Developers have earned $550 billion through Apple’s App Store since 2008

Apple Services Achieve New Milestones

Apple experienced unprecedented success across its services in 2025, as highlighted by senior vice president Eddy Cue in a recent company update.

Throughout the year, the App Store attracted an average of 850 million weekly users—an increase from 813 million in 2024. Apple Pay processed over $100 billion in merchant transactions, while Apple TV saw a 36% boost in monthly user engagement.

Apple Music also reached new heights, recording its largest-ever audience and subscriber growth, even as Spotify continues to lead the streaming market.

Although Apple has become less transparent about App Store developer payouts in recent years, the company revealed it has distributed $550 billion to developers since 2008. This marks significant progress, considering Apple previously reported $260 billion paid out by 2021 and $200 billion by 2020.

The App Store typically charges a 30% commission on in-app purchases, but developers earning under $1 million annually benefit from a reduced 15% rate. This business model has drawn considerable regulatory attention and legal challenges worldwide, with courts in several countries examining Apple’s practices for potential monopoly concerns.

Entertainment Platforms on the Rise

Apple’s entertainment offerings are also gaining momentum. December 2025 marked a new peak for Apple TV viewership, and Apple Music continued to break records for both listeners and new sign-ups.

Apple TV’s surge in popularity coincided with the release of original series like “Pluribus” and “The Studio,” as well as ongoing hits such as “Severance.” The platform also secured major streaming partnerships with Major League Soccer and Formula 1. Notably, the film “F1” became both Apple Studios’ highest-earning movie and the most successful film in Brad Pitt’s career.

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What’s Fueling Apple Music’s Growth?

Apple attributes its recent success to features like the “Sing” karaoke mode, collaborations with brands such as GM and Chase, and other innovations. Shazam, which Apple owns, now identifies over a billion songs each month, potentially driving more users to Apple Music.

Additionally, Apple may have benefited from controversies involving Spotify’s leadership. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investment firm led a €600 million funding round for Helsing, a European defense technology company specializing in AI-powered military software and strike drones. In response, artists such as Xiu Xiu, Sylvan Esso, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Deerhoof withdrew their music from Spotify in protest.

Spotify has also faced criticism for other reasons, including its handling of COVID-19 misinformation on Joe Rogan’s podcast, and ongoing debates about how it compensates artists.

On the flip side, Apple Music’s appeal may simply come from offering a product that better fits certain listeners’ preferences. For example, some users have switched from Spotify to Apple Music to escape overwhelming algorithm-driven recommendations.

Economic factors may also play a role, as Apple Music attracts new users with a three-month free trial included with most new Apple devices, making it a compelling choice during uncertain financial times.