Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is experiencing a significant downturn in new installations on Android devices, which is adversely affecting its subscription revenue. According to recent data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, July 2025 saw a 44% year-over-year decline in X’s downloads from the Google Play Store. In contrast, iOS downloads increased by 15% during the same period.
This sharp decrease in Android installs has led to an overall 26% reduction in total mobile downloads for X compared to the previous year. This is a slight improvement from June 2025, when total downloads had plummeted by 35%, primarily due to a nearly 49% year-over-year drop in Android downloads.
The reasons behind this decline on Android devices are not entirely clear. However, the X app on Android has been known to be problematic, with users frequently reporting bugs and crashes. Nikita Bier, X’s recently appointed head of product, has acknowledged these issues. Bier, recognized for his success with teen-focused social apps like Gas and TBH, has indicated plans to address the Android app’s shortcomings. He announced the formation of an Android Dream Team dedicated to rebuilding the X Android app. Additionally, Bier highlighted that X’s iOS app recently achieved a record number of installs, possibly to divert attention from the Android app’s challenges.
The decline in Android installs raises questions about where potential X users are turning. Competitor Bluesky has experienced slowing growth, with its Google Play app garnering only 119,000 downloads in July 2025—a figure far below the millions of installs X typically sees on both iOS and Android platforms. Meanwhile, Meta’s Threads has been gaining traction, with its daily active users on mobile devices approaching those of X, suggesting that some Android users may be migrating to this alternative platform.
In addition to the drop in Android installs, X is facing challenges in growing its subscription revenue. Appfigures reports that in July 2025, X earned $16.9 million in net revenue, a decrease from the $18.8 million recorded in March 2025. This slight uptick from June’s $16.8 million indicates a stagnation in subscription growth. It’s important to note that X’s primary revenue source remains advertising, with in-app premium subscriptions contributing a smaller portion.
The declining demand for X on Android is a contributing factor to the revenue downturn. Additionally, X is likely losing paying customers to Grok, an AI-powered platform that now offers its own stand-alone app. Users who previously subscribed to X primarily for its AI features may find Grok’s dedicated app more appealing, further impacting X’s subscription numbers.
In summary, X’s significant decline in Android app installs is having a tangible impact on its subscription revenue. The company is actively working to address the issues plaguing its Android app, but the competition from emerging platforms like Threads and Grok presents additional challenges. As X navigates these hurdles, its ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its position in the social media landscape.
