the way we experience the world.
Businesses now have the opportunity to build software that is tailored to their customers and operations, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what third-party apps are, explore how they are transforming our daily lives, and explain why this kind of development is becoming increasingly valuable for companies.
What Are Third Party Apps?
Third-party apps are software applications developed by companies or individuals that are not the original creators of a device's operating system.
In simpler terms, these apps are made by developers other than the device manufacturer, such as Apple for iOS or Google for Android. While Apple and Google offer their own native apps that come pre-installed on their devices, third-party apps are created independently and are available for download through app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
When browsing an app store, you can identify third-party apps by looking at the developer's name listed below the app title. If the developer is not the operating system provider (for example, if it doesn’t say ‘Apple’ or ‘Google’), then it’s a third-party app.
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These apps are designed to work within the framework provided by the operating system but are developed outside of the core team that built the phone, tablet, or computer.
Third-party apps often make use of features offered by the device’s software development kit (SDK) to integrate seamlessly with system functions. They can serve a wide range of purposes and are a key part of what makes today’s digital devices adaptable and versatile for users across different needs and industries.
Third Party App Statistics
Third-party apps make up the majority of available applications. On Apple's App Store, for instance, over 99.99% of the approximately two million apps are developed by third parties, with only around 60 apps originating from Apple itself.
In 2024, global app downloads reached 258 billion, with projections indicating a rise to over 299 billion by 2025. This surge underscores the significant role third-party apps play in the digital ecosystem. The mobile app market's revenue was valued at $281.52 billion in 2024, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3%, reaching $626.39 billion by 2030.
Despite their prevalence, the success rate of third-party apps varies. A study revealed that approximately 40% of all apps never gain more than a handful of users. Among the remaining 60%, less than 0.4% maintains consistent popularity, while about 1% experiences a rapid rise followed by a decline, and 7% show continuous growth in popularity.
These statistics highlight the competitive nature of the app market and the challenges developers face in achieving and sustaining user engagement. However, if you have a strong concept, are solving a real user problem, and partner with an experienced app development company like AppIt, there’s real potential for your app to break through and succeed in this competitive space.
Examples of Third-Party Apps Transforming Lives
Third-party mobile apps and web apps have become central to the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. These apps have introduced tools that solve everyday problems, make life more convenient, and in many cases, transform entire industries. They plug into our digital ecosystems and deliver experiences that are tailored, fast, and often deeply personal.
Whether it's helping you get dinner without cooking, navigate traffic in a new city, or manage a remote team scattered across time zones, third-party apps have become essential to modern life.
Food Delivery
One of the clearest ways third-party apps have changed lives is through food delivery. Platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats have redefined how people access meals.
Instead of planning dinner, driving to the store, and preparing food, users can scroll through local restaurant menus, place an order, and have it delivered to their door, often within minutes.
This shift has especially benefited busy professionals, parents, and students who need convenient meal solutions. It’s also created new revenue streams for restaurants and gig-based income for drivers. The ripple effects go beyond convenience, reshaping how the food and hospitality industries operate.
Navigation
Before smartphones, navigating an unfamiliar city required maps or asking for directions. Today, third-party navigation apps have made travel far more efficient.
Waze, for example, doesn’t just provide directions; it crowdsources real-time traffic data from users to alert others about accidents, police activity, road closures, and congestion.
In cities like Denver or Austin, where traffic conditions change rapidly, this kind of real-time input helps commuters shave significant time off their drive. It also encourages safer and more informed driving.
Beyond just getting from point A to B, navigation apps have become tools for smarter travel planning.
Productivity
For businesses, especially those with remote or hybrid teams, productivity apps have become non-negotiable. Tools like Slack and Trello have transformed how work gets done.
Slack acts as a centralized hub for communication, replacing long email threads with organized, real-time conversations.
Trello helps teams visually track projects and tasks through boards and lists, making collaboration straightforward and transparent.
These apps enable remote teams to function efficiently across time zones, ensure accountability, and promote better organization. Without these kinds of tools, managing a modern digital workplace would be far more challenging and chaotic.
Public Safety
Third-party apps are even changing how people approach safety in their communities. Citizen is a crowdsourced public safety app that provides real-time alerts based on user reports and verified emergency calls. It’s particularly popular in densely populated urban areas like San Francisco, where staying aware of what’s happening nearby can be critical.
