Apple celebrated in a press release that the services area was more successful than ever before – i.e. App Store, Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Pay and others. For example, the App Store has an average of over 850 million weekly users – the total revenue for developers since it went into operation (2008) is $550 billion. In the further course, data from 2024 is cited, namely 1.3 trillion dollars in sales in the e-commerce sector – in order to mention that Apple does not collect any commissions for 90 percent of sales. This refers to providers like Amazon and Co., whose sales via app are generally not subject to the 30 percent Apple tax, unlike digital content in apps. Apple TV, Apple Music, Podcasts
Meanwhile, Apple TV set new records for viewing time, which increased by 36 percent. Eddy Cue highlights the series Pluribus and the film F1 as particular successes in PR – as well as good results at award ceremonies (e.g. Emmys for The Studio, Severance and Slow Horses). The Apple Music team is also looking back on the “best year ever,” both in terms of radio station listeners and new subscribers. The music recognition function Shazam identified more than a billion songs per month. Apple Podcasts, which has now been active for more than 20 years, also reportedly received more views than ever before.
Apple Pay, Apple Arcade
When it comes to Apple Pay, it is said that the payment service is now available in 89 markets with over 11,000 banks and payment partners. Apple’s service is reportedly responsible for over $100 billion in additional sales for retailers, while at the same time preventing attempted fraud worth more than a billion dollars. Apple Arcade is also mentioned: 50 new games and 500 updates for existing titles will be released in 2025. Apple doesn’t give any numbers regarding Fitness+, but refers to the recently released update with localized training units in German and Spanish.
“Evidence of enormous enthusiasm”
Eddy Cue’s conclusion to the year in review: “Looking forward, we will continue to deliver innovations and intelligent improvements to Apple services – always guided by our commitment to data protection and an outstanding user experience.” He frames the numbers as evidence of the “enormous enthusiasm” of users. Interestingly, the “Apple Intelligence” brand only has a subordinate clause, Apple describes the functions everywhere else instead of garnishing everything with them, as was the case a few months ago.
