New figures released by Apple show that its App Store helped move more than $1.3 trillion worth of goods and services last year—though the tech giant only took a cut from a small slice of that.
Most of the money, Apple says, came from business outside its commission model. Nearly 90% of those sales took place without the company pocketing a fee, as they involved physical products or services delivered offline, like food orders, retail shopping, or travel bookings.
Digital services still made up a hefty share—roughly $131 billion—with mobile games, image editing tools, and work-related apps making up the bulk of that amount. In-app advertising added another $150 billion to the pot, showing that the App Store isn’t just about downloads but also runs as a moneymaking platform for marketers.
Looking back to 2019, the spending has more than doubled across all categories. The biggest jump was in real-world goods and services, which ballooned to more than two and a half times their previous value. This rise mirrors changing consumer habits, as more people rely on apps to get things done—from ordering dinner to hiring a cleaner.
Apple framed the report as proof that the App Store supports a wide range of businesses, not just those selling virtual content. It pointed to the platform’s reach and its role in helping developers get discovered. The company also highlighted the tech tools it offers—such as development kits, payment systems, and fraud protection.
But critics argue that the App Store’s success is closely tied to Apple’s own devices. Since apps are one of the iPhone’s biggest selling points, some developers say they should be allowed to reach users on their own terms. Right now, Apple’s rules make that tricky.
That grip is beginning to loosen. In the United States, a recent court decision sided with app maker Epic Games, requiring Apple to let developers direct users to pay on their own websites. In Europe, regulators are pushing similar changes under the Digital Markets Act, a law that forces tech firms to open the door to alternative payment options.
The figures come from research funded by Apple and carried out by two economists—one based at Boston University, the other with the consulting firm Analysis Group, which has worked closely with Apple in past legal battles.
The study also pointed to strong growth in places like the US, China, and Europe, where App Store sales have more than doubled over the last five years. In America alone, digital payment use has risen more than sevenfold—another sign of how mobile habits are shifting.
Apple also shared that the App Store now pulls in over 800 million visits every week, underscoring its role as one of the biggest marketplaces on the internet.
Read next: Meta’s Oversight Board Slams Slow Moderation of Deepfake Celebrity Ads on Platform
Most of the money, Apple says, came from business outside its commission model. Nearly 90% of those sales took place without the company pocketing a fee, as they involved physical products or services delivered offline, like food orders, retail shopping, or travel bookings.
Digital services still made up a hefty share—roughly $131 billion—with mobile games, image editing tools, and work-related apps making up the bulk of that amount. In-app advertising added another $150 billion to the pot, showing that the App Store isn’t just about downloads but also runs as a moneymaking platform for marketers.
Looking back to 2019, the spending has more than doubled across all categories. The biggest jump was in real-world goods and services, which ballooned to more than two and a half times their previous value. This rise mirrors changing consumer habits, as more people rely on apps to get things done—from ordering dinner to hiring a cleaner.
Apple framed the report as proof that the App Store supports a wide range of businesses, not just those selling virtual content. It pointed to the platform’s reach and its role in helping developers get discovered. The company also highlighted the tech tools it offers—such as development kits, payment systems, and fraud protection.
But critics argue that the App Store’s success is closely tied to Apple’s own devices. Since apps are one of the iPhone’s biggest selling points, some developers say they should be allowed to reach users on their own terms. Right now, Apple’s rules make that tricky.
That grip is beginning to loosen. In the United States, a recent court decision sided with app maker Epic Games, requiring Apple to let developers direct users to pay on their own websites. In Europe, regulators are pushing similar changes under the Digital Markets Act, a law that forces tech firms to open the door to alternative payment options.
The figures come from research funded by Apple and carried out by two economists—one based at Boston University, the other with the consulting firm Analysis Group, which has worked closely with Apple in past legal battles.
The study also pointed to strong growth in places like the US, China, and Europe, where App Store sales have more than doubled over the last five years. In America alone, digital payment use has risen more than sevenfold—another sign of how mobile habits are shifting.
Apple also shared that the App Store now pulls in over 800 million visits every week, underscoring its role as one of the biggest marketplaces on the internet.
Read next: Meta’s Oversight Board Slams Slow Moderation of Deepfake Celebrity Ads on Platform
