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Chinese developers’ overseas App Store revenue share reaches 52%, Apple studyfinds
In 2025, Chinese developers made 52% of their App Store revenue from overseas, significantly up from 32% in 2020, as per an Apple study. Additionally, 76% of these developers operated internationally, leading to 3.8 billion app downloads. The mainland App Store ecosystem generated RMB 4 trillion in 2025, with most sales from physical goods and services, vastly minimizing Apple's commission claims.
Key points
- Chinese developers' overseas App Store revenue rose to 52% in 2025 from 32% in 2020.
- 76% of Chinese developers operated outside China in 2025.
- Chinese apps were downloaded 3.8 billion times by overseas users.
- The App Store ecosystem in China generated RMB 4 trillion in 2025, double from 2020.
- 91% of the revenue came from physical goods and services, with 95% of billings avoiding Apple commissions.
Why it matters
- The trend reflects a growing internationalization of Chinese tech companies, paralleling the global expansion of digital services.
- These shifts may influence discussions around app store regulations and revenue-sharing models, which are hot topics in global tech policy debates into 2025.
This data underscores the increasing significance of international markets for Chinese developers, suggesting a potential shift in the global app economy and raising questions about app store commission structures.