# Apple eyes AI app revenue but details stay vague

> Apple's CFO hints the company may profit from third-party AI apps on the App Store, but won't say how.
- Title: Apple eyes AI app revenue but details stay vague · TechCrunch
- Summary: Apple's CFO hints the company may profit from third-party AI apps on the App Store, but won't say how. Apple signaled it may boost services revenue through…
- Keywords: apple, app store, services revenue, third-party apps, earnings call, technology, startups, eyes, app, revenue, details, stay
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/02/apple-may-try-to-increase-revenue-by-doing-something-with-third-party-ai-apps
- Author: Lucas Ropek
- Published: 2026-11-03T01:49:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: apple, app store, ai, services revenue, third-party apps, earnings call, technology, startups
## Apple's services hit record but faces pressure
Apple's services business remains at record levels but faces growing pressure. The App Store, central to services, has suffered from regulatory pressure and a slump in mobile gaming that hurt growth.
## CFO hints at third-party AI opportunity
On Monday's earnings call, Apple's chief financial officer Kevan Parekh said AI offers opportunities across third-party apps and partnerships to contribute to revenue growth over time.

> opportunities across third-party apps and partnerships as well as first-party opportunities
## But Parekh won't explain what that means
Parekh did not elaborate on what sorts of opportunities might be available via third-party apps, leaving investors to guess at Apple's plans.
## Investors think Apple could take a cut of AI revenue
Reuters reported Monday that investors are wondering whether Apple could profit by distributing third-party AI agents through the App Store and taking a cut of the revenue they generate.
## Regulations have already hurt App Store commissions
Regulatory and legal changes have cut into App Store commission revenue. Third-party estimates in August suggested Apple saw an eighteen percent drop in U.S. commission revenue, with declines also in Brazil and Japan.
## Epic Games lawsuit forced Apple to allow alternatives
A lawsuit by Epic Games ultimately forced Apple to allow apps to redirect users to outside payment systems. Other legal challenges throughout the world have further hampered the business.
## Apple expects modest services growth ahead
Apple expects services growth to be between eight to nine percent in the December quarter, with headwinds from third-party licensing and foreign exchange pressures continuing.
## Key takeaway

Apple signaled it may boost services revenue through third-party AI apps, though the CFO gave no specifics on how.