Apple is exploring new revenue streams for its services division, specifically focusing on third-party artificial intelligence applications. During the latest earnings call, CFO Kevan Parekh noted that the company sees potential for growth through partnerships and third-party AI integrations, though specific details remain undisclosed.
Investors are speculating that Apple might monetize third-party AI agents distributed via the App Store by taking a commission on generated revenue. This strategy comes as the company faces regulatory challenges and legal pressure that have impacted its traditional commission-based model, including a 18% decline in U.S. commission revenue reported in August.
The company's services business continues to encounter headwinds, particularly in the mobile gaming sector, which are expected to persist through the summer quarter. Despite these challenges, Apple reported a record number of paid subscriptions and double-digit growth for third-party apps during the September quarter.
For the December quarter, Apple projects services growth to reach between 8% and 9%. This forecast accounts for sequential headwinds related to third-party licensing and foreign exchange impacts. The company continues to navigate a shifting landscape where regulatory changes have forced it to allow alternative payment systems.
