The Evolution of Mobile App Architecture: From ARKit’s Launch to the 38MB Benchmark
The 2010 launch of the iPad marked a pivotal moment in mobile computing, introducing ARKit’s conceptual roots through early augmented reality experimentation. Before full SDKs existed, developers began exploring AR through low-level graphics APIs, laying the foundation for immersive app experiences. This era saw a sharp rise in app complexity—by 2015, iPhones averaged around 80 apps per user, driven by growing demand for interactive content. Yet, size constraints emerged early: users began expecting apps under 38MB for smooth performance, especially in AR contexts where resource-heavy 3D rendering could overwhelm limited device memory.
App Ecosystem Growth: The Rise of 80-App Average on iPhonesAs mobile apps exploded,