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I only use the search when I know what app I'm looking for. Wouldn't that would drive up the numbers artificially -- as I had the intention of downloading the app before I began searching.

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Exactly, the statistic you need is "how many downloads came through keyword searches that weren't the app name".

I wouldn't think so, not if they're saying a percentage of all downloads come from search, as opposed to a percentage of all searches lead to a download.

But searching is the only way (sane) people find anything on the App Store. When was the last time you browsed the store until you found the cool new app you just read about?

Whenever I use the App store, I'm on a mission. But it's also a mission to get free stuff, so maybe I'm not even part of the equation.

I agree. Whenever I download an app it's because I read or heard about it somewhere else. Open the app store, head to search, type name, tap install.

I don't think I've casually browsed around the app store since I got my first iPhone (first smartphone), around 2009 or 10.

Me too. But I am skeptical of free stuff and almost always look for a paid version.

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