Apple-supported study says App Store spurs US$519 billion in sales
- More than 85 per cent of that total sales estimate ‘accrues solely to third parties’, rather than Apple
- The study’s release on Monday may address some antitrust concerns by the US government, as it shows the broader benefits of Apple’s App Store
Apple’s App Store facilitated sales of US$519 billion last year, underscoring the influence of the digital marketplace on the global economy, according to a study supported by the company.
The estimate, made by consulting firm Analysis Group, includes US$413 billion worth of physical goods and services from apps such as those used for buying clothes, food, ride-sharing and travel.
Another US$45 billion came from in-app advertising such as in social networking apps, while US$61 billion was generated by digital sales like app and game downloads as well as in-app-purchases, the study found.
The study has come amid antitrust regulators’ investigation of the largest US technology companies. Apple has been criticised in recent years for competing more against the outside developers that rely on its App Store.