Markets & Business
Apple services division reports record-breaking year
Apple reported a record-breaking year for its services division, including $550 billion in developer payouts, despite regulatory scrutiny over its commission structure.
Apple’s services division achieved a “record-breaking year,” according to Eddy Cue, the company’s senior vice president. Notably, the App Store has paid $550 billion to developers since its launch in 2008. This total indicates growth in developer payouts, which Apple previously reported at $260 billion as of 2021 and $200 billion as of 2020.
The division’s growth is reflected across several key financial and engagement metrics:
- App Store audience: Average weekly App Store users reached 850 million in 2025, representing an increase from the 813 million weekly users recorded in 2024.
- Apple Pay: Merchant sales through the payment service surpassed over $100 billion.
- Apple TV: Monthly engagement for the streaming service increased by 36%.
The company’s entertainment platforms also marked significant milestones. Apple TV eclipsed all prior viewership records in December 2025, aided by releases from Apple Studios, including the film “F1” starring Brad Pitt. Meanwhile, Apple Music recorded growth in listenership and new subscribers. This expansion was potentially supported by Shazam, Apple’s music recognition service, which generated over 1 billion recognitions per month and could have funneled growth into the music service. Additionally, Apple Music could be growing because it is making a product that is better suited for some listeners.
Despite these gains, Apple continues to navigate international regulatory scrutiny. Courts are investigating the App Store for “monopolistic practices” related to its commission structure. The App Store typically charges a 30% commission—the fee Apple charges on in-app purchases—though it offers a reduced 15% fee for small businesses generating under $1 million annually. This fee structure remains a central point of contention in ongoing legal challenges.
Simultaneously, Apple may have benefited from controversy surrounding competitor Spotify and its CEO, Daniel Ek. Ek’s investment firm led a €600 million investment in Helsing, a European defense tech company. This transaction led several artists to remove their music from Spotify in protest. Spotify has also faced other challenges over the last several years, including allegations regarding the platforming of “COVID-19 misinformation.”
Why it matters
Apple’s services growth demonstrates the resilience of its ecosystem even as it faces significant international regulatory pressure regarding its App Store business model.