Netflix was the biggest earner in non-game apps in the App Store this year. According to data from app analytics company Sensor Tower, the streaming-video powerhouse raked in a massive $790.2 million on iOS during 2018 — or, at least, through November 30.
Here are the other companies that carved out spaces in the top 10 non-game app list.
Sensor Tower says the rest of the rankings broke down like this:
Tencent Video (a Chinese streaming video service) — $490.0 million
Tinder – $462.2 million
iQiyi (another Chinese streaming video service) — $420.5 million
Kwai (Social video-sharing app) — $264.5 million
YouTube — $244.2 million
Pandora — $225.7 million
Youku (another Chinese streaming video service) — $192.9 million
QQ (Chinese instant messaging service) — $159.7 billion
Hulu — $132.6 million
The breakdown reveals just how big of a role China plays in the App Store. Half of the apps in the top 10 are ones that are likely unfamiliar to U.S. users. While interest in the iPhone has arguably dipped somewhat in China, it shows just how quickly Chinese consumers have come to dominate the App Store.
It also shows just how popular the subscription model is for apps. Many of these apps offer subscription options, which keep users paying a regular income to developers.
A reason for Apple to worry?
Ultimately, this could become a cause of concern for Apple. While the App Store has been a great way for Apple to bring in money based on a rentier model of profit-sharing, it’s certainly possible to question how much longer major app makers are likely to be willing to pay Apple a portion of recurring revenues.
This isn’t idle speculation, either. At present, Netflix pays Apple 30 percent on the first year of subscriptions taken using iTunes. This drops to 15 percent for subsequent years. Netflix is looking for ways to circumvent these Apple charges — such as not allowing users to subscribe via the Netflix app.
While many analysts have been enthused about Apple’s burgeoning services division, not everyone is optimistic. Last week, an analyst suggested that Apple’s services growth might slow significantly in 2019.
Source: Business Insider
