App Store Downloads Hit 3 Billion

Apple announced on Tuesday that more than 3 billion iPhone and iPod touch applications have been downloaded from its iTunes0-based App Store.

"Three billion applications downloaded in less than 18 months -- this is like nothing we've ever seen before," commented Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Apple hit the 1 billion download milestone in April 2009, only nine months after launching the application download service. Only five months later in September 2009, the App Store reached 2 billion downloads.

The App Store managed to hit the 3 billion download mark only about three months after reaching 2 billion, shaving two months off of its last billion milestone. Assuming iPhone and iPod touch users keep up the pace, Apple could hit 4 billion downloads before the App Store reaches its second anniversary.