According to a survey released by the IT industry association Bitkom, the average number of apps installed on German smartphones-excluding those pre-installed-is currently 46. This mark represents an increase from last year’s average of 42.
Examining user habits, almost half of respondents (49%) have fifty or more apps. Another significant portion (19%) reports having between 30 and 49 applications, while 13% have 20 to 29 apps. Notably, only four percent of users reported installing no additional apps on their devices.
When considering the most essential applications, users cited short news services as the most vital tool, named by 83% of respondents. Finance and payment applications are closely behind at 80%, followed by email apps, which 70% consider important. Other frequently needed categories include Photo and Media Galleries (69%), Weather apps (68%), social media, navigation/maps, and general news services (all cited by 66%).
Daily life has seen other categories establish themselves as crucial. Health, fitness, and nutrition apps are rated as important by 63% of users, while online shopping scores 61%. Mobility and travel applications are also integral to digital routines for 56% of respondents. Furthermore, nearly half of users find calendar and organizational apps useful (54%), as do streaming apps for music, video, and podcasts (50%). Artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, voice assistants, or content generators, are considered particularly important by 47%. Even fundamental tools retain high relevance: the calculator is essential for 44% of users, and the notes app for 43%.
Bitkom Research conducted the survey by calling 1,006 people in Germany aged 16 or older, including 861 individuals who use their smartphones for private purposes. The survey took place during the first five calendar weeks of 2026.