Sales worth $519 billion (Dh1.9 trillion) were facilitated through Apple's App store last year, the US technology company said, citing the findings of a new study.
Physical goods and services accounted for the biggest share – nearly 80 per cent of the total sales at $413bn, economic consulting firm Analysis Group revealed in a study supported by Apple.
“In a challenging and unsettled time, the App Store provides enduring opportunities for entrepreneurship, health and well-being, education and job creation … helping people adapt quickly to a changing world,” Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, said on Monday.
“We are committed to doing even more to support and nurture the global App Store community, as it continues to foster innovation, create jobs and propel economic growth for the future.”
The amounts cited include app purchases, physical and digital goods and services bought through apps, as well as items bought through other channels, such as a video streaming services, that are principally consumed through apps. However, it also subtracts billings from in-app purchases made through the App store that are principally used elsewhere.
The physical goods and services purchased included $268bn of general retail goods, $57bn of travel services, $40bn in ride-hailing purchases, $31bn of food deliveries and $14bn of groceries. These were bought either through company-owned apps or virtual marketplaces.
Digital goods and services, from which Apple takes up to 15 to 30 per cent commission, generated $61bn. These include apps for music and video streaming, fitness, education, e-books, audiobooks, news and magazines, among others.
In-app advertising sales accounted for $45bn – $20bn of which came from games. Non-gaming apps that generate substantial in-app advertising sales are often free to download and use, such as Twitter and Pinterest.
More than 85 per cent of the App Store sales went to third parties, Apple said.
“Apple only receives a commission from the billings associated with digital goods and services … more than 85 per cent of the $519bn accrues solely to third-party developers and businesses of all sizes,” the company said.
An app store is a digital distribution platform for mobile apps. Industry experts say the number of mobile app downloads will continue to grow in the coming years.
More than 205 billion apps across all platforms were downloaded in 2018 and this number is predicted to reach almost 260 billion in 2022, according to research company Statista.
Launched in 2008, the App Store is home to almost 2 million apps and is visited by half a billion people each week across 175 countries.
Apple is set to hold its annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) next Monday, with this year's event taking place virtually. The Cupertino-based company typically announces new updates of its operating systems to developers at the event.
Apple is also under increasing regulatory scrutiny over the operation of the App Store, with lawmakers questioning the various business practices of the App Store.
The company has repeatedly said it is a “flourishing economy” that is helping millions of developers globally.
“The results [of the study] encapsulate the full sweep of the dynamic, competitive, and flourishing app economy, which has unleashed a torrent of innovation and revolutionised the way the world learns, works and connects,” Apple said.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Results
ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):
First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Semi-final fixtures
Portugal v Chile, 7pm, today
Germany v Mexico, 7pm, tomorrow
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
Essentials
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Windhoek, with a combination of Emirates and Air Namibia, cost from US$790 (Dh2,902) via Johannesburg.
The trip
A 10-day self-drive in Namibia staying at a combination of the safari camps mentioned – Okonjima AfriCat, Little Kulala, Desert Rhino/Damaraland, Ongava – costs from $7,000 (Dh25,711) per person, including car hire (Toyota 4x4 or similar), but excluding international flights, with The Luxury Safari Company.
When to go
The cooler winter months, from June to September, are best, especially for game viewing.
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier, in Bangkok
UAE fixtures Mon Nov 20, v China; Tue Nov 21, v Thailand; Thu Nov 23, v Nepal; Fri Nov 24, v Hong Kong; Sun Nov 26, v Malaysia; Mon Nov 27, Final
(The winners will progress to the Global Qualifier)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness'
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams
Rating: 3/5
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Student Of The Year 2
Director: Punit Malhotra
Stars: Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Ananya Pandey, Aditya Seal
1.5 stars
The%20specs
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