56.5 per cent of mobile users use their phone more for apps than calls, SMS, or any other purpose, according to research commissioned by The Sunday Times and carried out by Opinion Matters.

The research, commissioned in support of The Sunday Times App List 2012, also found that 54.4 per cent download a new app at least once a week, with the average smartphone user in the UK keeping around 38 apps on their device.

Scott Bown, lead Android developer at Mubaloo, says: “Apps are revolutionising the way we live and work. Whereas people used to call a phoneline for information about the next train or where the nearest pub is, now they consult an app on their smartphone. Businesses need to take heed of this trend and consider how to streamline their processes by taking advantage of the fact that more and more workers increasingly use smartphones and tablet devices for work. Instead of trying to track down co-workers or clients via phone for vital information, employees can now use bespoke apps to quickly and simply get what information they need.”

The report also reveals that 81m apps were downloaded in the UK in the last week of 2011.