InstantWhyThe numbers
TechCrunch reports that Apple attributed slower services growth to a mobile gaming slowdown and changes to the App Store's business model, including court-ordered payment rule changes in the U.S. The company said it has topped 1.5 billion paid subscriptions. Apple has not released a formal statement independently confirming these details.
Why it matters
The gaming weakness reflects a broader industry slowdown that has hit mobile game publishers and in-app purchase revenue across platforms. The App Store payment changes stem from the Epic Games litigation, which forced Apple to allow developers to link to outside payment methods, cutting into the commission revenue Apple collects on digital purchases.
How this compares
Apple shares have been sensitive to services growth in recent quarters. In July the stock fell after the company issued weak revenue guidance despite beating profit and revenue estimates, as investors focused on forward-looking concerns rather than the beat. Services revenue has been a key driver of Apple's margin expansion over the past several years, making any sign of deceleration closely watched by analysts.
What to watch
Investors will watch whether the gaming slowdown persists into the holiday quarter and whether the App Store payment changes lead to a sustained shift in how developers monetize apps. Apple has not disclosed the financial impact of the court-ordered changes, and the company has not said when or whether it expects mobile gaming spending to recover.
- ✓Detected and written at 2026-07-30 22:47
- ✓First reported by TechCrunch (Big Tech & AI vertical)
- ✓Written from public facts in our own words — never a copy
- ✓Published as fast as possible; our team holds editorial responsibility
Sources
- TechCrunch (Big Tech & AI vertical): https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/30/apple-says-gaming-slowdown-and-app-store-changes-hurt-services-growth/
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