Apple Rakes in $900 Million from AI through the App Store

Apple and AI: An Unexpected Revenue Source

Apple, although lagging in the field of artificial intelligence, is managing to reap significant profits from this technology through its App Store. Unlike its positioning in the video game sector, where it is not a leader, Apple successfully generates substantial revenue from the commissions it collects on developers' sales. Indeed, every time a developer, such as those behind ChatGPT or Gemini, sells a subscription via the payment system on the iPhone or iPad, Apple takes a commission. This strategy has allowed the Cupertino firm to rake in about $900 million, according to an estimate from AppMagic reported by the Wall Street Journal. Projections indicate that these revenues could exceed one billion dollars per year by 2025.

The Impact of AI Apps on Apple's Revenue

Among generative artificial intelligence applications, ChatGPT stands out as the most lucrative for Apple, accounting for three-quarters of the revenue generated from these commissions. Followed by Grok, which contributes 5%, this dynamic illustrates how Apple manages to capitalize on technologies it does not develop in-house. This business model, based on App Store commissions, has allowed Apple to strengthen its Services category, an increasingly crucial revenue source for the company.

A Business Model Under Pressure

However, the App Store model, often referred to as the "Apple tax," is increasingly being questioned. Commissions, which generally amount to 30% or 15% of the amount paid by a user, are at the heart of legal and regulatory debates. The conflict with Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has highlighted the tensions surrounding this system. Epic attempted to bypass Apple's payment system, resulting in Fortnite's removal from the App Store. In response to these criticisms, the European Union has introduced new rules under the Digital Markets Act, aimed at limiting Apple's monopoly on app distribution on iPhone and iPad.

Technological Lag but Financial Success

Despite its inability to launch an improved version of Siri, Apple continues to profit from artificial intelligence. Apple has failed to develop the new Siri using its proprietary technologies and must rely on a collaboration with Google to release this update. This delay in Siri's development has not prevented the company from generating significant revenue through third-party applications. This situation highlights Apple's ability to exploit sectors it does not fully control, raising questions about the sustainability of its business model in the long term.