App Store enjoys record-breaking July

It appears that Pokémon GO has also augmented Apple’s revenue for the month, writes Roman Loyola

Niantic isn’t the only company benefiting from the Pokémon GO craze (read our review on page 61). It appears that Apple is along for the ride, as well. Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted:

Apple doesn’t release download numbers, but third-party analysts estimate that downloads of Pokémon GO are in the tens of millions worldwide.

Though the app is free, in-app purchases are available. Since Apple collects 30 percent from

each purchase, that money quickly adds up. One analyst told Fortune that it’s possible that Apple could earn as much as $3 billion within the next year or two. Though Cook doesn’t specifically say that Pokémon GO is the reason for the recordbreaking month, it’s easy to connect the dots.

During Apple’s Q3 2016 financial results announcement (see page 4), Cook pointed out the growth in Apple’s Services division, which includes the App Store. Apple’s Services business brought in nearly $6 billion for the quarter. If there is a significant bump in that number for Q4 2016, it’s reasonable to conclude it was from Pokémon GO.

The impact of the App Store on Apple’s bottom line can’t be overlooked. Cook followed up that first tweet with this one:

The iOS App Store made its debut just over eight years ago, on July 10, 2008. With over $50 billion “earned,” that’s a healthy $6-plus billon per year. The App Store is a vital revenue stream for Apple.