The App Store has established itself as one of the most important revenue channels for developers in the US in 2024. With a total volume of $406 billion in billings and sales, the App Store ecosystem is larger than ever. Apple remains not only a technology company but also a central platform for digital business models. Anyone who develops apps should closely examine the current figures and developments.
Apple has invested heavily in the infrastructure surrounding its App Store in recent years. Developers in the US have benefited most from this. Apple has not received a commission on more than 90 percent of the revenue generated through the App Store. This demonstrates that the platform is not only scalable but also fairly structured. Small developers have been able to grow rapidly in a short period of time. This demonstrates the enormous potential of a systematically developed app business.
406 billion US dollars in sales in 2024
According to a study by Professor Andrey Fradkin of Boston University and economist Jessica Burley of the Analysis Group, a total of $406 billion in developer billing and sales were processed through the US App Store in 2024. Of this, $277 billion was for physical goods and services, $75 billion for in-app advertising, and $53 billion for digital goods and services.
No commission for most sales
What's particularly striking is that developers paid no commission to Apple for over 90 percent of these sales. This means that anyone who generates revenue outside of traditional digital purchases—for example, with physical products or advertising—can use the App Store as a sales platform without paying directly to Apple.
Growth across the ecosystem
Since 2019, the App Store ecosystem in the US has nearly tripled in size—from $142 billion to $406 billion. US developers' revenues have also more than doubled during this time. Growth is particularly strong among smaller developers, with their revenue increasing by 76 percent between 2021 and 2024. Apple cites the powerful role of individuals and small teams who had access to professional tools and global reach from the start.
Strong app categories drive growth
The largest revenue drivers in 2024 were retail, food and grocery delivery, travel apps, and enterprise applications. Spending on physical goods and services has more than tripled since 2019. By comparison, spending on digital content and advertising has also more than doubled. Travel apps and food and grocery delivery services are now even surpassing ride-hailing. Users are increasingly booking their trips through apps, and more and more restaurants are offering delivery options directly through the app. The gaming, productivity, education, and business categories are seeing particularly strong revenues.
Global markets, global success
Through the App Store, US developers have access to users in 175 countries. Many of their apps are among the most downloaded worldwide. US apps are in the top 5 in 170 of the 175 App Store regions. Apple's global payment and commerce system makes monetization in other markets much easier.
Security and control remain key points
Apple continues to emphasize the security of its App Store. According to the company, it has prevented over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions in the last five years. In 2024, approximately 1.9 million app submissions were rejected for failing to meet security, reliability, or usability requirements.
Tools and programs for developers
Apple offers a wide range of tools for app development and optimization. These include App Store Connect, StoreKit, custom product pages, and App Analytics. New features like Accessibility Nutrition Labels are designed to help developers better reach their target audiences. Frameworks such as HealthKit, Metal, Core ML, MapKit, and SwiftUI are also available. Over 250,000 APIs can be used. Programs such as Meet with Apple and the Apple Developer Center in Cupertino offer additional support. Workshops, consultations, and training sessions are offered regularly.
Practical example: Slopes
One example of the success of small developers is the app Slopes. Started as a standalone project, it is now used by over 5 million skiers and snowboarders. Slopes integrates features like HealthKit, ARKit, and Live Activities and now also runs on the Apple Watch. This success demonstrates how far a project can grow with the right support from Apple.
Training and promotion of young talent
Apple also supports the next generation of developers. The first Apple Developer Academy in the US was founded in Detroit in 2021 in cooperation with Michigan State University. More than 1,200 students have already received training there in coding, design, AI, and marketing. There is also the Apple Foundation Program, a four-week intensive course that also prepares students for app development.
2.9 million jobs created by Apple in the USA
Apple supports over 2.9 million jobs in the US through direct employment, collaboration with suppliers, and the thriving app economy. The App Store is a central component of this ecosystem.
Apple provides the platform – you bring the idea
For developers in the US, the App Store is a more lucrative platform than ever in 2024. Sales volume is growing rapidly, conditions are fair, and tools are comprehensive. Anyone with an app idea today can make it a global success with Apple's support – even without a large development team. With the right tools, a clear strategy, and a focus on quality, Apple offers the opportunity for commercial success in the App Store. (Image: Shutterstock / miss.cabul)
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