Apple’s Impressive $10 Billion Earnings from US App Store Commissions in 2022

In 2024, Apple’s U.S. App Store generated an impressive revenue of over $10 billion, according to a detailed analysis by app intelligence provider Appfigures. This remarkable growth highlights the increasing significance of the App Store in the mobile app economy.

U.S. App Store Revenue Growth

Appfigures’ analysis indicates that Apple’s share from App Store commissions has more than doubled since 2020. Here are some key figures:

• 2020: $4.76 billion in commissions
• 2024: Over $10.1 billion in commissions

Developers’ Earnings from the App Store

In 2024, U.S. App Store developers achieved a gross revenue of $33.68 billion from their applications and games. After accounting for Apple’s commission, developers retained approximately $23.57 billion.

Global App Store Performance

While Apple does not typically disclose specific App Store revenue in its earnings reports, a report from May 2023 indicated that the App Store generated an estimated $104 billion in global billings for digital goods and services in 2022. However, Appfigures’ data suggests a different scenario:

• 2022 Global Revenue: $61.5 billion
• Projected 2024 Global Revenue: $91.3 billion
• Commissions Earned Globally: More than $27.39 billion in 2023

Understanding the Discrepancy

This variance between Appfigures’ analysis and Apple’s reported figures can be attributed to the way Apple categorizes its revenue. Apple’s report states that its “billings and sales” are not equivalent to App Store billings, emphasizing the complexity of revenue generation through the platform.

Legal Challenges and App Store Regulations

Recent legal developments surrounding the U.S. App Store have intensified discussions about Apple’s commission structure. A recent court ruling has mandated that Apple may no longer charge a 27% commission on transactions made outside the App Store.

In response to this ruling, Apple initially modified its policies to comply while attempting to protect its profits. This included:

• Allowing developers to apply for exceptions to include web links for external purchases.
• Continuing to impose a 27% commission on external purchases.

Judicial Findings Against Apple

A judge recently ruled that Apple was in “willful violation” of the injunction by continuing to collect fees on external purchases. This decision prompted Apple to revise its App Store rules, enabling developers to link to alternative payment options without incurring extra fees. Notable apps like Spotify, Amazon Kindle, and Patreon have begun to leverage this new flexibility.

Apple’s Response and Developers’ Perspectives

Apple is currently appealing the court’s decision, arguing that it poses “grave irreparable harm” to the company. They assert that these restrictions could lead to significant financial losses, claiming they were imposed unjustly.

Many developers, however, argue that Apple should have reduced commissions for all developers, not just those categorized as small businesses. According to Appfigures’ analysis, U.S. App Store revenue is divided between apps, generating approximately $6.28 billion, and games, which brought in about $3.83 billion in 2024. This data underscores the continued importance of App Store revenue to Apple’s financial health.

For further insights into Apple’s ongoing legal battles and their implications, check out our articles on Apple’s Antitrust Case and Tech News.