How Does Apple Make Money? (25 Different Ways)

You’ve probably heard of Apple, since it’s one of the biggest tech companies in the world. However, perhaps you’re wondering: how does Apple make money?

Well, I have been researching this topic and have found out all the ways that Apple makes money beyond the iPhone, so read on to learn how Apple earns revenue!

How Does Apple Make Money In [currentyear]?

Apple makes money through Apple Arcade, the Apple App Store, Apple One, Apple Watch, Apple iPhone, Apple Music, AirPods, Beats, Apple TV, and iCloud in [currentyear]. Additionally, Apple makes money through Homepod, and other various services. That being said, the iPhone is the biggest revenue maker for Apple and America is where Apple earns the most money. 

Do you want to see the full list of ways that Apple makes money? If so, keep reading to learn what Apple does to continue being one of the biggest companies in the world!

1. iPhone

The iPhone is without a doubt the biggest revenue maker for Apple, and in 2021, the iPhone made Apple $191.9 billion in revenue, which was up from $137.7 billion in 2020.

2. Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is Apple’s most popular wearable item and it’s incredibly popular with people all over the world, and has been gaining popularity over recent years since it launched in 2015.

Additionally, the Apple Watch now has over a 50% market share and made Apple $46.1 million in 2021.

3. Macbook

MacBook is the computer line from Apple that has been making money, since the company was founded and is still a huge part of its revenue.

For example, in 2021, the Mac made Apple over $35.3 billion in revenue, which was higher than the 2020 revenue of $28.6 billion.

4. iPad

Apple makes money with the iPad, which is one of the top tablets and electronic products available on the market, with a 2021 revenue of $57.8 million.

5. Apple Arcade

For the gamers out there, Apple Arcade is one of the best subscription services money can buy, with over 200 games available without in-app purchases or advertisements!

Furthermore, Apple Arcade only costs around $50 a year so it’s cheap for the consumer, but is a revenue machine for Apple.

6. Apple One

Apple One is a paid subscription bundle that allows you to get 6 different paid Apple services together in one, including the following:

  • Apple Fitness+
  • Apple News+
  • Apple TV+
  • Apple Arcade
  • Apple Music

Additionally, you also get more iCloud storage as part of the Apple One bundle, which Apple offers from $14.95 per month to $29.95 per month, a good source of revenue for Apple.

7. Apple App Store

Apple’s App Store has been a constant stream of revenue for Apple over the years with in-app game purchases and premium apps available.

Additionally, in 2021, Apple earned over $85.1 billion in revenue from the App Store and it doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon!

8. AirPods

AirPods have been growing in popularity through the years, with more than 85 million sales in 2021, which was a little less than the 114 million sales in 2020.

9. iPod

The iPod might not seem as important now as it did when it first launched, but since 2001, the iPod has sold more than 400 million units.

However, Apple stopped manufacturing the iPod since sales have slumped in recent years, as the features of the iPhone have mad iPods virtually obsolete. 

10. Beats

Apple is the parent company for Beats, and has a steady revenue stream from the sales of Beats headphones.

11. Apple TV

There are more than 75 million subscribers to Apple TV in 2022, which is an increase from the 48 million a year before. However, Apple TV hasn’t seen quite the following it hoped.

That being said, Apple TV has only been available since 2019, so the company can still make it a more successful service, and its customer base has been loyal.

12. Homepod

Apple Homepod is a smart speaker developed by Apple, and it’s one of the most popular home products offered by the company.

At this time, the virtual assistant speaker has sold more than 10 million units.

13. iCloud

Apple offers cloud storage services through iCloud and it’s a constant stream of revenue for the company, given you can purchase more cloud storage anytime you want or need it.

Furthermore, whether you need storage for documents or photos, or you need cloud storage for your job, Apple will offer you the best subscription option so you never run out of space!

14. Podcast Subscriptions

Podcast subscriptions have become even more popular for Apple through the years, especially since Apple offers developers the chance to put some podcasts behind premium pay walls.

15. Apple Fitness+

Apple Fitness+ is similar to Peloton in that you can get workout videos so that you can do the exercises you want anytime, and it works with the Apple Watch.

Also, you can track your activity with Apple Fitness+, and if you’re into health and fitness, it’s worth purchasing a subscription for.

16. Final Cut Pro X

Apple has video editing software that it makes money from, which is Final Cut Pro, and it’ll cost you $299.99 to purchase. However, it’s not the biggest moneymaker for the company.

17. Apple Music

Apple makes decent money from Apple Music, which is a video and audio streaming service.

The app allows users to listen to music on demand, create playlists, and download songs to their devices.

Furthermore, there are several subscription options available for users with the most popular subscription being the individual $9.99 per month plan or $99 per year.

18. Apple AirTags

18. Apple AirTags Apple

Apple AirTags are tracking devices that Apple produces, which allow you to find your personal belongings if you attach an AirTag to it, so it’s a good source of revenue for the company.

However, one AirTag is only $29 so Apple isn’t making a killing on this tracking device. Nevertheless, the AirTag is a constant source of income Apple generates.

19. Apple News+

Apple News+ is a subscription service offered by Apple that allows you to access premium content from newspapers and magazines from all over the world.

Also, Apple News+ will cost you $9.99 per month, so it’s one of the leading subscription services that Apple offers and is a constant revenue stream for the company.

20. Mac App Store

Just as Apple has an App Store for iOS devices, there is a Mac App Store for Macs, and you can purchase games, apps, and programs from it.

Further, since the Mac is one of the top products that Apple develops, Apple makes money from the Mac App Store continuously.

21. AppleCare+

AppleCare+ is the premium insurance option offered by Apple that allows you to protect your devices.

In addition, the price of AppleCare+ will vary depending on what device you have and which insurance plan you choose.

Overall, Apple makes a lot of money offering device insurance to customers.

22. Apple Business Essentials

Apple Business Essentials generates revenue for Apple since it costs $19.99 per month and comes with everything you need to run your business seamlessly.

For example, Apple Business Essentials comes with 200 GB of storage, remote configuration and deployment, and other device management services.

23. Apple Card

Apple Card is a credit card offered by Apple, and it makes Apple money since there are transaction fees involved and interest from the balance that consumers have in their accounts.

24. Apple Pay

Apple Pay is one of the financial services offered by Apple and it’s part of the service category, with estimates of Apple Pay bringing more than $1 billion in revenue in fees.

25. Other Apple Accessories & Peripherals

Apple offers other accessories and peripherals which brings in Apple a million in revenue per year, and includes items such as cables, chargers, and much more!

To know more, you can also read our posts on Apple Cash, Apple ID scams, and when did Apple become popular.

Conclusion

Apple has a lot of different revenue sources for the company to make money, including iPhones, Macbooks, iPads, and the Apple Watch.

Additionally, Apple offers a lot of services and subscriptions to consumers including Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and AppleCare+. However, the biggest revenue generator is the iPhone, and America is the top country for generating revenue for Apple.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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