In the run-up to the WWDC developer conference, Apple is putting smaller developers in the spotlight: the income of small app providers grew by a good 70 percent in the two years from 2020 to 2022, as the company announced, referring to a study by a consulting firm that Apple data and received “support”. In Europe, the sales of small developers have increased by 64 percent in this period, in Germany by 37 percent.
Sales growth with fitness, sport and lifestyle
Specific sales figures were not given. The study counts app providers that generate fewer than 1 million downloads and less than $1 million in sales per year as “small developers”. Small app developer revenue growth is outpacing that of large developers and app providers in the App Store, it goes on. According to Apple, 90 percent of all developers working in the App Store fall into the small developer category.
Apps in the areas of “health and fitness”, sports and lifestyle in particular are said to have contributed to the growing income of small providers. The study lists dating and astrology apps as well as apps for “paperless invitations” as examples. According to the study, games are still ‘big business’: Games only account for around a quarter of the income of small developers.
Billion dollar business App Store
Apple’s App Store has long been a multi-billion dollar business. According to estimates by the group, iOS app development supports over 400,000 jobs in Germany. Apple earns a share of all digital sales in apps; two years ago, Apple reduced its commission to 15 percent for smaller developers. With the law on digital markets (Digital Markets Act), Apple – at least in Europe – is about to make drastic changes to its platforms, including opening up to other app stores and alternative app distribution channels.
(lbe)
