Days before WWDC 2026, Apple released a new study by Analysis Group showing the App Store ecosystem facilitated a record $1.4 trillion in total billings and sales last year, up from $1.3 trillion. The headline figure is that more than 90% of transactions occurred without Apple taking any commission. Digital goods alone accounted for $149 billion in sales.
Record-breaking numbers
The study highlights that the App Store ecosystem has nearly tripled in size since 2019. Apple emphasizes that this growth proves the platform's health and the success of developers worldwide. With regulatory pressure mounting, Apple is using this data to defend its commission model, arguing that the vast majority of developers pay nothing.
The AI app boom
Apps featuring consumer-facing artificial intelligence saw 4x more growth in billings compared to the average app. This signals a massive shift in consumer demand and developer opportunity. At next week's WWDC, Apple is expected to unveil deeper AI integration across iOS, likely leveraging this momentum.
What this means for developers
The key takeaway is twofold. First, building a business on the App Store does not require paying Apple's 30% cut for most physical goods and services. Second, AI-powered apps are the fastest-growing segment. As previously discussed in our coverage of AI and courts drowning, artificial intelligence is reshaping entire industries, and mobile apps are at the forefront. Developers who invest in AI features now will be ahead of the curve when iOS 27 and new tools debut.
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