Apple’s U.S. App Store saw a massive financial surge last year, drawing over $10 billion in revenue, according to a new analysis by Appfigures. This marks a significant growth from 2020, when Apple’s share of App Store commissions was about $4.76 billion.
Appfigures reports that in 2024, U.S. App Store developers generated a hefty $33.68 billion in gross revenue from apps and games, pocketing $23.57 billion after Apple’s share. Despite Apple’s typical reticence in breaking down App Store earnings during quarterly reports, a 2023 statement revealed that globally, the App Store contributed to an estimated $104 billion in billings for digital goods and services in 2022. In contrast, Appfigures suggested global revenue reached $61.5 billion in 2022, growing to $91.3 billion by 2024, with Apple earning over $27.39 billion in commissions.
This discrepancy arises because Apple includes external sales facilitated by the App Store, even if purchases occur outside it. For example, if a Hulu subscription is bought online but mostly used on Apple devices, Apple counts a portion of that spend as facilitated by them.
A recent court ruling now prohibits Apple from charging a 27% commission on external transactions, a consequence of their antitrust battle with Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games. Apple had previously adapted by allowing developers to direct users to external purchases but maintained a hefty commission and imposed restrictions on link presentation.
The court deemed Apple’s actions anticompetitive, forcing it to update its App Store rules, allowing developers more freedom to direct consumers to external payment methods without additional fees. Apps like Spotify, Amazon Kindle, and Patreon have already seized this opportunity, with smaller developers following suit.
Despite Apple’s appeal citing “grave irreparable harm,” the move is seen as a long-overdue shift by many developers who feel the tech giant should have lowered commissions broadly long ago. In 2024, U.S. App Store revenue from apps and games significantly boosted Apple’s financial standing, earning about $6.28 billion and $3.83 billion, respectively.
These developments underscore the App Store’s vital role in Apple’s financial health and its relentless efforts to maintain control over this lucrative segment.
