Chinese developers help support thriving Apple iOS system

Developers in China generated $570 billion in total billings and sales in Apple's iOS system in 2022, up 50 percent from a year earlier, showcasing the vitality and innovation prowess of China's software developers, according to a report released by the market research company Analysis Group.

In comparison, the total billings and sales number for developers in US and Europe is $273 billion and $119 billion, respectively.

Specifically, the economists from Analysis Group estimate that last year developers in China generated $523 billion in total billings and sales from the sale of physical goods and services, $25 billion from in-app advertising, and $21 billion for digital goods and services.

Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, said: "We've never been more hopeful about — or more inspired by — the incredible community of developers around the world."

"As this report shows, the App Store is a vibrant, innovative marketplace where opportunity thrives — and we're as committed as ever to investing in developers' success and the app economy's future," Cook added.

According to the report, thousands of new developers joined the App Store in 2022, 23 percent of which were from China. In particular, Chinese small developers found tremendous success on the App Store — growing revenue by 59 percent in the last two years and outpacing larger developers.

The economists at Analysis Group believe growth rates of this kind are positive indicators, consistent with a flourishing marketplace full of dynamism, innovation and competition.

Liu Zhipeng, one of the three members who developed LEMO FM; a minimal, elegant white noise app that lets users focus, relax or fall asleep by playing high-definition nature sounds; said "We've benefited a lot from the App Store Small business Program."

"Creating an app is like rolling a snowball - no matter how big it gets, it always starts small," Liu said. Between July 2022 and January 2023, LEMO FM's revenue grew 75 fold.

"Joining the program made a huge impact on our revenue, which greatly boosted our confidence in the iOS ecosystem and strengthened our determination to only work on this platform," Liu added.