Citizen sends alerts about everything from nearby fires and car accidents to police activity and missing persons. It empowers users with information that can help them make quick, informed decisions about their safety and the safety of those around them. This type of digital awareness tool didn’t exist at this scale just a few years ago.
Benefits of Third-Party App Development
Creating third-party apps offers a wide range of benefits for businesses, developers, and users alike. As independent applications built outside of major operating system providers like Apple or Google, third-party apps are not limited by default system functions. This allows them to push the boundaries of what software can do.
From highly tailored experiences to enhanced performance and accessibility, third-party apps give developers the freedom to meet unique needs while offering users more choices and better tools.
Below are some of the key benefits of developing third-party apps.
Customization
One of the most significant advantages of third-party app development is customization. These apps can be built with specific user groups, industries, or tasks in mind. Unlike default system apps that aim to meet broad, generalized needs, third-party apps can focus on niche markets or particular business problems.
Developers can include unique features, adjust workflows, and adapt user interfaces to suit exact requirements. For businesses, this means having tools that align perfectly with operations rather than forcing operations to adapt to rigid software.
Whether it's a CRM tailored for a boutique sales team or a mobile platform for a delivery service, customization is what allows apps to stand out and be genuinely useful.
Accessibility
Third-party apps can significantly improve accessibility, both in terms of user reach and inclusivity. Because they are distributed through app stores or web platforms, they are easy for users to discover and download.
Developers can also build these apps for multiple platforms, ensuring that users across iOS, Android, and web browsers have access.
Additionally, accessibility can be enhanced through features like voice commands, screen reader compatibility, and adaptive interfaces. This makes it easier for users with disabilities or limitations to engage with the app.
By focusing on accessible design, third-party developers can reach wider audiences and create more inclusive user experiences.
Innovation
Third-party app development drives innovation. Freed from the constraints of system-level design, developers are encouraged to experiment and solve problems in new ways. This results in creative applications that might never have been prioritized by platform providers.
Some of the most groundbreaking tech tools today (whether for augmented reality, mental health, or finance) originated as third-party experiments. Developers have the flexibility to iterate quickly, integrate the latest APIs, and respond directly to user feedback. This openness to new ideas fuels competition and propels the tech ecosystem forward.
Functionality
Another major benefit of third-party apps is the ability to expand the functionality of a device or platform. Third-party apps can tap into device hardware like cameras, GPS, and sensors, while layering new features that do not exist in the original operating system.
For example, fitness apps might track steps and heart rate with more detailed analysis than a built-in health tracker.
Whereas business tools might sync data across cloud platforms or automate repetitive tasks.
This kind of added functionality is often the reason users seek out third-party apps in the first place.
User Experience
Third-party apps often deliver superior user experiences. With intense competition and user reviews driving visibility in app stores, developers are motivated to design apps that are intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing.
A strong focus on design means better navigation, faster performance, and more enjoyable interactions. Developers can also respond quickly to feedback, rolling out updates that improve usability or fix bugs. The result is a product that not only performs well but also feels tailored to the user’s expectations.
How AppIt Ventures Excels in Third-Party App Development
At AppIt Ventures, we specialize in developing powerful third-party mobile and web applications that solve real problems and deliver meaningful value. With over a decade of experience and more than 500 custom apps successfully delivered, we’ve helped startups, mid-sized businesses, and large enterprises bring their ideas to life through expert custom app development.
Whether it’s building a food delivery app from the ground up or enhancing internal operations with a custom productivity tool, our team knows how to build tailored solutions that drive results.
Our strengths span iOS, Android, and cross-platform development, ensuring your app reaches users wherever they are. From native iOS applications that seamlessly integrate with Apple devices to Android apps optimized for performance, we create robust digital products that work flawlessly. For clients who need broader reach, our cross-platform development offers a cost-effective way to launch across multiple platforms without compromising on quality.
We take pride in our client-first approach. With a 98% client satisfaction rate and recognition as one of Denver’s top fastest growing companies in 2024, AppIt is trusted by businesses nationwide. From San Francisco to Austin, our team delivers web and mobile app development services that are tailored to each client’s needs. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all software, we build technology that aligns with your unique vision, challenges, and goals.
What sets AppIt apart is not just our technical expertise, but our commitment to delivering long-term value. We don’t just build apps, we create smart, scalable solutions that elevate user experience, improve workflows, and support business growth.
If you have a great concept or want to explore how a third-party app can transform your business, we’re ready to help. Contact AppIt today to discuss your project and see how our custom app development team can bring your vision to life.
