Booming purchases at Apple (AAPL) operating system application stores in China have made the tech giant the largest Western software seller there.

Analyzing data from market research firm App Annie, the Macquarie report says Apple has an edge over Google in growing nongaming revenue.

"The largest driver of growth for global app store revenue is the transition beyond games as a revenue source," said Ben Schachter, a Macquarie analyst in a report. "There, Apple retains a sizable advantage with 25% of iOS revenue from nongaming apps compared to just 10% from (Google's) Android."

Apple has the largest single app store, and global iOS App Store sales are estimated to be roughly double the size of those of Google Play, says the Macquarie Capital analyst. However, revenue from all Android app stores combined will top Apple's in 2017, says research firm App Annie.

App Annie projects the iOS App Store to generate more than $60 billion in gross consumer spending in 2021, maintaining its top position.

Source: investors