Apple has released its new App Store Transparency Report. It's the third report of its kind and includes comprehensive data on app submissions, rejections, downloads, user count, app removals, and anti-fraud and developer support actions. The report gives you a detailed overview of how the App Store performed in 2024.
With this report, Apple aims to provide insight into how strictly the App Store is monitored, how much content is reviewed and removed, and how many people worldwide use the store. Particularly interesting are the concrete figures that Apple is publishing so transparently for the first time. If you're interested in the development of digital platforms, the app economy, or data protection, you'll find everything you need at a glance here.
Number of apps in the App Store
In 2024, a total of 1,961,596 apps were available in the App Store. This represents an increase of 4.89 percent compared to the previous year. The store continues to grow but remains curated.
App submissions and rejections
Apple reviewed a total of 7,771,599 app submissions in 2024, an increase of 12.75 percent compared to 2023. Of these submissions, 1,931,400 were rejected—a 9.5 percent increase over the previous year. The rejections typically related to policy violations, incomplete information, or security issues.
App downloads and visitor numbers
The App Store had an average of 813,110,348 weekly visitors in 2024. This is 10.68 percent more than the previous year. App downloads also increased: On average, 839,266,915 apps were downloaded per week, an increase of 6.5 percent.
Number of registered developers
Apple's developer community continues to grow. In 2024, 51,766,243 people worldwide were registered as Apple developers. This represents growth of 22.61 percent compared to 2023.
App removals from the store
In total, exactly 82,509 apps were removed from the App Store in 2024. This represents a decrease of 40.7 percent compared to the previous year. The removals occurred either at Apple's own initiative or due to regulatory requirements. The apps fall into the following categories:
- Utilities: 16,191
- Games: 15,122
- Lifestyle: 6,202
- Business: 6,042
- Entertainment: 5,484
- Education: 5,295
- Productivity: 4,873
- Food & Drink: 3,948
- Shopping: 2,976
- Finance: 2,546
Apple does not provide specific reasons for each app, but states that policy violations, fraud prevention, and privacy issues are the most common causes.
Measures against fraud
A key point in the report is Apple's fight against fraud. In 2024 alone, fraudulent transactions worth over $2 billion were prevented. These include fake apps, fraudulent payments, and user account misuse. The goal is a safer App Store for everyone involved.
Economic importance of the App Store
According to Apple, the App Store ecosystem in the US enabled $406 billion in billing and sales in 2024. This includes app purchases, subscriptions, in-app purchases, and other digital revenue. Apple emphasizes that these revenues directly benefit developers and enable a sustainable business.
Apple takes stock: This is what the App Store will look like in 2024
With its 2024 Transparency Report, Apple reveals how the App Store is developing and how the company controls content. The figures show: There's growth, but also strict rules. Apps are reviewed, filtered, and removed if necessary. At the same time, the number of developers is growing significantly, and user interest remains high. If you're using the App Store or developing apps yourself, this report is a valuable source of information. It shows how Apple works to guarantee quality and security – and where the platform stands today. (Image: Apple)
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