Apple App Store Commissions: $10B+ Revenue - Appfigures

Apple's U.S. App Store Revenue Surpasses $10 Billion

Recent analysis by app intelligence firm Appfigures reveals that Apple’s U.S. App Store generated over $10 billion in revenue last year.

The firm’s estimations demonstrate a more than twofold increase in U.S. App Store revenue derived from commissions between 2020 and 2024.

Growth in Commission Revenue

In 2020, Apple’s commission share from the App Store stood at approximately $4.76 billion. This figure experienced substantial growth, exceeding $10.1 billion by 2024.

U.S. App Store developers collectively achieved $33.68 billion in gross revenue from their applications and games in 2024, utilizing Apple’s payment infrastructure.

After Apple’s commission was deducted, developers retained $23.57 billion.

Global App Store Revenue

While Apple doesn't routinely disclose specific App Store revenue figures during its earnings reports, a report published in May 2023 indicated that the App Store globally generated an estimated $104 billion in billings for digital goods and services in 2022.

However, Appfigures’ independent analysis determined the App Store’s global revenue to be $61.5 billion in 2022, increasing to $91.3 billion in 2024.

Consequently, Apple earned over $27.39 billion in commissions globally last year, according to Appfigures.

Discrepancies in Reporting

A notable difference exists between the revenue figures presented by Appfigures and those reported by Apple.

This divergence can be attributed to a crucial clarification within Apple’s report. The company explicitly states that its “billings and sales” figures are not equivalent to App Store billings.

Apple's Calculation Methodology

When compiling its report, Apple aimed to showcase the App Store’s substantial size and its significant contribution to the broader economy.

To achieve this, the company integrated App Store revenue with revenue generated through channels outside the App Store, creating a consolidated total for the “Billings and Sales” category.

Apple’s calculations included a portion of an app’s total revenue that was facilitated by the App Store, even if the initial purchase occurred on a different platform.

For example, if a user subscribes to Hulu via the web but utilizes Apple devices for 60% of their streaming time, Apple attributes 60% of that user’s expenditure to its platform.

(Usage determination relied on data from third-party market research firms, estimating usage across smartphones, tablets, desktops, and TVs.)

Enterprise App Distribution

Furthermore, Apple permits enterprises to distribute applications with in-app purchases, which are not reflected within the standard App Store visibility.

“Grave Irreparable Harm?”

The financial implications surrounding U.S. Apple App Store revenue are now under intense scrutiny. This is particularly true following a recent court decision preventing Apple from enforcing its 27% commission on transactions occurring outside the App Store ecosystem.

Initially, Apple responded to the court injunction – a result of its antitrust dispute with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite – by implementing changes designed to minimize impact on App Store profitability.

Last year, Apple permitted developers to request exemptions to its standard App Store policies. This allowed them to integrate web links within their applications, directing customers to external purchasing options. However, Apple continued to levy a 27% commission on these external purchases.

Furthermore, Apple maintained strict control over the presentation of these website links. This included the implementation of warning messages, often termed “scare screens,” intended to caution consumers about the perceived risks of purchasing outside the App Store.

A judge recently determined that Apple was in deliberate non-compliance with the 2021 injunction. The basis for this finding was Apple’s continued collection of fees on off-app purchases and the introduction of new, anticompetitive restrictions.

This ruling compelled Apple to revise its U.S. App Store guidelines. Developers are now authorized to provide links to alternative purchasing methods without facing commissions or encountering obstacles. Several applications have already adopted this functionality, including Spotify, Amazon Kindle, and Patreon.

Even a small game emulator, Delta, is now utilizing Patreon memberships for financial support.

Apple is currently appealing the decision, asserting in its latest submission that the ruling inflicts “grave irreparable harm” upon the company.

According to Apple’s filing, “These restrictions, which will cost Apple substantial sums annually, are based on conduct that has never been adjudicated to be (and is not) unlawful.” The filing further argues that the restrictions stem from a flawed, earlier state-law injunction.

This line of reasoning is unlikely to resonate with developers. Many contend that Apple should have proactively reduced commissions for all developers long ago, rather than limiting reductions to small businesses.

An analysis by Appfigures detailed U.S. App Store revenue, revealing that apps generated approximately $6.28 billion for Apple in 2024.

Games contributed a further $3.83 billion to Apple’s revenue during the same period.

These combined figures underscore the vital role App Store revenue plays in Apple’s overall financial performance. This explains the company’s vigorous defense of its control over the platform.