Apple says its App Store helped generate $1.3T in billings and sales, most without a commission

Core Insights - Apple reported that developers generated $1.3 trillion in billings and sales in 2024, with 90% of these transactions not involving a commission to Apple [1] - The total for digital goods and services reached $131 billion, driven by mobile games and enterprise tools, while physical goods and services exceeded $1 trillion, largely due to online food delivery and grocery apps [2] - In-app advertising revenue was recorded at $150 billion last year [2] Group 1: Growth Trends - Spending across digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising has more than doubled since 2019, with physical goods and services growing over 2.6 times [3] - Billings and sales facilitated by the App Store more than doubled in the U.S., China, and Europe over the past five years [9] - Digital payment spending in the U.S. has increased by more than 7 times since 2019 due to the adoption of mobile payments [9] Group 2: App Store Ecosystem - The App Store creates financial opportunities for mobile developers beyond in-app purchases, providing a platform for app discovery and necessary technical infrastructure [4] - The App Store attracts an average of 813 million visitors weekly worldwide [10] - Apple has invested in various tools and technologies to support developers, including coding platforms, analytics, and anti-fraud systems [11] Group 3: Regulatory Environment - A recent court ruling in favor of Epic Games requires Apple to allow developers to link to their own websites for in-app purchases without paying a commission [6] - Apple is contesting rules proposed by the Digital Markets Act in Europe, which would require it to inform developers about alternative payment options [6]