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

m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...

Top Rated Comments

Shrink Avatar
167 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)
167 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)
167 months ago
need to win -
or I have to check my wife into Candy Crush rehab.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
scbn Avatar
167 months ago
OK. Wake me up when it's 49.9 billion...
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iDemiurge Avatar
167 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)
167 months ago
If only they could match their iOS enthusiasm with their pro product line. One can dream.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)