App Store trends suggest top Christmas gifts: VR, drones, cameras, Amazon Echo

Apps for iPhone-connected accessories are among the most popular downloads and search terms following Christmas, offering some insight into the types of toys that proved to be popular gifts this holiday.

As of Monday morning, apps for low-cost drones SkyThunder RC and CX-10 Wi-Fi were among the top trending searches on the iOS App Store in multiple regions across the U.S. Priced under $50 and featuring wireless connectivity with built-in cameras, these affordable toys make logical Christmas gifts.

Another popular result was the Quik GoPro video editing app, suggesting that the beleaguered sports camera maker at least moved some product for the 2016 holiday season.

Another big winner this year, based on App Store trends, was virtual reality. As of Monday morning, 12 of the top 30 free downloadable apps were virtual reality experiences compatible with Google Cardboard.

Perhaps reflecting the unpolished experience of Google Cardboard on an iPhone, there were no paid virtual reality games among the top 30. However, the keywords "VR apps" and "VR games" were among the top trending searches the day after Christmas.

Google Cardboard headsets can be purchased for under $20, making it an easy way to cheaply sample VR — and also a great gift.

Another hit for the holidays appears to be the Furbo Dog Camera, a treat-tossing Wi-Fi camera with two-way audio. The new connected way to check on your pets appeared among the top trending App Store searches Monday morning.

Another top hit was Amazon Alexa, suggesting the Echo voice-controlled personal assistant was a hot present this Christmas. The Alexa app also ranked No. 5 on the free charts on Monday.

Fitbit, too, appears to have been a popular choice — its official app topped the free downloadable charts, beating out Nintendo's blockbuster smash game Super Mario Run. Fitbit was also among the top trending searches on Dec. 26.

Finally, Apple itself likely saw a strong performance this season, if App Store trends are any indication. The freemium game Hill Climb Racing 2 and library e-book app Overdrive saw post-Christmas boosts. Games and reading apps are likely to be among the first downloads users seek on a new iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

For those with new iOS devices, AppleInsider has rounded up some of the best indie games, productivity apps, content sources, and even board game conversions available on the App Store.

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16 Comments

cali 3494 comments · 10 Years

About 7 years ago

I wonder how Apple Watch did...

the fact Alexa is even on the charts or being gifted shows Siri needs an overhaul.

fallenjt 4056 comments · 13 Years

cali said:

I wonder how Apple Watch did...

the fact Alexa is even on the charts or being gifted shows Siri needs an overhaul.

Echo Dot pretty much had great sale this holiday. I got 2 of them cuz the price was cheap at $39; and with a couple Wemo switches at $20/pc, I could turn off my Christmas lights and other lights in my house from any location...with Alexa. Streaming music from Echo was also a great fun; it connects/disconnects BT speakers with voice. I believe Apple is quite late in this game to create something like Echo because of the price prohibition. I don't believe Apple can make a Puck size Siri media device at $50.

ericthehalfbee 4489 comments · 13 Years

VR super popular over Christmas only to disappear in January once people realize it's nowhere near the hype surrounding it.

suddenly newton 13819 comments · 14 Years

cali said:

I wonder how Apple Watch did...

the fact Alexa is even on the charts or being gifted shows Siri needs an overhaul.

I my opinion, it only reflects how well Amazon managed to push the Echo product during the gift giving cycle. I have 3 personal anecdotes for you:

1. My boss' husband bought an Echo Dot without really knowing what it was. She said buys stuff from Amazon all the time and since it was everywhere on their website and even on their shipping tape, she decided to give it as a gift, thinking it would be a "good idea."

2. I almost got one for my sister and her husband. For the same reason: it feels like a safe, cool gadget. It's not because I thought Siri needs to be "fixed". (P.S.: I gave her the Roku 4 instead)

3. My sister got the Echo Dot and Tap from her mother in law, but this is also a woman who wears an Apple Watch and loves her iPhone. (She also has an Echo). She didn't give the Echo as a statement of "how Siri needs an overhaul." It's a heavily marketed, low-risk gift idea (cheap+easily returnable).

k2kw 2079 comments · 11 Years

fallenjt said:

cali said:

I wonder how Apple Watch did...

the fact Alexa is even on the charts or being gifted shows Siri needs an overhaul.

I don't believe Apple can make a Puck size Siri media device at $50.

Hopefully Apple is smart enough to not do a Siri device with this current Management (Cook, Ive, Cue). A Echo/Google Home device by Apple with SIRI would be to much of an embarrassment. Cook has too much of a history of cheaping out on components and manufacturing problems (Intel Modem, MBP batteries, long delayed Airpods). Lame design from Ive won't be able to be covered up by making a new product thinner with the really pathetic SIRI front and center.
Phill Schiller won't get any holidays off if he had to spin a Apple Hub.

Alexa is so easy to interact with. If Google can add the same flexible to its assistant then Google Home can become an even bigger hit.