Apple paid developers $550B via App Store since 2008
Apple announced it paid developers $550 billion through the App Store since its 2008 launch. Senior Vice President Eddy Cue described 2025 as a record-breaking year for Apple services in a blog post, citing 850 million average weekly App Store users, over $100 billion in Apple Pay merchant sales, and growth in Apple TV and Music engagement.
The App Store launched in 2008, enabling developers to distribute apps on iOS devices. Apple disclosed cumulative payouts less frequently in recent years. In 2020, total payments to developers reached $200 billion. By 2021, this figure rose to $260 billion. The latest update brings the total to $550 billion, reflecting sustained expansion in developer earnings from in-app purchases and subscriptions.
In 2025, average weekly App Store users increased to 850 million from 813 million in 2024. Apple Pay recorded merchant sales exceeding $100 billion during the year. Monthly Apple TV engagement grew by 36 percent compared to the prior year. These metrics underscore usage across Apple’s ecosystem of services.
Apple Music achieved its highest-ever listenership and new-subscriber growth in 2025. This performance occurred despite Spotify’s established market dominance in music streaming. Apple TV set a new viewership record in December 2025, surpassing all previous benchmarks.
Growth in Apple TV stemmed from new original content and sports deals. The platform debuted series such as “Pluribus” and “The Studio,” while “Severance” continued its success. Apple TV secured streaming rights for Major League Soccer matches and Formula 1 races. The Apple Studios film “F1,” centered on the motorsport, became the studio’s highest-grossing release and the top-earning movie in Brad Pitt’s career.
The App Store typically charges a 30 percent commission on in-app purchases. Small businesses, defined as developers earning under $1 million annually, receive a reduced 15 percent fee. This business segment has drawn regulatory scrutiny from international courts probing alleged monopolistic practices.