Apple's ecosystem of services hit unprecedented heights in 2025, setting multiple records and delighting users worldwide. From the App Store to Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts, the company saw massive growth in engagement, subscriptions, and usage. Many are asking: How did Apple’s services outperform expectations, and which areas saw the biggest gains?
App Store Engagement Hits New Peaks
Apple’s App Store had over 850 million average weekly users across 175 countries and regions, marking a record year for U.S. visitors. The holiday season proved especially busy, with the number of visitors between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day reaching unprecedented levels. Apple attributes this surge to a mix of popular new apps, games, and seasonal promotions that kept users coming back week after week.
Apple TV and Music Dominate Entertainment
Apple TV saw a 36% year-over-year increase in hours viewed during December, driven by blockbusters such as F1: The Movie and Pluribus. Meanwhile, Apple Music had its best year ever, with record-breaking listenership and new subscriber numbers. Shazam, Apple’s music recognition service, generated over 1 billion recognitions per month, highlighting the growing appetite for music discovery and personalized experiences.
Apple Pay and Tap to Pay Expand Globally
Apple Pay continued its global expansion, now available in 89 markets, and helped prevent over $1 billion in fraud worldwide. Its Tap to Pay feature on iPhone has rolled out to 50 markets, offering businesses a simple and secure way to accept payments. These milestones reinforce Apple’s commitment to convenience and security in digital transactions.
Maps, Arcade, and Fitness+ See Major Growth
Apple Maps enhanced its Detailed City Experience with 3D landmarks in cities like New Orleans, Singapore, and Monaco, improving navigation and sightseeing. Apple Arcade added over 50 new games, keeping gamers engaged year-round. Apple Fitness+ expanded to 28 more countries and regions, with Japan slated for early 2026 launch, showing Apple’s growing focus on health and wellness services.
Podcasts and News Continue Record-Breaking Trends
Apple Podcasts broke records for listeners, episode plays, and new subscribers, while Apple News remained the top news app in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and the second most popular in the U.K. These achievements reflect the company’s continued dominance in content consumption and its ability to connect users to stories that matter.
Apple’s 2025 performance demonstrates how its service ecosystem is thriving across entertainment, finance, health, and news. With innovations in app experiences, streaming, and global payment solutions, the company is not only setting records but also shaping the future of digital services for millions of users worldwide.
