During today's third quarter earnings call, Apple announced its second consecutive year-over-year revenue drop, but amid the decline, the company's services category saw significant growth based on strong App Store performance.

Services revenue was up 19 percent year over year, and according to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple saw its highest App Store revenue ever, setting a new all time high. Compared to the year-ago quarter, App Store growth was up an impressive 27 percent, with iCloud, AppleCare, and Apple Music also seeing notable growth.

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Over the course of the last 12 months, Apple's services revenue is up $23.1 billion, and next year, the company expects revenue from services to "be the size of a Fortune 100 company."

Growth was fueled by Apple's active install base, which brought in $10.3 billion dollars during the quarter, marking 29 percent growth year-over-year. Apple CFO Luca Maestri said the company set a new record for customers making purchases through the iTunes and App Store, and the average amount spent per customer was the highest Apple has ever measured.

App Store revenue has climbed consistently over the last four consecutive quarters and Cook said he expects the services category to continue to grow "very briskly."

Top Rated Comments

djcerla Avatar
119 months ago
So much for the Walt Mossberg doom and gloom about apps.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonblatho Avatar
119 months ago
Thought iPad revenue was up?
They’re taking in more money off fewer iPads sold. Also, the percentage of total revenue generated by iPads grew by 33% year-over-year, which would be more impressive if iPhone sales didn’t fall to help make it happen.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarpalMac Avatar
119 months ago
Services are of course the future of Apple. Apple Music, Apple Pay, Apple Car (sharing, etc.) and the good old App Store.
It's a steady income stream that requires little effort & cost, especially when compared to the R&D that goes into hardware & software development.

Thing is though, if people stop buying the hardware, the stream can and will eventually dry up.

MacRumors content image

MacRumors content image
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shirasaki Avatar
119 months ago
Seems that Apple Music helps Apple to gain a good revenue.
I still don't want to use it though.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jclo Avatar
119 months ago
What he means is this article (only this) says iPad revenue is drop.
Post says overall revenue has dropped, not iPad revenue. It does say iPad sales have dropped, which is true. It's obviously not clear enough so I'll rewrite that bit.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
6836838 Avatar
119 months ago
Oh dear. That's horrible on back of Apple Music.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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