A study released by Apple, led by Professor Viswanath Pingali from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, has highlighted the remarkable growth of India’s App Store ecosystem. According to the study, the App Store generated Rs. 44,447 crore ($5.31 billion) in developer billings and sales in 2024.
In a key insight, the report revealed that over 94% of this revenue was retained by developers and businesses, without Apple taking any commission. This growth has been significant over the last five years, with earnings for Indian developers tripling, reflecting the vast business opportunities the App Store has facilitated globally.
Indian Developers’ Earnings Breakdown
The study shows how Indian developers have leveraged the App Store to cater to diverse sectors, contributing significantly to its growth. In 2024, the earnings from these developers included:
- Rs. 38,906 crore ($4.65 billion) from the sale of physical goods and services.
- Rs. 3,014 crore ($352.9 million) from in-app advertising.
- Rs. 2,527 crore ($302 million) from digital goods and services.
This illustrates how the App Store has become a dynamic platform where developers monetize a variety of app categories, from gaming to education and fitness, thereby supporting both local and global businesses.
The Global Reach of Indian Developers
Indian developers leverage the App Store’s extensive global reach, with access to 175 regional storefronts, allowing them to distribute their apps worldwide. In 2024, nearly 80% of their earnings came from users outside of India, with 87% of these developers engaging with multiple storefronts. Their apps were downloaded a total of 755 million times worldwide, a number that has doubled in just five years.
Many apps developed by Indian creators have found their way to the top of the charts in global markets. As an example, the note-taking app Noteshelf by Fluid Touch has expanded its user base to more than 150 countries. Founder Rama Krishna credits Apple’s technology, including resources like the Apple Developer Center in Bengaluru, for helping his app become a global success.
Growth in Local Indian Communities
Beyond international reach, the App Store has had a significant impact on India’s digital landscape. Downloads from Indian users have more than tripled over the last five years, with earnings from these users growing exponentially. Apps designed to serve the quick commerce and gig economy have become essential tools, helping users accomplish daily tasks and providing flexible job opportunities.
The Small Business Program has particularly supported small developers. Earnings for these developers grew by 74% from 2021 to 2024, helping them scale their businesses. Raja Vijayaraman, an independent developer, utilized Apple’s resources to build Lumy, an app that tracks the sun and moon. The app has gained popularity globally, and Vijayaraman credits Apple for turning his passion into a successful business.
Supporting Innovation Through Tools
Apple’s commitment to fostering innovation is evident in its support for developers through the Apple Developer Center in Bengaluru, where developers can access over 250,000 APIs in frameworks like HealthKit, Metal, and Core ML. These tools enable developers to create cutting-edge apps that stand out in the competitive app market.
Ensuring App Store Security and Trust
Apple maintains a strong focus on user trust by implementing rigorous privacy and security protocols. Between 2020 and 2023, Apple blocked over $7 billion in fraudulent transactions, including $1.8 billion in 2023 alone. Additionally, over 1.7 million app submissions were rejected for not meeting Apple’s strict privacy, security, or quality standards.
Tools such as App Tracking Transparency and Privacy Nutrition Labels have empowered users to better understand how their data is handled, further boosting confidence in the App Store.
Looking Ahead: Apple’s Continued Commitment
Apple is committed to keeping the App Store a secure and reliable platform for both developers and users. By continually enhancing tools, resources, and technologies, Apple is determined to further support the growth of the global app ecosystem. For Indian developers, the App Store is expected to continue being a key platform for local impact and international success.