Cross-platform software refers to applications or programs designed to operate across multiple operating systems or platforms. By employing a unified codebase and development approach, cross-platform software ensures compatibility across various operating systems and devices, allowing users to access the application seamlessly on their preferred platform without requiring separate versions or modifications.
The primary platforms for cross-platform software include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Windows, developed by Microsoft, is a widely used operating system for personal computers and laptops. These software solutions cater to a variety of devices such as smartphones, tablets, desktops, and smart TVs, deployed either on-premise or in the cloud. They find applications across consumer and business sectors.
The cross-platform software market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides cross-platform software market statistics, including cross-platform software industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a cross-platform software market share, detailed cross-platform software market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the cross-platform software industry. This cross-platform software market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry
The cross-platform software market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $90.09 billion in 2024 to $104.61 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to proliferation of multiple operating systems, globalization of markets, evolving consumer behavior, developer community collaboration and legacy system integration.
The cross-platform software market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $187.62 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rapid evolution of technology, growing importance of collaboration and integration, shift towards hybrid and multi-cloud environments, focus on efficiency and cost reduction and demand for scalable and flexible solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in progressive web apps, expansion of cross-platform frameworks, augmented reality and virtual reality integration, continued evolution of cloud computing, and voice and natural language interfaces.
The rising prevalence of smartphones is set to drive the expansion of the cross-platform software market in the foreseeable future. Smartphones, advanced mobile devices that integrate traditional cell phone functions with computer-like features such as internet connectivity, multimedia capabilities, and touch interfaces, have become ubiquitous. Cross-platform smartphone software provides businesses with a cost-effective and scalable solution for developing mobile applications that offer a consistent user experience across various platforms and reach a broader audience. For instance, a report by Cybercrew revealed that smartphone usage in UK households reached 91.43% in 2021 and is projected to rise to 93.8% by 2026, underscoring the influence of smartphone penetration on the cross-platform software market.
Key players in the cross-platform software market are focused on innovating solutions such as sustainable cross-platform browsers to meet the increasing demand for resource-efficient software. Sustainable cross-platform software embodies principles of environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability, aiming to create positive impacts on people and the planet while delivering value to users and stakeholders. For example, Ecosia, a Germany-based search engine provider, introduced a Plant-Friendly cross-platform browser in April 2024. This sustainable browser, available for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS devices, promotes eco-friendly browsing practices and supports tree-planting initiatives through ad revenue. Built on the open-source Chromium project, the Ecosia browser offers a familiar interface while prioritizing user privacy and energy efficiency with its integrated ad blocker.
In September 2023, Xsolla, a US-based video game commerce provider, acquired AcceleratXR to enhance its game tech offerings. This strategic move aims to empower developers in creating online and multiplayer experiences across various platforms, including PC, web, console, mobile, and VR. AcceleratXR, a US-based provider of cross-platform software specializing in lease-in-game server backend technology, aligns with Xsolla's vision of facilitating seamless gaming experiences for players while maintaining consistency across platforms.
Major companies operating in the cross-platform software market are Apple Inc., Google LLC, Microsoft Corporation, Amazon Web Services Inc., International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Cisco Systems Inc., Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, Salesforce.com Inc., Adobe Inc., VMware Inc., ServiceNow Inc., Dassault Systemes SE, Synopsys Inc., Autodesk Inc., Zoom Video Communications Inc., Siemens AG, Cadence Design Systems Inc., Red Hat Inc., Atlassian Corporation Plc, Parametric Technology Corporation Incorporated., OutSystems Inc., Mendix, Slack Technologies Inc., Amobee Inc.
North America was the largest region in the cross-platform software market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the cross-platform software market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the cross-platform software market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The cross-platform software market consists of revenues earned by entities providing services such as a unified user experience, broad audience reach, faster time to market, offline access, and security. The market value includes the value of related goods sold. The cross-platform software market also includes sales of qt development tools, digital advertising for UI apps, fluid user interfaces, and API application platforms. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Cross-Platform Software Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on cross-platform software market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for cross-platform software ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The cross-platform software market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Scope
Markets Covered:1) By Platform: Windows; macOS; Linux; Android; IOS
2) By Type: Smartphones; Tablets; Desktops; Smart TVs
3) By Deployment: On-Premise; Cloud
4) By Application: Consumer; Business
Subsegments:
1) By Windows: Desktop Applications; Web Applications; Universal Windows Platform (Uwp) Apps; Windows Store Apps; Windows-Based Enterprise Solutions
2) By Macos: Mac Desktop Applications; Mac App Store Apps; Cross-Platform Development Frameworks For Macos; Web Applications For Macos; Macos-Based Enterprise Solutions
3) By Linux: Desktop Applications For Linux; Linux Server Applications; Linux-Based Enterprise Solutions; Web Applications For Linux; Cross-platform Frameworks For Linux
4) By Android: Mobile Applications For Android; Android Games; Android-Based Enterprise Solutions; Cross-Platform Mobile Apps For Android; Android Wear Apps
5) By Ios: Mobile Applications For Ios; Ios Games; Ios-based Enterprise Solutions; Cross-platform Mobile Apps For Ios; Apple Watch And Ipad Apps
Companies Mentioned: Apple Inc.; Google LLC; Microsoft Corporation; Amazon Web Services Inc.; International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
Data segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Cross-Platform Software Market Characteristics
3. Cross-Platform Software Market Trends And Strategies
4. Cross-Platform Software Market - Macro Economic Scenario Including The Impact Of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics, Covid And Recovery On The Market
5. Global Cross-Platform Software Growth Analysis And Strategic Analysis Framework
5.1. Global Cross-Platform Software PESTEL Analysis (Political, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal Factors, Drivers and Restraints)
5.2. Analysis Of End Use Industries
5.3. Global Cross-Platform Software Market Growth Rate Analysis
5.4. Global Cross-Platform Software Historic Market Size and Growth, 2019 - 2024, Value ($ Billion)
5.5. Global Cross-Platform Software Forecast Market Size and Growth, 2024 - 2029, 2034F, Value ($ Billion)
5.6. Global Cross-Platform Software Total Addressable Market (TAM)
6. Cross-Platform Software Market Segmentation
6.1. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Segmentation By Platform, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
IOS
6.2. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Segmentation By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Smartphones
Tablets
Desktops
Smart TVs
6.3. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Segmentation By Deployment, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
On-Premise
Cloud
6.4. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Segmentation By Application, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Consumer
Business
6.5. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Windows, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Desktop Applications
Web Applications
Universal Windows Platform (Uwp) Apps
Windows Store Apps
Windows-Based Enterprise Solutions
6.6. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Macos, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Mac Desktop Applications
Mac App Store Apps
Cross-Platform Development Frameworks For Macos
Web Applications For Macos
Macos-Based Enterprise Solutions
6.7. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Linux, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Desktop Applications For Linux
Linux Server Applications
Linux-Based Enterprise Solutions
Web Applications For Linux
Cross-platform Frameworks For Linux
6.8. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Android, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Mobile Applications For Android
Android Games
Android-Based Enterprise Solutions
Cross-Platform Mobile Apps For Android
Android Wear Apps
6.9. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Ios, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Mobile Applications For Ios
Ios Games
Ios-based Enterprise Solutions
Cross-platform Mobile Apps For Ios
Apple Watch And Ipad Apps
7. Cross-Platform Software Market Regional And Country Analysis
7.1. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
7.2. Global Cross-Platform Software Market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion