Over 94% of this revenue went directly to developers, with no commission to Apple, reflecting its growing support for India’s developer community, which numbers around 15.4 million.
Apple's App Store ecosystem in India generated ₹444 billion (around $5.31 billion) in developer billings and sales in 2024, as per a recent study by IIM Ahmedabad professor Viswanath Pingali.
The study, first reported by the business news portal Moneycontrol, highlights that over 94% of this revenue flowed directly to developers without Apple taking a commission. The breakdown of the ₹444 billion reveals ₹389 billion came from the sale of physical goods and services, ₹30 billion from in-app advertising, and ₹25 billion from digital goods and services. This reflects the company’s evolving support for the developer community in India which has as many as 15.4 million developers as per GitHub data.
The findings point to particularly strong performances in app categories such as food delivery, travel, gaming, and entertainment. The global footprint of Indian developers has expanded significantly, with 80% of their App Store earnings now coming from outside India. Downloads of India-made apps have doubled over the past five years, reaching over 755 million globally. Success stories like Fluid Touch’s Noteshelf and Raja Vijayaraman’s Lumy illustrate the international appeal of Indian-built apps, aided by Apple's initiatives like the Developer Center in Bengaluru.
Domestically, the App Store’s growth has been equally robust. App downloads within India have tripled, while earnings have surged fivefold over the past five years. Sectors like quick commerce and gig economy services have played a major role in this growth.
Apple CEO Tim Cook described the App Store as an "economic miracle" for Indian developers.
Small developers have seen major benefits with their earnings on the App Store jumping by 74% between 2021 and 2024, helped by programs like Apple’s Small Business Program, which offers reduced commission rates.
Despite the celebratory tone of the economic report, the shadow of the CCI's ongoing antitrust investigation looms. Launched in 2021, the probe examines allegations that Apple leverages its dominant market position unfairly, particularly through mandatory use of its payment system and commission structure. Confidential investigation reports, despite procedural complexities involving recalls due to alleged disclosure of sensitive data, have reportedly concluded that Apple engaged in "abusive conduct and practices". The CCI probe found Apple's App Store to be an "unavoidable trading partner" for developers who "have no choice but to adhere to Apple's unfair terms".
Apple continues to deny any wrongdoing, arguing its market share in India remains small compared to Google's Android and emphasizing the security and value its integrated system provides. The CCI case, however, remains active, adding a layer of regulatory uncertainty to the App Store's future narrative in India.
Source: Fortune India, Business World
