Phil Schiller, a long-time executive at Apple and head of the App Store, has stepped down from his position, coinciding with a broader wave of executive changes at the company. Schiller has been with Apple since 1987 and took over the App Store in 2015. His departure comes as Apple plans to transition the day-to-day operations of the App Store to Carson Oliver, who has been with the company for over 14 years. This change is part of a larger restructuring as Apple prepares for new leadership under incoming CEO John Ternus.
In a significant development, consumer spending on the App Store in the U.S. has reportedly declined for the first time in a decade, with estimates indicating a 6% drop in Q2 2026 compared to the previous year. This decline is attributed to ongoing legal battles with Epic Games, which have forced Apple to allow developers to link to external payment options, thereby reducing its typical commission revenue. Reports suggest that Apple’s commission revenue has contracted by 18% this year, reflecting the impact of these legal changes and the company's adjustments in various markets, including Brazil and Japan.
The implications of these changes are profound, as they may affect Apple's competitive position in the gaming market. The App Store has been a significant revenue generator for Apple, facilitating over $1.4 trillion in transactions last year. However, with the recent legal challenges and shifts in operational leadership, Apple faces a critical juncture in maintaining its dominance in the app ecosystem. As the company navigates these transitions, the future of the App Store and its relationship with developers will be closely watched.