Study: Apple App Store commission rate similar to that of other app stores, digital content marketplaces

An Apple-commissioned study by the Analysis Group, an economic consulting firm, was designed to compare the commission rates of Apple’s App Store with those of other app stores and digital marketplaces, and to evaluate the App Store commission and associated rules in the context of the business model used both by digital marketplaces and platforms in general.

The conclusion: “Apple’s App Store commission rate is similar in magnitude to those of other app stores and digital content marketplaces.” The commission rates charged by digital marketplaces most similar to the App Store, such as other app stores and video game digital marketplaces, are generally around 30%

According to the Analysis Group, marketplaces that distribute digital content such as videos, podcasts, eBooks, and audiobooks generally charge commission rates of 30% or more. Commission rates charged by e-commerce marketplaces vary by industry but sometimes exceed 30%, the study shows.

Among the Analysis Group’s notes: “Apple’s App Store ecosystem facilitates interactions between app developers and nearly one billion Apple device owners globally. To promote its success, Apple provides developers with distribution, search, and review services, as well as a set of tools to build and monetize apps. Apple also invests in the safety of the App Store and in developing new technologies and functionalities. While Apple charges developers an annual fee to enroll in its Developer Program and upload apps to the App Store, Apple does not charge developers to offer each individual app on the App Store, to distribute updates to users, or to access Apple’s app analytics, marketing, and developer tools. Apple receives a commission from developers when users download paid apps and make in-app purchases of digital content, services, and subscriptions.”