Apple services had a record-breaking year in 2025, according to senior vice president Eddy Cue. The company saw significant growth across its major platforms.
The App Store averaged 850 million weekly users, an increase from 813 million the previous year. Apple has now paid a cumulative total of $550 billion to developers since the store’s launch in 2008. This marks substantial growth from the $260 billion reported in 2021. The App Store typically takes a 30% commission from in-app purchases, though it offers a reduced 15% fee for small businesses earning under $1 million annually. This part of Apple’s business has faced heavy regulatory scrutiny, with international courts investigating it for potential monopolistic practices.
Apple Pay also saw major growth, processing over $100 billion in merchant sales during the year.
In entertainment, Apple TV and Apple Music both achieved new heights. Monthly engagement on Apple TV grew by 36%, with the service eclipsing all prior viewership records in December 2025. Its growth was fueled by new hits like “Pluribus” and “The Studio,” along with ongoing successes like “Severance.” Major streaming deals with Major League Soccer and Formula 1 also contributed. The Formula 1 film “F1” became Apple Studios’ highest-grossing film yet and the highest-grossing of star Brad Pitt’s career.
Apple Music had its best year ever for listenership and new subscriber growth. The company credits features like the karaoke-like “Sing” tool, partnerships with companies like GM and Chase, and Shazam, which generated over 1 billion recognitions per month. This growth is notable given Spotify’s longstanding market dominance.
Industry observers suggest Apple Music’s rise may be linked to controversies surrounding Spotify. These include artist protests over Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in a defense technology company, past platforming of COVID-19 misinformation, and ongoing debates about artist payout metrics. For some users, the switch to Apple Music is a product preference, seeking an alternative to algorithmic recommendations. For others, it may be a financial decision, as Apple Music offers a three-month free trial with the purchase of new Apple devices.