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

Apple Services Achieve Unprecedented Growth

Apple has announced that its services division experienced its most successful year to date, as detailed in a recent blog post by Senior Vice President Eddy Cue.

Key Milestones in 2025

• The App Store attracted an average of 850 million weekly users, a rise from 813 million in 2024.
• Apple Pay processed over $100 billion in merchant transactions.
• Monthly engagement on Apple TV increased by 36%.

Apple Music also reached new heights in both listener numbers and subscriber additions, a notable achievement given Spotify’s ongoing leadership in the streaming industry.

Developer Earnings and App Store Policies

While Apple has become less transparent about App Store payouts in recent years, the company revealed that developers have collectively earned $550 billion since the platform’s inception in 2008. This marks a significant jump from the $260 billion reported in 2021 and the $200 billion in 2020. For most in-app purchases, Apple takes a 30% commission, but developers earning less than $1 million annually benefit from a reduced 15% fee. These practices have drawn considerable regulatory and legal scrutiny worldwide, with international courts examining allegations of monopolistic behavior.

Entertainment Platforms on the Rise

Apple’s entertainment offerings are also experiencing significant momentum. According to the company, Apple TV set new viewership records in December 2025, while Apple Music saw unprecedented growth in both audience and subscriptions.

Apple TV’s Expanding Reach

The surge in Apple TV’s popularity coincided with the release of new original series such as “Pluribus” and “The Studio,” along with continued success from shows like “Severance.” The platform also secured major streaming agreements with Major League Soccer and Formula 1. Notably, the film “F1” became the highest-grossing movie for both Apple Studios and actor Brad Pitt.

Innovations and Partnerships Fueling Growth

Apple attributes its recent success to features like the karaoke-inspired “Sing,” collaborations with companies such as GM and Chase, and other new initiatives. Shazam, now part of Apple, surpassed 1 billion song recognitions each month, likely contributing to Apple Music’s expansion.

Spotify’s Challenges and Apple’s Advantage

Apple’s gains may also be linked to controversies surrounding Spotify. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investment firm led a €600 million funding round for Helsing, a European defense technology company specializing in AI-driven military software and strike drones. In response, several artists—including Xiu Xiu, Sylvan Esso, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Deerhoof—pulled their music from Spotify in protest.

Spotify has also faced criticism for other issues, such as hosting COVID-19 misinformation through Joe Rogan’s podcast (which was once a Spotify exclusive) and ongoing debates over artist compensation.

Why Listeners Are Choosing Apple Music

Some users are turning to Apple Music because it better matches their preferences, especially those who feel overwhelmed by algorithm-driven recommendations on other platforms. One writer shared their personal experience switching from Spotify to Apple Music for this reason.

Financial incentives may also play a role, as Apple Music offers a three-month free trial with the purchase of most new Apple devices, making it an attractive option during uncertain economic times.