Apple touts $1.4 trillion in App Store billings and sales, 90% without a commission

Apple announced on Thursday that its App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.4 trillion in total billings and sales in 2025, up from $1.3 trillion the previous year. The figure, derived from a study by economists at the Analysis Group, highlights the platform's continued growth. Notably, Apple emphasized that over 90% of these transactions occurred without any commission paid to the company, as they involved physical goods, services, and advertising. Only $149 billion came from digital goods and services, which are subject to Apple's standard 15-30% commission.

The report breaks down the $1.4 trillion into three categories: physical goods and services accounted for $1.1 trillion, digital goods and services contributed $149 billion, and in-app advertising generated $118 billion. The increase from last year's $1.3 trillion underscores the resilience of the App Store economy, even amid regulatory scrutiny and legal battles over Apple's commission structure.

Apple has faced mounting pressure from developers and regulators, particularly in the European Union and the United States, over its App Store policies. The company has made concessions, such as reducing commissions for small developers and allowing alternative payment methods in some regions. However, it continues to defend its ecosystem, arguing that the vast majority of transactions are commission-free, benefiting businesses of all sizes.

The data also shows that small developers—those earning less than $1 million in annual proceeds—have seen their revenue grow by 95% over the past five years. This aligns with Apple's narrative that its platform supports entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.

Despite the positive figures, critics point out that the $149 billion in digital goods represents a significant revenue stream for Apple, generating billions in commission fees. The company's tight control over in-app purchases remains a point of contention, with ongoing antitrust cases in multiple jurisdictions.

Overall, the $1.4 trillion milestone reinforces the App Store's role as a major economic engine, but the debate over its fairness and transparency is likely to continue.