Apple’s US App Store ecosystem achieved a remarkable milestone, facilitating $406 billion in developer billings and sales during 2024, representing a threefold increase from 2019. The figures, verified by Boston University and Analysis Group researchers, demonstrate the platform’s substantial impact on the American digital economy.
The announcement, made on May 29, 2025, showcases the App Store’s evolution from a simple app marketplace to a comprehensive economic powerhouse. The $406 billion total encompasses digital transactions, physical goods, in-app advertising, and various services, highlighting the platform’s diverse revenue streams.
Notably, over 90% of these billings and sales required no commission payments to Apple, demonstrating the company’s developer-friendly approach. The remaining 10% primarily comprised digital purchases, aligning with standard industry commission practices.
The platform’s growth trajectory has been particularly impressive. From $142 billion in 2019, the total billings and sales have nearly tripled, reflecting the rapid expansion of digital and on-demand services. Small developers, defined as those earning less than $1 million annually, witnessed a 76% increase in earnings between 2021 and 2024.
A detailed breakdown of the 2024 figures reveals significant growth across multiple sectors. Physical goods and services dominated with $285 billion in sales, while in-app advertising contributed $6 billion, and digital goods and services generated $96 billion. Retail spending and grocery delivery emerged as standout performers, each experiencing more than fourfold growth over the past five years.
Professor Andrey Fradkin from Boston University, who co-authored the study, emphasised the platform’s role in democratising opportunity: “The data show that the App Store is creating economic value on a massive scale, with small and large businesses alike finding success.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the platform’s enduring impact, stating, “For more than 15 years, the App Store has created incredible opportunity for app developers, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes. We’ll continue to invest in powerful tools, technology, and resources to help developers in the US and around the world take their apps to new heights.”
The ecosystem’s success extends beyond direct financial metrics, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the United States, from independent developers to large-scale logistics providers. The platform has become particularly crucial for small businesses, offering them access to a vast customer base and sophisticated development tools.
Looking ahead, the App Store’s influence appears set to grow further, driven by AI-powered applications, increased in-app advertising, and evolving consumer preferences for digital services. The platform’s ability to adapt to changing market demands whilst maintaining strong developer relationships suggests continued growth in the coming years.
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