Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed that as of this week, developers have earned $100 billion through the Apple App Store. Cook also announced that there are 500 million weekly visitors to the App Store.
“The app store is clearly the best place for you to be rewarded for your hard work and creativity,” Cook said, according to CNBC.
Apple definitely has competition when it comes to wooing developers. Last month, Microsoft announced that it is changing its revenue structure so developers can earn more with their apps in the Microsoft Store.
Starting later this year, consumer apps (not including games) sold in Microsoft Store will earn developers 95 percent of the revenue generated from the purchase of their app or any in-app products, when a customer uses a deep link to access and purchase the application. And when Microsoft delivers a customer through any other method, the developer will receive 85 percent of the revenue earned from the purchase of the app or any in-app products.
In addition, Amazon launched Alexa Developer Rewards last year, enabling developers to earn money for skills customers love and use the most in the U.S., U.K. and Germany. Amazon says that, to date, the company has paid millions of dollars to developers in 23 countries.
And last month, the eCommerce giant revealed that developers can also make money by selling digital content that enhances an Alexa skill, such as game products, interactive stores and new features. In-skill purchasing supports one-time purchases to unlock access to features and content, as well as subscriptions that offer access to premium features or content for a predetermined amount of time.
Amazon is careful to ensure that every in-skill purchase brings value to Amazon Prime members, such as a discounted price, exclusive content or early access. Developers set the list price for the in-skill product and will get 70 percent of the list price before Amazon offers a discount to Prime customers.