Apple announced in a report that the first week of January set a new record for billings from the App Store with customers around the world spending nearly half a billion dollars on apps and in-app purchases, and New Year’s Day 2015 marked the single biggest day ever in App Store sales history.
Apple said total billings from paid apps and purchases made within apps for its mobile devices rose 50 per cent last year. App Store sales of roughly $15 billion, making Apple’s take around $4.5 billion. Apple keeps 30 cents of every dollar that flows through the App Store.
Apple released the App Store figures – saying it paid App Store developers more than $10 billion in 2014 – as part of a new campaign to highlight its contribution to the US economy.
According to Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, Eddie Cue, “This year is off to a tremendous start after a record-breaking year for the App Store.” The latest figure released records the highest weekly sales performance so far since it was launched by Apple Inc. nearly seven years ago.
Apple’s initiative to support Global Funds to fight AIDS, they ran a special campaign during the holiday season where all the content bought on the store the proceeds went to this noble cause. Apple donated a record-shattering $20 million this quarter, and since partnering with (RED) has donated over $100 million.
Independent game creators did really well this year with Ustwo’s Monument Valley, Hipster Whale’s Crossy Road and App Store’s game of the year Threes by Sirvo doing really well on the App Store. All the developers from 24 categories have done incredible work for iOS.
Apple Pay was also one of the well performing businesses from Apple Inc. More banks and credit unions continue to added support for Apple Pay, now representing about 90 per cent of credit card purchase volume in the US. Some of the most popular apps including HotelTonight, OpenTable, Target and Ticketmaster are also enjoying the convenience and privacy of Apple Pay, making it even easier for users to make secure purchases.