iPhone App Store Passes 25 Billion Downloads

Users of the iPhone and iPad have now downloaded 25 billion applications from the iTunes App Store since it debuted several years ago. This milestone was passed at some point yesterday.

This software store has enjoyed phenomenal success. There are currently over 500 thousand apps to chose from, more than any other mobile operating system.

That's why it might come as a surprise to some that it almost didn't exist. When the original iPhone debuted back in 2007, Apple would not allow other companies to produce apps for this smartphone. Only enormous demand from users forced Apple to change its course, and the App Store debuted with the launch of the second-generation iPhone. The rest is history.

And the Winner Is...
Apple sponsored a contest to reward the lucky person who made the 25 billionth download. The winner has not yet been named, but whoever it is will be rewarded with a iTunes gift card valued at $10,000.

UPDATE: The 25 billionth app downloaded, Where's My Water? Free, was downloaded by Chunli Fu of Qingdao, China.