You don’t have to wait until Apple’s WWDC 2017 to hear the latest updates from the Cupertino company. Apple has just announced that its global developer community has earned over US$70 billion (RM299.67) since the App Store launched back in 2008, and it is still growing strong. The company also announced that in the past 12 months alone, downloads have grown by over 70%.
Since Apple shares revenues with developers in a 70/30 split for most transactions, this would mean that the company has earned about US$30 billion from the community. The success is thanks to breakout hits such as Pokémon Go, and Super Mario Run, as well as standout launches like CancerAid, Zones for Training with Exercise Intensity, and more.
“People everywhere love apps and our customers are downloading them in record numbers. Seventy billion dollars earned by developers is simply mind-blowing. We are amazed at all of the great new apps our developers create and can’t wait to see them again next week at our Worldwide Developers Conference.”—Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
Titles under Gaming and Entertainment categories bring in the most revenue. This is no surprise, I’m sure plenty of people have already spent loads of money on games like Pokémon Go, as well as subscriptions like Netflix and Spotify. Apps under the Health and Fitness, as well as Photo and Video category have also grown by 70% and 90% respectively.
Super Mario Run, one of the greatest hits on the App Store
With this success, hopefully Apple will have some exciting announcements next week. Apple is expected to announce software updates at WWDC 2017, as well as some products such as the rumoured 10.5” iPad Pro, and a Siri Speaker.
