Its not all good news, but 2021 especially seems to be looking up.

Every year, software houseMacPaw conducts a developer survey.

MacPaw is behind the subscription-based Setapp, an alternative to the Mac App Store.

A developer working in a home office.

Nubelson Fernandes / Unsplash

This gives the Ukraine-based MacPaw a unique insight into the world of app developers.

The App Store Small Business Program

For software developers, 2020 was dominated by two things.

One was COVID-19, of course.

An app developer working on a laptop with a smartphone connected by a cable.

Christina @ wocintechchat.com / Unsplash

Some 50% of respondents plan to apply for Apples program this year.

Lockdown changed things both for the developers and their customers.

In business terms, though, effects were mixed.

55% of developers said they didnt experience any impact on their businesses.

For independent developers, working from home is business as usual.

“Therefore, I will now be able to spend more money on the development of my applications.”

And with vaccinations and Apples App Store Small Business Program in view, 2021 is looking even better.