Apple App Store revenue is recorded on a net basis with Apple collecting a 30% agency fee for paid downloads, subscription services, and in-app purchases. In a recent analysis of the top 250 revenue generating apps, market research firm Distimo pointed out that more than 70% of sales are from in-app purchases, so the number of downloads is a less relevant measure of growth. In January Apple announced that it has paid more than $25bn to developers, implying total app store billings near $36bn assuming a 30% agency fee and $11bn in cumulative revenue for Apple.
