Apple may try to increase revenue by doing…something with third-party AI apps

Apple's services business is at record levels but under pressure, with the App Store facing regulatory scrutiny and a mobile gaming slump. On its earnings call, Apple suggested it may seek to grow services revenue through third-party AI apps and partnerships. CFO Kevan Parekh said AI offers opportunities across third-party apps and partnerships as well as first-party products, but he did not elaborate. Reuters noted investors wonder whether Apple could profit by distributing third-party AI agents through the App Store and taking a cut of revenue. Regulatory and legal changes, including an Epic Games lawsuit forcing Apple to allow outside payment links, have cut into App Store commissions, with estimated 18% drops in U.S. commission revenue and declines in Brazil and Japan. Parekh said App Store performance was similar to the prior year with record paid subscriptions and double-digit growth for third-party apps, but mobile gaming headwinds are expected to continue. Apple expects services growth of 8 to 9% in the December quarter, accounting for headwinds from third-party licensing and foreign exchange.

(Source：TechCrunch)