A new study commissioned by Apple has revealed that the company’s App Store ecosystem has significantly boosted the Indian economy, with App Store sales in India reaching a staggering Rs 44,447 crore ($5.31 billion) in 2024. The report highlights the thriving Indian developer community, with more than 94% of the revenue generated flowing directly to developers, underscoring the economic potential and growth in India’s app market.
The study, led by Professor Viswanath Pingali of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, sheds light on the far-reaching influence of the App Store on developers in India. According to Apple, the App Store has been a key factor in supporting developers across various sectors, including gaming, health, fitness, lifestyle, and utilities. This ecosystem has empowered developers to monetize their apps in diverse ways, contributing to a dynamic and vibrant app economy.
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, praised the success of Indian developers, stating, “The App Store has been an economic miracle for developers in India and all around the world.” Cook emphasized the company’s commitment to continuing its investment in the success of developers of all sizes, helping them build apps that have a lasting impact on people’s lives.
The study reveals that nearly 80% of Indian developers’ earnings in 2024 came from users outside India. It also notes that Indian apps were downloaded more than 755 million times in 2024 — double the number from five years ago. Indian-developed apps even ranked among the top 100 most-downloaded apps across 70 storefronts globally, showcasing the increasing global influence of Indian developers.
Small developers in India have also benefited from the App Store’s initiatives, particularly the App Store Small Business Program, which reduced commission rates for small businesses. Between 2021 and 2024, earnings for small developers grew by 74%, reflecting the program’s success in helping them scale their businesses.
In support of these efforts, Apple opened a Developer Center in Bengaluru, where developers receive hands-on support, training, and access to valuable resources. Additionally, Apple has taken steps to protect both developers and users, preventing over $7 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions between 2020 and 2023.
Apple’s study underscores the growing success of India’s app economy and its positive impact on developers, both locally and globally.
