Apple eyes third-party AI apps as new services revenue stream

Apple's CFO hinted during Monday's earnings call that the company may boost services revenue through third-party AI apps and partnerships, though details remain vague. The move comes as App Store commission revenue faces regulatory pressure, including an 18% drop in U.S. commission revenue after the Epic Games lawsuit forced Apple to allow outside payment systems. Investors are speculating whether Apple could distribute third-party AI agents through the App Store and take a revenue cut.

Key points

• CFO Kevan Parekh said AI offers opportunities "across third-party apps and partnerships" to contribute to revenue growth over time
• App Store commission revenue has declined 18% in the U.S. and dropped in Brazil and Japan due to regulations
• Apple expects services growth of 8–9% in the December quarter, with continued headwinds from mobile gaming
• The company did not specify what opportunities exist with third-party AI apps or how revenue-sharing might work
• Apple reached a record number of paid subscriptions with double-digit growth for third-party apps despite App Store challenges

How to use it

• AI app developers should watch for Apple policy updates on distribution models and commission structures for AI features
• Companies building AI agents for iOS should plan for potential platform fees beyond existing 15–30% App Store commissions
• Developers can currently distribute AI apps through standard App Store channels; any new revenue-sharing model would likely apply to future AI-specific features or agent transactions

Have any developers building AI apps on iOS noticed new review guidelines or hints about how Apple plans to monetize third-party AI?