Developers have made $550 billion on Apple’s App Store since 2008

According to a recent blog update from Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President, the company's services division experienced a record year in 2025. The App Store saw a remarkable surge, with an average of 850 million users weekly, a jump from 813 million in 2024. Additionally, Apple Pay reported over $100 billion in merchant sales, and Apple TV engagement rose by 36% monthly. In a significant milestone, Apple disclosed that it has disbursed $550 billion to developers since the App Store’s inception in 2008. This marks a substantial increase from the $260 billion reported in 2021, which was up from $200 billion in 2020. The App Store typically retains a 30% commission on in-app purchases, although it offers a reduced rate of 15% for small developers earning less than $1 million annually. The business model has drawn scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide, investigating potential monopolistic behavior. Apple's entertainment offerings are also thriving. The company stated that Apple TV achieved unprecedented viewership in December 2025, fueled by new hits like “Pluribus” and “The Studio,” alongside ongoing successes such as “Severance.” Significant streaming agreements with Major League Soccer and Formula 1 have contributed to this growth. Notably, the Apple TV film “F1” has become the highest-grossing film from Apple Studios and Brad Pitt's most successful project to date. Apple's growth can be attributed to various innovations, including the karaoke-like “Sing” feature and partnerships with notable companies like GM and Chase. The music recognition app Shazam reportedly generated over 1 billion recognitions monthly, likely boosting Apple Music subscriptions. This growth comes amid controversies surrounding competitors, particularly Spotify, which has faced backlash over various issues, including artist payouts and misinformation linked to its platform. As Apple Music continues to attract listeners with its compelling offerings, including a three-month free trial with the purchase of new Apple devices, it appears to be positioning itself as a viable alternative for those seeking a different experience from Spotify.