Apple’s App Store drove $1.3 trillion in sales for developers in 2024, with 90% paying no commission

In a groundbreaking announcement, Apple revealed that its global App Store ecosystem generated an impressive $1.3 trillion in developer revenues and sales for the year 2024, based on research by Boston University's Professor Andrey Fradkin and Dr. Jessica Burley from Analysis Group. Remarkably, over 90% of these transactions were completed without developers incurring any commission fees to Apple. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, remarked, "It's inspiring to witness countless developers crafting exceptional apps, establishing thriving businesses, and connecting with Apple users worldwide. This report underscores how developers enhance lives through innovative app and game experiences while fostering new opportunities and advancements. We take pride in supporting their achievements." The findings showcase substantial growth across all major revenue segments, including digital goods and services at $131 billion, physical goods and services exceeding $1 trillion, and in-app advertising reaching $150 billion. A notable increase in spending on physical goods was attributed to the rise in online food delivery, pick-up services, and grocery shopping. The demand for digital content creation applications, such as Adobe Photoshop for iPhone and Adobe Lightroom, which received the 2024 Mac App of the Year award, also exhibited consistent growth. Regionally, the App Store's billings and sales more than doubled over the past five years in the U.S., China, and Europe. Mobile payment adoption has soared in the U.S., while in China, online grocery shopping has increased by more than five times. Europe saw a tripling of spending in food delivery and pick-up. In countries like India, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, travel apps emerged as prominent spending categories. Apple continues to enhance its offerings for developers, providing support in over 40 local currencies and managing tax considerations across nearly 200 regions. Developers have access to a variety of testing tools such as Xcode, performance insights through App Analytics, and promotional resources like Product Page Optimization. Apple also reported preventing over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions over the last five years, demonstrating its commitment to secure commerce. Training initiatives play a crucial role in Apple's support ecosystem, with Developer Academies and Foundation Programs in the U.S., Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, and other nations assisting students and professionals in developing coding, design, and AI skills. These efforts are further supplemented by online resources, including Apple Developer Forums, Pathways, and the Feedback Assistant. Looking forward, Apple is gearing up to welcome developers worldwide at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), featuring over 100 technical sessions, comprehensive guides, and personalized lab opportunities with Apple experts.