Apple’s U.S. App Store generated over $10.1 billion in commission revenue in 2024, more than doubling from $4.76 billion in 2020, according to app intelligence firm Appfigures. This substantial growth underscores the App Store’s pivotal role in Apple’s services sector.
Breakdown of App Store Revenue
In 2024, U.S. developers amassed approximately $33.68 billion in gross revenue through the App Store. After Apple’s standard commission deductions, developers retained about $23.57 billion. Globally, the App Store’s gross revenue reached $91.3 billion in 2024, with Apple earning over $27.39 billion in commissions.TechCrunch
Legal Pressures and Policy Changes
Apple’s commission practices have come under scrutiny following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who found Apple in violation of a 2021 injunction from the Epic Games lawsuit. The court mandated that Apple cease charging up to a 27% commission on external purchases and allow developers to direct users to alternative payment options without restrictions.
In response, Apple has updated its App Store guidelines, permitting apps to link to external payment systems. Companies like Spotify, Amazon Kindle, and Patreon have already implemented these changes, enabling users to make purchases outside the App Store ecosystem.
Future Outlook
The recent court ruling poses significant financial implications for Apple, potentially affecting billions in revenue. As developers gain more freedom to implement external payment methods, Apple’s traditional commission-based model faces challenges, prompting the company to adapt its strategies in the evolving digital marketplace.New York Post
