Mobile app stores will see annual downloads reach 102 billion this year, up from 64 billion in 2012, says Gartner. The global research firm this week concluded its annual symposium in Cape Town, where some of its latest research results were revealed.

Gartner research director Sandy Shen says total app revenue in 2013 will reach $26 billion, up from $18 billion in 2012. Free apps will account for 91% of total downloads in 2013, she says. Gartner further notes that in-app purchases will account for 48% of app store revenue by 2017, up from 11% in 2012. more