This infographics of University of Alabama at Birmingham's Online Masters in Management Information Systems predicts a billion smartphones units would be sold in 2016 and $77 billion of profits for mobile app development would be made in 2017. So how it is now?

The GSM Association Mobile Economy 2016 has released 2015's operator revenue for mobile applications amounting to $1 trillion already advancing the prediction for 2017 of $77 billion. Most economists expect that by 2020, the mobile app development profits would reach as much as $3.7 trillion.

The biggest contributor to this trillions of dollars yield is the availability of 4G in more than 150 countries. Faster connection, anytime, anywhere is vital to consumer's ability for an app purchase. Having easier and faster money transfer with mobile banking and e-money helps consumers download as many as they can.

According to recent updates, as of June 2016, there are 2.2 million apps available in Google Play Store and 2 million apps in Apple App Store.  Either sent by a solo developer or a giant mobile app developer, the number of apps sent per day is steadily growing - - Apple App Store alone has more than 1000 apps sent per day. This might give an idea that mobile app development is a pretty easy money-making enterprise.

If you think game apps are most download, Apple revealed otherwise. Apple announced that Snapchat has the highest download for free applications category and Heads Up! remains at the top of paid applications.

Well, improving individual's privacy is a high level concern and most policymakers are encouraged to focus on this issue. It may take a long while to achieve a balance to consumer protection in terms of smart device usage without compromising economy growth and social interaction at an enjoyable level.

Sources: Entrepreneur, Venture Beat