Apple Begins Countdown to 50 Billion App Store Downloads - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Begins Countdown to 50 Billion App Store Downloads

Apple has posted a new contest on the App Store [Direct Link], offering a $10,000 gift card to whomever downloads the fifty billionth app from the App Store, similar to previous promotions. Apple said during its most recent earnings call that the company has surpassed 45 billion app downloads.

Apple's most recent contest was for 25 billion downloads back in February 2012. This time around, Apple is also giving $500 gift cards to the next fifty people to download apps after the fifty billionth.

Fiftybillion

Apps have revolutionized the way we play video games, consume news, do business, educate, communicate, create art, and so much more. As we approach 50 billion app downloads, we'll be awarding a $10,000 App Store Gift Card to the lucky customer who downloads the 50 billionth app, and a $500 App Store Gift Card to each of the next 50 people to download an app.

The download count currently stands at just over 49.2 billion.

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:53 am PDT by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra...
iphone 18 pro blue%402x

iPhone 18 Pro: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray Chassis Leaked [Update]

Thursday June 4, 2026 5:18 am PDT by
Update: Since publication, new information has come to light suggesting the images have been AI-manipulated and are not in fact iPhone 18 Pro chassis parts. The original article follows. The color options Apple is reportedly planning for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max have appeared online today in the form of images of chassis parts of unknown authenticity....
iOS 27 All the New App Features

iOS 27: All the Rumored App Features

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:48 pm PDT by
Siri is getting a major overhaul in iOS 27, but Apple also has some big updates planned for apps like Camera, Photos, and Wallet. There are multiple new AI features in the works, plus some non-AI upgrades. Camera Apple is moving Visual Intelligence from the Camera Control button to the Camera app in iOS 27, according to Bloomberg. There will be a Siri mode that will be available alongside...

Top Rated Comments

Shrink Avatar
171 months ago
The download count currently stands at just over 49.2 billion.
So if I buy 0.8 billion apps...I win??!!
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
171 months ago
How about a $10,000 Apple Store Gift Card vs. a $10,000 App Store Credit?

With $10,000 I could buy a couple of very nice MacBook Pro laptops and have money left over for other pieces of great hardware.

$10,000 at the App Store?

I've never understood the PR rationale for that.

It might be "cheaper" for Apple from a business sense. But, come on. There is zero need to nickel and dime profits or what is given out via a (rare) promotion when billions of dollars are sitting in the bank.

Give away $10,000 for ANYTHING Apple, not just apps.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
171 months ago
need to win -
or I have to check my wife into Candy Crush rehab.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
scbn Avatar
171 months ago
OK. Wake me up when it's 49.9 billion...
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iDemiurge Avatar
171 months ago
Can you buy hardware with that gift card? Or is it really just apps?

Can't think of anyone spending 10K in app store apps...
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
171 months ago
If only they could match their iOS enthusiasm with their pro product line. One can dream.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)