Even though it has been somewhat slow in the race for AI-native technology, it has still made a fortune in the AI wave, thanks to its unshakable hardware dominance.

According to the latest report from The Wall Street Journal, is expected to achieve over 1 billion dollars in AI-related revenue by 2026. Surprisingly, this huge profit does not come from the evolution of Siri, but from "protection fees" paid by its competitors.

"Apple Tax": A Common Shackles for AI Giants

Although companies like 、 and have a significant lead over Apple in underlying models, the iPhone remains the key channel for these top AI tools to reach consumers.

Revenue Sharing Model: As long as users subscribe to AI services through iOS apps, Apple can take a 30% commission in the first year and 15% each year thereafter.

Contribution List: Approximately 75% of Apple's AI revenue comes from , followed by (accounting for about 5%).

More than Just Financial Figures, It’s a Growth Engine

Although 1 billion dollars is a small portion of 's annual revenue of hundreds of billions, generative AI applications have become a major growth driver for its service business. Data shows that commission income from such applications once reached as high as 100 million dollars per month in 2025. For investors who care more about profit margins and sustainable growth, this is undoubtedly a reassuring sign.

Apple's Strategic Approach: Taking It Easy

Differing from competitors who invest billions of dollars in building data centers, has chosen a different path:

Focused on Edge: Relying on self-developed chips and user privacy protection, it keeps AI computing local on the iPhone.

Reaping Benefits Passively: Using the distribution advantage of the App Store, it steadily collects commissions while others compete fiercely.

Currently, although the download numbers of and other apps have fluctuated, leading to a decline in related revenue, 's monopoly in the premium phone market gives it the privilege to develop its AI strategy with ease.

As CEO said in a recent interview, the iPhone will still be the core of people's digital lives. As long as this "core" position remains unchanged, whoever tops in AI technology may ultimately have to pay for Apple's ability to "harvest" across cycles.