Chinese developers help support thriving Apple App Store system

Developers in China generated $539 billion in total billings and sales in Apple's App Store system in 2024, showcasing the vitality and innovation prowess of China's software developers, according to a new study by Boston University Questrom School of Business and the market research company Analysis Group.

In comparison, the total billings and sales numbers for developers in the US and Europe are $406 billion and $148 billion, respectively. Overall, the global App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales in 2024.

Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, said, "It's incredible to see so many developers design great apps, build successful businesses, and reach Apple users around the world."

"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 innovations. We're proud to support their success."

For more than 90 percent of the billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem, developers did not pay any commission to Apple, the study said.

According to the study, Apple App Store's engine of commerce provides developers with a global distribution platform that allows them to reach users around the world, attracting over 813 million average weekly visitors worldwide.

The study found that over the last five years, in particular, billings and sales facilitated by the App Store ecosystem more than doubled in the US, China, and Europe. Spending on digital goods and services, physical goods and services, and in-app advertising grew across all regions during that period.

In China, e-commerce marketplaces expanded substantially and online grocery spending saw a five-fold increase since 2019, the study added.