Apple's US App Store topped $400B in developer billings and sales in 2024

Core Insights - The U.S. App Store ecosystem generated $406 billion in developer billings and sales in 2024, nearly tripling from $142 billion in 2019 [1] - 90% of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store involved developers paying no commission [1] Developer Economics - A study funded by Apple highlighted that only a small portion of developers pay commissions, with many on reduced commission plans [2][3] - Earnings for U.S.-based developers have more than doubled over the last five years, with small business developers seeing a 76% increase in earnings from 2021 to 2024 [9] Market Dynamics - The App Store allows developers to reach a global market of 175 countries and regions, preventing billions in fraudulent transactions [10] - In 2023, the App Store ecosystem facilitated $277 billion in total billings and sales from physical goods and services, $75 billion from in-app advertising, and $53 billion from digital goods and services [11] - Spending on physical goods and services has more than tripled since 2019, while in-app spending on digital goods and services and in-app advertising has more than doubled [11] Legal and Competitive Landscape - A recent court ruling required Apple to reform its App Store policies regarding external payments, leading to increased competition [4] - Apple is currently appealing the ruling that mandates developers to add links to their apps for web payment options [4]