EBay’s mobile apps has been downloaded 100 million times since launching its first app in 2007.

The apps, which include its main app as well as eBay Motors, eBay Fashion and the RedLaser price checking app, were downloaded 25 million times in the last six months alone.

The marketplace has also had 100 million listings posted via mobile.

EBay first enabled consumers to buy through their phones in 2005 and launched its first iPhone app in 2007.

The etailer has been an innovator in mobile technology. It launched swatch technology for its fashion app in May this year allowing users to take a picture of a colour or pattern of fabric and the app will search for a similar item.

It expects 2012 to be its most successful mobile Christmas ever, with a predicted 30% of items to be sold via smartphone.

In the UK an item is purchased every second via a mobile device, the highest proportion of mobile sales in Europe.

EBay Europe senior director of mobile commerce Olivier Ropars said: “Before there was even an iPhone or an App Store, we identified that mobile shopping would fundamentally transform the way we shop – allowing people to shop whenever and wherever they want.”

“With consumers checking their phones around 40 times a day, having a strong mobile presence is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but an essential for any retailer who wants to stay ahead of the game.”