App Store Drives $1.3T in Developer Success Worldwide

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

In a landmark achievement for digital commerce, Apple’s App Store ecosystem facilitated a staggering $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024, according to a study by Professor Andrey Fradkin of Boston University Questrom School of Business and Dr.Jessica Burley of Analysis Group. Remarkably, over 90% of these transactions were commission-free for developers, underscoring the App Store’s role as a global launchpad for innovation and economic opportunity.

According to the report by Next Move Strategy Consulting, the global Mobile Commerce Market size is predicted to reach USD 2650.5 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 26.1% from 2025-2030.

“It’s incredible to see so many developers design great apps, build successful businesses, and reach Apple users around the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This report is a testament to the many ways developers are enriching people’s lives with app and game experiences, while creating opportunity and driving new innovations.”

A Thriving Global Platform for Developers

The App Store has become a cornerstone of digital commerce, enabling developers to monetize their creations through diverse revenue streams. In 2024:

Digital goods and services generated $131 billion, driven by demand for games, photo and video editing apps, and enterprise tools.
Physical goods and services surpassed $1 trillion, propelled by surging interest in online food delivery, pickup, and grocery orders.
In-app advertising contributed $150 billion, allowing developers to offer free or low-cost apps while maintaining profitability.

Since 2019, spending across these categories has more than doubled, with physical goods and services showing the strongest growth at 2.6 times the 2019 levels. The rise of AI-powered apps and tools for content creation, such as Adobe’s Photoshop and Lightroom, has further expanded the App Store’s influence, empowering creators and professionals alike.

Regional Growth and Innovation Trends

The App Store’s global reach, attracting over 813 million weekly visitors, has fueled remarkable growth across regions:

U.S.: Digital payment spending grew seven-fold since 2019, reflecting the mainstream adoption of mobile payment.
China: E-commerce and online grocery spending surged, with the latter increasing over five-fold.
Europe: Food delivery and pickup spending tripled, outpacing growth in retail and travel.
Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and India: Travel apps emerged as a dominant spending category.

Content creation apps, particularly photo and video editing tools like Adobe Lightroom—named Apple’s 2024 Mac App of the Year—have seen steady growth, integrating AI-powered features to meet the needs of creative professionals and hobbyists.

Apple’s Commitment to Developer Empowerment

Apple’s investments in developer tools and programs have streamlined app creation and distribution. The App Store supports over 40 local currencies and seamless tax handling in nearly 200 regions, while tools like Xcode, TestFlight, and App Analytics help developers build, test, and optimize their apps. Apple’s integrated payment system has also protected users, preventing over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions over the past five years.

Through initiatives like Apple Developer Centers in the U.S., China, India, and Singapore, and Apple Developer Academies in Brazil, Indonesia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the U.S., Apple fosters a vibrant developer community. These programs, alongside resources like Pathways and Apple Developer Forums, provide access to over 250,000 APIs and frameworks such as HealthKit, Metal, Core ML, MapKit, and SwiftUI.

A Launchpad for Future Innovation

As the App Store continues to drive economic impact, its role in fostering innovation remains unparalleled. Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, scheduled for next week, will offer developers free access to over 100 technical sessions, online labs, and one-on-one consultations with Apple experts, further empowering them to create transformative apps.

Redefining Digital Commerce

The App Store’s $1.3 trillion ecosystem in 2024 highlights its transformative impact on developers and users worldwide. By providing a robust platform for innovation, Apple continues to empower developers to build thriving businesses and deliver cutting-edge experiences to a global audience.

Next Steps for Developers and Businesses

To capitalize on the App Store’s $1.3 trillion ecosystem in 2024, developers and businesses can take these concise steps:

Target High-Growth Categories: Develop apps for food delivery, grocery, travel, or AI-powered content creation, leveraging tools like Xcode and Core ML to meet demand (e.g., 2.6x growth in physical goods since 2019).
Use In-App Advertising: Integrate ads to tap into the $150 billion ad revenue stream, using App Analytics to optimize performance while keeping apps affordable.
Expand Globally: Focus on regions like the U.S., China, Europe, and India, using the App Store’s 40+ currencies and localization to reach 813 million weekly visitors.
Leverage Apple’s Resources: Join WWDC, Apple Developer Centers, or Academies to access 100+ technical sessions, 250,000+ APIs, and training in frameworks like SwiftUI.
Ensure Security: Use Apple’s payment system to prevent fraud, building on its $9 billion in blocked transactions, to maintain user trust.
Innovate with AI: Build AI-enhanced apps, like Adobe Lightroom, using Core ML and TestFlight to create cutting-edge content creation tools.