Developers Earned $550 Billion from Apple’s App Store Since It Launched in 2008
Developers have made a staggering $550 billion on Apple’s App Store since 2008, highlighting the platform’s growth and impact.
In 2025, Apple had 850 million average weekly App Store users, an increase from 813 million in 2024. Apple Pay also saw over $100 billion in sales. Apple TV engagement grew by 36%. Meanwhile, Apple Music gained many new listeners and subscribers.
Apple has not often revealed payouts from the App Store lately, but it did share the $550 billion total developers have received since 2008. This is a big jump from $260 billion reported in 2021 and $200 billion in 2020. The App Store takes a 30% fee from in-app purchases, but smaller developers who earn under $1 million annually pay only 15%. This business has faced scrutiny from regulators looking into its practices.
Apple’s entertainment services are also doing well. Apple TV set viewership records in December 2025. It gained popularity with new shows like “Pluribus” and “The Studio,” as well as ongoing hits like “Severance.” Deals with Major League Soccer and Formula 1 boosted its reach, with the movie “F1” becoming a major success for Apple Studios.
Apple mentions that its “Sing” feature helped its growth, along with partnerships with companies like GM and Chase. Shazam, a music discovery app, had over 1 billion recognitions each month, possibly helping Apple Music grow.
Recent controversies around Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, like his investments in military tech, led some artists to leave Spotify, which might have helped Apple Music gain customers. Apple Music could also have grown because many listeners prefer its user-friendly design.
During tough economic times, Apple Music attracts new subscribers with a three-month free offer when they buy Apple devices.