Apple’s record-breaking start to 2015

Apple on Thursday said it set a new record during the first week of January as customers purchased nearly half a billion dollars on apps and in-app purchases. What’s more, New Years Day 2015 was the single biggest day ever in App Store sales history.

This huge start for Apple’s 2015 came after a record-breaking 2014 in the App Store, the company said. Sales in 2014 rose 50 percent and apps generated over $10 billion in revenue for developers.

“This year is off to a tremendous start after a record-breaking year for the App Store and our developer community,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “We’re so proud of the creativity and innovation developers bring to the apps they create for iOS users and that the developer community has now earned over $25 billion.”

These numbers are just astounding. If there’s anything that proves your platform is strong, it must be the quality of the apps developers are making, and the enthusiasm customers show in purchasing them. Today’s news show both are stronger than ever.

With the support of its customers, Apple donated $20 million (RED) over the holidays, bringing its total contribution to over $100 million to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

Apple also noted that Apple Pay now represents about 90 percent of credit card purchase volume in the US. Apple Pay is one of the best features Apple has released in years. It’s one of those services that anyone can use, feeling safe and secure. I use it all the time.