Apple App Store Generates Rs 44,447 Crores in Sales in India; Developers’ Global Earnings Triple

On Monday, Apple unveiled a comprehensive study conducted by Professor Viswanath Pingali from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, highlighting the significant economic impact of the App Store ecosystem in India. The report reveals that in India, the App Store facilitated an impressive Rs 44,447 crores ($5.31 billion) in developer billings and sales. Remarkably, over 94% of this revenue was directed straight to developers and businesses of all sizes, with no commission being paid to Apple, underscoring the substantial contribution of the App Store to the Indian economy.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, expressed his enthusiasm about the findings, calling the App Store “an economic miracle” for developers not just in India, but across the globe. He emphasized that the study underscores the vitality of India's app economy, a sector that continues to thrive with immense growth potential. Cook reiterated Apple’s ongoing commitment to supporting developers of all sizes and providing the resources they need to create impactful apps that enrich people’s lives.

Titled “The Apple Ecosystem in India: Its Value to Developers and Users,” the study tracks the journey of Indian developers since the launch of the App Store 15 years ago. Over the years, Indian developers have found innovative ways to monetize their apps across various categories, including games, health and fitness, lifestyle, and utilities. The study reveals that the Indian app ecosystem has matured into a dynamic, vibrant sector, contributing to a healthy, competitive environment for developers.

One of the key highlights of the study is that nearly 80% of earnings by India-based developers in 2024 were derived from users outside India. This reflects the international reach of Indian-developed apps, as they cater to a global audience. Additionally, the study shows that 87% of Indian developers were active on multiple storefronts, a testament to their adaptability and wide market appeal. Apps developed by Indian developers were downloaded more than 755 million times in 2024, a remarkable feat that is double the number of downloads from just five years ago. Notably, Indian-developed apps ranked among the top 100 most-downloaded apps across 70 storefronts outside India, further highlighting the global success of India-based developers.

The study also highlights the success of small developers, noting a 74% increase in their earnings from 2021 to 2024. Apple’s App Store Small Business Program has been instrumental in this growth, offering reduced commission rates that help small developers scale their businesses. This initiative is part of Apple’s broader strategy to ensure that developers of all sizes can thrive within the App Store ecosystem.

In a move to further support the Indian developer community, Apple has established a Developer Center in Bengaluru, where developers receive hands-on support and training. The center also provides access to over 250,000 APIs, with frameworks such as HealthKit, Metal, and Core ML. This initiative is expected to nurture innovation and foster collaboration, allowing developers to take full advantage of the tools and resources Apple offers.

Apple’s commitment to a secure and trustworthy environment for developers and users is evident from the company's efforts to combat fraudulent activities. Between 2020 and 2023, Apple successfully prevented over $7 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions, including $1.8 billion in 2023 alone. Additionally, Apple rejected more than 1.7 million app submissions for not meeting its stringent privacy, security, and quality standards, ensuring a safe and reliable App Store experience for users globally.

The findings of the study highlight the growing significance of India’s app economy, and Apple’s role in helping developers succeed in the global marketplace. The company’s continued investment in its ecosystem in India not only supports local businesses but also contributes to the broader global app economy, reaffirming the importance of India as a key player in the world of app development.