Apple Says App Store Ecosystem Generated $1.3 Trillion in 2024

Apple today announced that its global App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024, according to a new study. The research, conducted by economists Professor Andrey Fradkin from Boston University's Questrom School of Business and Dr. Jessica Burley from Analysis Group, was supported by Apple.



The study found that of the $1.3 trillion total, $131 billion originated from digital goods and services, over $1 trillion from physical goods and services, and $150 billion from in-app advertising placed by developers. Apple highlighted that for more than 90 percent of these transactions, developers paid no commission to the company.


This economic activity has more than doubled since 2019, when the ecosystem facilitated $514 billion. The report attributes this significant growth to increased app usage for everyday life, technological advancements, greater digital adoption, and shifts in consumer behavior toward m-commerce and digital entertainment. Digital goods and services grew 109% in that five-year period, physical goods and services by 162%, and in-app advertising revenue by 131%.



Regionally, billings and sales in the U.S., China, and Europe all doubled or more over the last five years. As previously reported, the U.S. market alone saw $406 billion in billings and sales in 2024. The study noted that digital payment spending in the U.S. has grown over seven-fold since 2019. China experienced substantial growth in e-commerce and a five-fold increase in online grocery spending, while Europe saw food delivery and pickup spending more than triple. Travel apps were significant categories in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India. Apps for content creation, like Adobe's photo and video editing tools, also saw continued success.

Apple reiterated its commitment to supporting developers through various tools, technologies, and resources, including its commerce system that handles over 40 local currencies and tax in nearly 200 regions. The company also pointed to its App Review process and security measures, which it says prevented over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions over the past five years, as detailed in its 2024 App Store Transparency Report. Initiatives like App Store Accessibility Nutrition Labels, coming later this year, and ongoing programs like Apple Developer Academies and Developer Centers, were also mentioned.


Developers will have the opportunity to learn more about the latest Apple technologies at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off next week with over 100 free online technical sessions.

You can download the full study at the link below.

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